Tag: pray

A Prayer Perspective

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Andrew Murray lived from 1828 to 1917. He was born in South Africa more than a hundred years ago, but He experienced the national tensions we suffer today. He lived through the Anglo-Boer War and recorded his reflections. His question and his thoughts gripped me when I read them last week.* I share them with you.

Would it not be sad if we came into God’s presence divided into two camps, praying one against the other? No, we must pray for both our leaders and for all who are in authority. As leaders of the people, their influence, for good or evil, is inexpressible [beyond words].

Their hearts are in God’s hands, and He can turn them wherever He wills. Let our prayers ascend to God in all sincerity and He will hear and grant that which is good for the whole land.

Let us pray, “Lord, the hearts of rulers are in Thy hands; teach them to do Thy will.”

Amen.

*From Daily Secrets of Christian Living

Prominence & Power

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

. . . He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
Daniel 2:20-22

When driven by paranoia and fear, we suspect and accuse. We are convinced we know the facts but, when honest, we admit we can be wrong. We need to rely on a source greater than ourselves.

Wisdom and knowledge that comes from God teaches us about Him and His ways—how He acts and what He values. It reveals His power and sovereignty. It gives us discernment that is informed by His written Word. Then we live the best we can, conscientiously making choices based on principles revealed in the Bible.

We may be suspicious but we don’t actually know what dwells in the hearts of men. Therefore we must not accuse, blame, or call names, but trust in God. He assures us that wrong will be made right, evil will be held accountable, and the coming judgement will be just.

We vote, but God appoints. He removes and sets up leaders by His wisdom, according to His plan, and for purposes we cannot fathom. So, friends, do not fear. Do not hate. Do not despair. God is on His throne.