Sunday morning, one of our members was worshiping elsewhere for family reasons. He was present Sunday evening for our study in Romans 13. He told my wife that what I said Sunday evening was almost exactly what the preacher had said Sunday morning.
That’s not surprising. Biblical truth is biblical truth. We may not all explain the text in the same way, our illustrations will differ, and our applications may vary. But Biblical truth is biblical truth, and therefore I’d hope that if two preachers of the Gospel used the same text, the hearts of their messages would be quite similar.
It’s Tuesday morning. The church is lined with people waiting to vote. I’ve never seen such a turn out. In Graysville, the lines weren’t too bad. That’s one of the (many) advantages of living in north Georgia.
Today, this is my prayer:
“Lord, I pray for those who will be elected to serve as our local judges and lawmakers. I pray for those who will represent my district and state in Washington. I pray for those who will be chosen to serve as president and vice-president of our nation.
“Lord, I pray that you would grant them the wisdom they need, and the willingness to do what they will know is right and best.
“Lord, please, do not treat us as we deserve. Be merciful to us as a people.
“I thank you for the impact of the lives of many who name the Name of Christ. I thank you for how their deeds and words proclaim your Gospel before others.
“Forgive us, for our failures.
“Father, we believe, but at this moment in our history we ask you to help our unbelief. Renew us for the days ahead. Strengthen our determination to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that You are at work within us so that we might both will and do your good purposes.
“Work in and through those who govern us. As Your servants, may they serve Your purposes, and allow us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. We know this pleases You. And we know such lives are used by You to radically change the world around us.
“Lord, may others know that we are Your people, and You are our God. May we live as Your servants, showing proper respect to everyone – loving the brotherhood of believers, fearing God, and honoring our governing officials.
“We pray that You would open the eyes, ears, hearts and minds of our leaders. May they acknowledge You as the one true God, their Savior, Lord and King. Bring them to a knowledge of Your truth.
“And Lord, may we, as Your people, rejoice. For You are King of kings and Lord of
lords. You are the Most High God, sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Your kingdom is eternal. Your kingdom endures from generation to generation.
“May we believe and find rest in knowing that no one can hold back Your Hand, or say to you, ‘What have you done?’”
“May we rest before Your throne, confident that Your purposes are yea and amen. May You be glorified. May we, therefore, be blest. Use us, and use us up, for the sake of Your Kingdom, for the expansion of Your Church into all the world.
“Amen.”
Pastor Caines