Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

1 Timothy 2:1-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For
there is one God;

there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,

who gave himself a ransom for all
—this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

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Reflect

I have had to privilege to live in two countries and visit several others in my life. Right now I live in Colombia and I’m proud to learn a new culture and experience a different way of life. I feel privileged that I have learned a second language and that my children are being raised bilingual.

I also love my home country. I’m proud of the nation I was born in and cherish many of the opportunities I have had in my country. Sitting in another country right now thinking of the USA, I especially adore and miss southern food!

One thing, however, is for sure. No country is perfect. No leader is perfect. We as humans get a lot of things wrong and need help from God. I love this reminder from our scripture today that we need to pray for everyone, especially our leaders. Remember that God doesn’t identify with any of our political parties or our governments. God’s interest is in one kingdom, the Kingdom of God. God wants us to pray for and love everyone, from all nations, because he desires for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.

Take some time today to truly pray for our leaders and the nations around the world… the Kingdom of God!

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Pray

Lord, we are in a world that is broken and full of broken people. We have nations at war and people full of hate, but we also have the Kingdom of God. Help us to be faithful in praying for other nations, other people, other leaders, and to love others in away that expands your Kingdom. May we put aside our earthly politics and personal thoughts and grow in your ways. May we LOVE! Amen.

Go with God!