First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Communication is so important and has rapidly changed over the decades. What once took days can now be done in seconds. Let me explain, when you lived a county away from a boyfriend or girlfriend and you wanted to express to them your feelings, yes you could pick up the telephone, but what if they were out of town and not near a telephone? You would need to write a "love letter" and tell them that their absence has caused an epic shift in your existence, and that you couldn't bear the pain of this eternal separation, and that you counted the seconds until your happy reunion. Now all you have to do is pick up your cell phone and text them" musm...tuamualu...h&k...143! Instantly they got your meaning!

Well, prayer is something like that only much better! First of all, it is better because you are talking to an eternal God who cares so much more than anyone else. And second, there are no dropped calls with the Almighty. He always hears and He always answers.

This is what I want us to do this July 4th. We all realize that the ones in positions of authority are out of our reach. We will probably never be called on to give advice to any person in high authority. So what do we do? Reach out to God in prayer. Pray specifically that our leaders would create conditions that advance the gospel ("that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life"). Pray confidently because God is sovereign and He can reach them like no other. And pray thankfully because we still enjoy freedom.

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. (Proverbs 21:1)

Grace & Peace,

Scott