First, thank you so much for your prayers for both Kim and I when we alerted you a few weeks ago about the attacks that we each had been facing. The immediate outpouring of prayer was both humbling and a relief as we both realized that we needed help—and you guys gave it! THANK YOU!
I talked with Kim last week and things are definitely better on her end and I would report the same and that most of my physical symptoms are now gone. I still would request prayer regarding the financial/relational attacks that have taken place. However, I know from hearing from many of you after this that the spiritual warfare against the Body of Christ and especially intercessors is at an all time high. Please know that we continue to pray over YOU as well. We need to continue to link arms in this battle as we ARE making a difference!
Regarding this weeks prayer target, I’ve heard numerous people declare that America is under judgement and that is why Biden is now in office. I 100% disagree with that statement for several reasons. Here is just one reason: God is for good government. He doesn’t remove a leader who is aggressively working to restore godly laws and makes that a priority, to replace them with someone who is just as aggressively working to remove God, murder babies and silence Christians. Just ponder that for awhile. Does it even make sense? It doesn’t. It would mean that God is divided against Himself and we know that is not the case.
How do we know that God is for good government? Because it allows the gospel to be preached wherein bad government hinders the spread of the gospel. Let’s look at that statement according to scripture.
I have been reading Derek Prince’s book, Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting where he talks about this very issue and our responsibility as Christians regarding government.
First let’s look at the definition of a “good” government and a “bad” government:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “There I exhort first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings (or presidents in the case of America) and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet ad peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
First, let’s outline the characteristics of a good government:
- · Maintains law and order
- · Promotes a sound infrastructure
- · Keeps communications open
- · Preserves civil liberty
- · Protects freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
It is interesting to note that nearly all these points are covered in the U.S. Constitution and provide a climate in which the gospel can be preached effectively.
On the other hand, characteristics of a bad government are:
- · A break-down of law and order
- · Permits unsafe conditions for citizens
- · Attempts to shut down freedom of speech and freedom of assembly
- · Destroys infrastructure
- · Imposes unjust and arbitrary restrictions
Based on those characteristics, it is easy to see where a good government enables the preaching of the gospel and bad government hinders the effective preaching of Truth as we are experiencing now, not only in America, but in many nations. It is why our founding fathers wrote the Constitution and Declaration of Independence as they did—to protect America from a tyrannical government.
(Next week I will go deeper into what our founding fathers actually wrote in order to protect us (the U.S.) from the very things taking place now in our country.)
Until then, this week we are praying for a good government along with good leaders who will fear and honor God and serve the people.
Lord, I pray over America, (along with your state and city—Or the nation in which you live) and pray for a good government and good governmental leaders. I pray that they will hear and follow Your voice.
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and who rob the fatherless.
Lord You see what has happened in America…in Israel…in other nations. Nothing escapes Your notice. Lord we continue to cry out to you for righteousness and justice which is Your heart’s cry. You said that You change the times and seasons. You depose kings and raise up others. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. We call for that to take place for You said Your word will not return void.
We pray regarding those currently in leadership positions across our land whether that be the president, vice-president, those in Congress (federal or state) governors, mayors, city councilors, school board members, etc. We pray that those who are in these positions will first recognize and respect America’s Constitution and our foundation as a Christian nation. For we are one nation under God.
Where we deserve judgement, Lord we pray for mercy. Where some currently in leadership are now working hard to move us away from You and dishonor You, Lord we pray for their removal. Lord give us a good government and good leaders so that the gospel can be preached and all can know You.
Wealth and honor come from You. You see how many of our leaders are now stealing and spending the wealth of America. You said that once again there would be a distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous.
You are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Lord we pray that You would strengthen the hands of godly rulers and that even ungodly rulers, like Balaam in days of old, may try to curse our nation, but will be unable.
May our rulers be wise and acknowledge that You are the One who gives power and strength. May the fear of the Lord come upon America, our leaders and all people.
Lord I call upon You in this day of trouble for You said you would rescue us. We trust You and honor You.
I Tim 2:1-4, Is 10:1-2, Dan 2:21, I Chron 29:12, Mal 3:18, Prov 13:22, Ps 50:15
(Taken in part from “Shaping history Through Prayer and Fasting” by Derek Prince)