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In Ezra 1 we read: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me, Cyrus King of Persia, all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a temple for Him in Jerusalem.” What a concept, that a government official could hear and honor God’s commands.
Paul, in 1 Timothy 2 tells us to pray for all those in authority – government officials – so that we can live peaceful and godly lives. It doesn’t start with those in leadership, but with us! If we cover our officials in prayer, they will hopefully obey the Lord and do as He directs.
We are responsible for our communities and what happens there; actually, God put you and I in charge of them. Honest and sincere prayer is powerful and life changing. It moves the un-movable to obey God, whether they know Him or not.
God chose an unlikely person to accomplish His plan for a nation. He loves doing that because it keeps the action exciting. Don’t be surprised if God asks you to help Him change your city for the better! Just be available and willing to do it!
Dennis Van Gorp is a the pastor at Family Life Christian Center in Superior Arizona. The writes a pastor's column for the Superior Sun on a regular basis.
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