| Pray with God's love |
| To all who love God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ according to His rightly divided word. The saints who are in Christ, with them who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are following and studying the current "War" on Terrorism, will soon learn that decades of U.S. use of the military in peacetime interventionist policies has lead to our nation being viewed as an enemy in the eyes of many countries. If God's children are focused on the events only from sense knowledge vantage point they can grow to be depressed, angry, and cynical toward the united States federal government along with its many enemies. Yet we have God's wisdom to heal and guard our hearts. It's written in Proverbs 4:23 "Guard thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." God wants His dear children to guard their hearts. To keep it, and take heed unto it with all diligence. When we focus our minds on the spiritual matters of life according to God's word there is great peace and soundness of mind. God's word will protect and guard us like a military garrison guarding a great treasure. As we guard God's word in our hearts it will guard us. God's will is that we pray for our political and governmental officials and leaders. Remember God loves the world (John 3:16). So we should pray with the same loving frame of mind. God doesn't expect us to agree with their actions. Why should we pray for them? God gives us some wonderful food in 1Timothy 2:1-6. "I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. For Kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives with all godliness and honesty." Why? Because it's the will of God. But there are resulting benefits. "That we may lead quiet and peaceable lives with all godliness and honesty." Notice it does not say, "That we may be free from tyrannical governments and authorities." God simply does not guarantee worldly freedom. He promised something even greater. That is freedom from the bondage of death (Hebrews 2:15; Romans 8:2). Understanding the liberty that we have in Christ Jesus and believing accordingly will truly guard our hearts and direct our steps. Pray for Kings and for all that are in authority. Do we pray only for the good Kings? No...pray for Kings. You know what? "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." (1Timothy 2:3). "Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (2:4). God's will is that all men be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Will all men be saved? No. God is not the god of control. He will not force any person to believe His word. Now comes the kicker. "For there is one God, and one mediator, between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ranson for all, to be testified [or "as a testimony"] in due time." (1Timothy 2:5-6). The man Christ Jesus fought the battle and shed the blood for the remission of sins. Then God raised him from the dead unto everlasting life for all who believe. Jesus Christ is the victor! This is true freedom for all who believe. He is alive and in heaven sitting at the right hand of God, with all authority from God. You see? He is the head of the body of Christ. He is our mediator. Jesus Christ gave himself as a ransom. The purchased price that we might be redeemed from under the bondage of the devil, by the power of God. Do not let the things of the world startle and amaze you. As it is written, "Trust in the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6. God has you cuddled in His loving and powerful arms. You are His dear children. Place your confidence and trust in God and continue growing in that close and personal relationship with Him. Pray often with the spirit (which is speaking in tongues). And God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will keep you and guard you according to the working of His mighty endued power. In Christ Jesus, Tim Burnett |
 |