In November, America voted for "Change". The election victory of Barack Obama - a first-term senator from Illinois, showed that this is what Americans are longing for. And so tomorrow - "Change" will be ushered in.Do you like change? A recent study showed that over 600,000 Americans have heart by-pass surgery every year. After their surgery, the Dr. gives them instructions to "change". They need to change their diet, change their activity levels, change their habits - or die! And the studies show only 90% are able to make that change!
Change is actually a difficult thing for most people. When I went away to college in Chicago - in the first week- I broke out in a rash! That was strange - I had never had that happen before. But then 4 years later, as a newlywed I moved to a new city and guess what - a nasty rash! But this time I recongnized what it was from. Change! My body was allergic to change!!! But of course I had to learn how to embrace change to survive.
If you opposed Barack Obama during his campaign - as Christians we must be willing to change our attitude towards him. Tomorrow he becomes our President!
Paul told us to pray for those in authority over us and this was in the midst of Nero's harsh rule. Nero persecuted Christians and even had his own mother murdered for criticizing his mistress! So these verses would have been harder to accept for Timothy's church than for us today. In 1 Timothy 2:1,2 Paul says,"I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
So God's word tells us to: 1) Give requests to God for those in authority. 2) Say prayers for those in authority. 3) Make intercession for those in authority. And notice - 4) we are to give thanks for those in authority.
Why??? "That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Yes, isn't that what we all want - to have a peaceful life filled with godliness! Then it starts here - pray and give thanks for those in authority. Change is coming - have you obeyed this command to pray? Let's not be allergic to change - but let's clothe President Elect Obama in prayer and lead godly lives!
Walk with the King!
Well stated. I found your site and I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. So true... and yet hard to do when we disagree with leaders. But we must obey what God asks of us.
ReplyDeleteFunny about your rash. I've had the same happen - with hives - during big changes and stressful times of life.
Shannon D. Runnels <><
South Bend, IN
I totally agree!
ReplyDelete