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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

This devotion is being written while I am in Texas.

Recently, the words of Texas' Governor Rick Perry have made the news. There are a lot of people who do not understand where Governor Perry is coming from or why he has said some of the things he has.

What kind of things? Here are a few things, for example:

· There is a spiritual battle under way for the future of Texas and the U.S.
· Freedom of religion is not the same as freedom from religion.
· The question becomes, whose morality will inspire the laws that leave a lasting imprint on
our society?

While I don't know what kind of Governor Rick Perry is, I did like most of what he is supposed to have said. I especially appreciated a Republican saying he daily prays for a Democratic president.

It is my hope each of our Daily Devotion readers keep in their prayers those who are in authority.

By that I mean all those who are in authority.

It occurs to me if someone disagrees with you, or is leading the land differently than you might hope, that person is really in need of your intercessions, supplications, and prayers.

And if you ask, "Why should I bother?" St. Paul supplies the answer: we pray for those in authority because God has asked it, so we can lead peaceful lives, and so we might share the Savior with those who are lost.

Why? God wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Jesus, who isthe truth.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, the world seems to be caught in a downward spiral. I give thanks Jesus has, with His nail-pierced hands, reached down and saved me. Now I ask Your Holy Spirit be given to those who are in authority. I also ask You will bring to power those who will not write You out of life's equation. Grant that they and those under them may have room for the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 87-88    1 Corinthians 12

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