"Turning your passivity into passion…" quote from Larry Ramirez
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1 KJV
It continues to be critical that we pray for our leaders and intercede for our nation. In this information age, we can look up the names of those in authority in particular realms of government and society to pray specifically for them. God has entrusted us with an awesome responsibility and honor to gather as believers and call out to God for our leaders by name asking him to impart his wisdom in their decision-making. God hears our prayers and they do have a direct impact on the things happening in society today.
You do have a voice and you will have an impact. One of the ways we influence society is to get out and vote. It is our right and responsibility to participate in the voting process. God gave us this freedom and this honor in America, so I urge you not to believe the lies that your vote or your voice does not matter because it does. It only takes one person to stand up for righteousness to give others the courage to stand with you.
I hear many people say, “Why pray?” Particularly, when they read the paper or hear words of warning given by God’s people. Many say,”whatever will be, will be, why should we worry, why should we pray?” When we pray it is not fear motivation but rather conviction that God can and will change things in response to our prayers. God does hear and even desires us to cry out to him to and bring glory to his name. He also calls and empowers us with particular directives to go forth and do the work he has planned for us from the foundation of the world.
“Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 KJV
Reading the Word of God in this age of political correctness can serve us well us well as we pray because God will empower us speak what He would have us speak. It may not be popular and like Daniel, Stephen, the apostles and others who prayed and took a stand for righteousness; we may encounter tribulation but God will give us his Words at that time. We have the Spirit of God living inside of us and he will have a great impact as we step out in obedience to him, even if men consider us politically incorrect. Many things that society is naming “political” are not political at all but rather biblical and moral issues that we will not back down from as Christians. The reason we will not back down is not to take sides for one person against another but that God loves all people and desires them to come to him to receive his great love. Every person is valuable to God and despite our human frailty, God fills us with great desire and authority to share that love with our fellowman. God’s love does not discriminate by what a person has done or is doing, it is not about race, culture or religion but it is a fact that Jesus died for all and we must come to him to receive his great salvation. Consider the apostle Paul who went about persecuting Christians when God called him out because of his great love. Only God can change a heart and the relentless love of God continues to pursue us and draw us into deep relationship with him as long as we walk this earth.
Blessings,
Debi Neiberger
Comments