Message from Pastor Leo

October 15, 2008

The United States of America was built on Christian values.  Never before in our 232 year history have our Christian values and beliefs faced such opposition, persecution, and corruption as we have right now.  Our current and future leaders, both in government and the church, need your prayers.  And praying for your leaders is Biblical. 

The New Testament church leaders recognized their need for prayer support.  The writer of Hebrews says “Pray for us.”  Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “Pray for us.” 

God says, And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.  Psalms 50:15  Our leaders are in trouble, but does prayer really make a difference? 

Praying for your leaders does make a difference.  King Herod wanted to get the Jewish leadership behind him politically, so he persecuted the Christians in Jerusalem.  He killed James, the brother of John, and it pleased the Jewish leaders.  So, while Herod had the chance he also grabbed Peter and had him thrown in prison.  

… but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. …And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.  Acts 12:1-10 

The people prayed for their church leader, Peter, and God delivered him.

You should also be praying for our leaders in government.  And if you’re not sure what to pray for them, follow the example set by King Solomon.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 1 Kings 3:9 

Solomon’s prayer pleased God and, as a result, God made Solomon the wisest man who ever lived.  So pray that prayer for your leaders.  Pray that God will give them wisdom, discernment, and courage.

Leaders who also profess Jesus as Lord are under unbelievable spiritual attack and persecution right now.  They definitely need your prayers!  And those leaders that are not Christians, well, that’s all the more reason to pray for them – both for their leadership and for their salvation.  Remember, God ordains everything that happens, and gives rulers their authority.

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.  Psalms 75:6-7

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Romans 13:1

Pray for the leaders of the church.  Pray for our nation and the leaders in our government – both our current leaders and those who will be elected.  This is a crucial time in the church.  It’s a crucial time in America, and for Christian values and freedoms.  It’s a time which demands we turn to God in prayer.

So read your Bible every day, then take time to pray specifically for those in leadership.  Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray … and read your Bible.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti