PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS
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As we look into our unknown future, a future marred by violence, war, corruption, and so much human suffering, we need to know where to begin. Where do we start in our personal response to all that is happening around us in the world today?
- We could look to the prophetic materials of the Bible and seek comfort from the fact that all of these events have been foretold, but this would not bring comfort to the hurting.
- We could join with the Prophet Habakkuk and voice our questions and concerns to the Lord in a state of holy lament, but this would not bring peace to our hearts.
- We could look to the promises of the new heaven and the new earth, the promise of a redeemed creation that lives on in eternity, but that would not repair the damage being done to those we care about today.
Searching
I have been searching for a way to respond to war, and the rumors of war for a while now and up to this moment, I have come up short.
For me, the Lord has impressed upon me a passage of scripture that we read and spent time learning about in church last week. Again, in God’s perfect timing, he provides what we need most if we are willing to seek him and listen to his word.
And so, having said all that, I offer you the following message:
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
(1Timothy 2:1-6 NIV11)
Not new
I know, this is not new for those who read this devotional, or for those who follow along in my preaching ministry. I literally just used this passage to launch an appeal for my church to please God by praying for those we love to come to know the Lord.
But in this teaching, is the way forward for me today.
Examine
Through the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God’s word, the Lord is asking me to examine my response to our chaotic times.
- Am I praying for the people affected by war?
- Am I interceding on behalf of the soldiers who have been commanded to attack?
- Am I lifting up the decision makers, leaders, and authorities who are overmy family and me?
- Am I praying for those at the end of those missile trails or watching human misery like it was a new show on my favorite streaming channel?
Compassion
The Lord has compassion for all of his creation and wants all people, everywhere, to come to a place of real and lasting faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Am I willing to pray for this gift of salvation for those I am cursing or cheering?
Today
Today, as you (hopefully) head out to be a part of your family of faith, I invite you to join with me as I come to the Lord and lift up these points of prayer today:
Lord Jesus Christ…
I lift up the children affected by war.
- Those on all sides who did not ask for their parents to go off to war or to have their loved ones injured. Minister to the hurting and scared children today, Lord.
I lift up the soldiers who are acting on orders.
- Protect their hearts and minds. Help them exercise their best judgement and to seek to honor God as they do work that no one wants to do.
I lift up the leaders who give those orders.
- Lord Jesus, we pray for them to act in wisdom rather than anger. We pray for what is right to triumph over all that stems from self-worship and evil.
Lord, help me make the most of this moment.
- Help me to exercise my freedom to worship you, lift up your name in the public square, and join with others in open adoration of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you.
Ryan Laden
PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
Worked at MTN. CHURCH
Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church
Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at Baylor University
Studied at Texas Tech University
Went to Castle Hills First Baptist
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