June 27, 2013 Hebrews 13:7-17, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings; for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food, which have not benefited those who observe them. We have an altar from which those who officiate in the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us then go to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you.” Almighty God, you alone are God. You have awakened us to another day in your kingdom and with your creation and we thank you. You have given us the chance to live eternally with you through the amazing sacrificial love that you have shown through your Son, Jesus and we fall to our knees in praise and thanksgiving. Father we’re very troubled these days about those whom we’ve elected over us – not the ordained nor those who serve the church but our political leaders for in the days of the writer of Hebrews often the political and spiritual leaders were one in the same. It’s not so today and now we feel the ominous tone of leaders who usurp their authority – authority that was granted them by you and by us to serve you first and us second. Father turn their hearts to you. Let our leaders learn holiness anew, leaving the path of their destruction and treachery. Turn their hearts Father that they will hear the urgency of our prayers as you point to a new and narrow path that requires great courage that eschews greed and power and treachery. Hear our prayers this day for those who are facing surgeries and treatments; for those recovering from surgeries and treatments; for the grieving; for the wounded, weak and weary; for those rehabilitating; for the lonely and deserted; for the travelers; for the students and teachers; for the men and women of the military, police, fire, protective, emergency and medical services both here and abroad – be also with their loved ones as they serve – they have withstood the tests of fire and foe for us. Father give your church the courage to stand up, speak up and speak out against the treachery of corrupt leaders who are leading our nation on a path of destruction. Give us the wisdom, strength and steely determination to do what we are called to do. We pray this in Jesus’ powerful and redeeming Name. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:11:56 +0000
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