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Friday, July 28, 2006

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Jeremiah 3:14-17
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 13:18-23

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getting what we deserve

"I will appoint over you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently." —Jeremiah 3:15

There are so many complaints about our leaders, both political and religious. Some people have not had anyone to vote for in the national elections for years. (However, they've had many people to vote against!) So many religious leaders seem to be stifling the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). Jesus' description of the Pharisees and scribes as "blind guides" and "whitened sepulchres" still applies today (see Mt 23:16, 27). Leadership in many areas leaves a lot to be desired.

However, the Lord promised to provide good leaders for those who would return to Him (Jer 3:15). Bad leaders are the result of our refusal to repent. Ultimately, we make our own leaders and get the kind of leadership we deserve (cf Jgs 9:8ff). Let's pray for our leaders (1 Tm 2:1-2) and for ourselves. Bad leadership is a partial payment of the wages of our sins (Rm 6:23).

Prayer:  Father, I repent before I get what I deserve.

Promise:  "What was sown on good soil is the man who hears the message and takes it in. He it is who bears a yield of a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold." —Mt 13:23

Praise:  Rosa has stopped complaining about her leaders and now prays for them daily.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005

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