This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

"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

Every so often, especially during campaign seasons and when election time approaches, the subject of godly leaders and who should get our vote surfaces. Consistently, I hear of some pastor or church advocating which leaders or candidates should be chosen and how it would be a sin to vote for a specific person. I heard such news the other day, as a matter of fact. You can all rest easy; I'm not going down that road.

I do want to give some thought to our role as Christian citizens. I don't have to be really creative about this, because St. Paul has already addressed the matter in his letter to Timothy. I think it's interesting that Paul encourages Timothy and the Christians committed to his care to pray for all people, even for the kings and those in high places, including the emperor. It's ironic that the apostle should give this encouragement, since these very men for whom Paul encourages prayer would be responsible for his violent death in years to come. Yet, Paul was well aware of the tremendous gift God has given His people in prayer, and that earthly authority has been established by God. Christians are invited by God in His mercy to worship Him and intercede for all people before His throne of grace.

So, what is our lesson as Christian citizens? What does God through His servant, St. Paul, instruct us to do in relation to our government? Our task is to pray for our leaders. It matters not whether we like their politics, nor if we even like the way they part their hair; God has commanded us to pray for those in authority. St. Paul gives encouragement to us today to pray for our president, our governor, our local leaders, and the like. Pray that they be defended from the assaults of the devil. Pray that they be given wisdom and skill to pursue their duties. Pray that they be diligent so that we are defended from the fear of our enemies. Pray that, under their leadership, we may live in peace and quietness.

After all, that is our duty as Christian citizens.

Prayer Concerns:
The family and friends of Pastor Keith Gravesmill who was called to his Lord earlier today.
Those who serve in the armed forces and their families:Rob Vadney, John Sorensen
The President of the United States, our elected representatives in Washington and in Austin, the Governor of Texas, the county judge for Nueces County (or whichever county in which you reside), the mayor of our city.
The holy Christian and apostolic Church as she proclaims her risen Lord Jesus throughout the world

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, April 16
6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Church Council

Tuesday, April 17
6:30 p.m.
LWML at the church

Wednesday, April 18
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Revelation 19)

Thursday, April 19
6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

God bless!
PKJ