GIVE THANKS AND PRAY

1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. (WEB)

Sometimes it is not easy to give thanks to God for all men, especially those political leaders who are in charge of our cities and countries. It is often easier to side with the media and the masses and criticize those who don't govern as we see fit. But in today's Scripture passage, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to pray, intercede and give thanks for all men... even our leaders.

Of course this does not mean that we approve or endorse their actions, but it does mean that we honor their position and the authority that God has given them. While we are free to disagree, may the Lord keep us from bitter judgments and from having a heart attitude that will cause us to lose our peace.

It is our Father's heart that we lead a tranquil and quiet life in godliness and reverence. Revering God, and those He has placed in authority in our lives. For no matter how bad a person in authority might be, it is still our Father's heart that all people might be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth.

Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. 2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, 4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. 5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing. 7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. (WEB)