Vessels of Honor Worldwide 

1 Tim 2:1-3 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Place priority on prayer. It is easy to complain and speak bitterly. This accomplishes very little, and will even become stale in the ears of those who agree with you. Paul urges Timothy, his dear son in the faith, to pray for those in authority all the way up to kings and down to the local authorities.

Why? I'm sure there are people in authority that each of us might like to see replaced with someone more receptive to our point of view. It remains a fact that they are there. The more possibly disturbing idea for some is that God placed them there. Daniel would address the earthly king he severed with, "Oh King live forever!" Daniel honored the position of the king and respected the man and his authority. He lived an unimpeachable life before the king. In the end the king came to follow "the God of Daniel."

Does this mean we may not disagree with them? The kings Daniel served knew of Daniel's faith. He made no secret of it. He asks of the king that the wise men who could not interpret the king's dream be spared against the king's decree. He reads the writing on the wall written by the hand of God that decrees the punishment for the king's disrespect of the vessels taken from the Temple. There is no anger, no name calling. The king accepts Daniel's request that the Jewish people be allowed to defend themselves against Haman's plot to kill them all.

We are told to occupy until the Lord returns - to hold up the standard that He gives to us. All this should be prefixed with prayer for these people in authority. We need to ask they be given wisdom and insight, that their hearts and minds would be open to God's leading - and that they would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Lord - please hear the prayers of your children for the leaders in our towns, states and provinces, and nations that they would be lead by Your mighty hand as they go about their duties. We ask that they would hear Your call and accept your offer of salvation, or rekindle their faith understanding that it is the foundation of wisdom. Amen.