Today's Passage - 1 Timothy 2:2-3

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 1 Timothy 2:2-3    "For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior."                   Paul said to pray for all people, among them he specified praying for kings and all those in authority. First, they have the divine authority to rule over us. Romans 13:1 says, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Even those regimes that oppose God, their authorities are still endorsed by God. In fact, God decrees the government as an institution to reward the good and punish evil. Although some regimes do a better job to mirror God's righteousness while some do nothing whatsoever, they are still what God allows. Therefore, we shall always pray for the people in authority.                  Second, they stand at the place of the city gate. The city gate represents choice, it can open or it can close. These people in authority are standing at the cusp of the city, country and society, we shall always pray for them, such that their choices meet God's desires. Sometimes we hear Christians criticizing the head of state or the government leaders, for they do not do things according to the bible, however, we should not criticize only, but rather to pray faithfully for them, because of the conviction that God is still working. Proverbs 21:1 says, "In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him." Since the king's heart is in the Lord's hand and not in our hands, it becomes more urgent to pray for them.                  Third, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. The best benefit to pray for the ruling is enabling us to live in a peaceful setting. When the king or head of state fear the Lord, they do things after God's desire, bringing peace to the state and society. On the contrary, if the head of state does not know to fear God, God's punishment will surely come. Today God calls us to live in different lands, not just praying for ourselves and the family members, also recognizing this land are given by God, that we are responsible to continue praying until God moves himself. The third verse says, "This is good, and pleases God our Savior." Many people want to do things that please God, in fact prayer is the most meaning work that God has given us; are you willing to please God through prayer?  in our daily lives.                  Pray with Pastor Tong           In the name of the Lord we bless the leaders of our country, may the Lord uses them, gives them wisdom, such that every decision they make is desirable to you, let your righteousness manifest and peace come upon the people who please you. We give thanks and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!