Today's Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for the comfort You provide through Your Holy Spirit, through my brothers and sisters in Christ, and through dear friends. I pray that You will help me 2 carefully and mindfully show grace and love 2 those who are hurting. Please give me insight and wisdom for ministering 2 people who have serious illness and who live day 2 day with the affects of incurable disease; 2 people who have addictions that I may not understand or identify with...or to those who have issues with which I can identify; 2 people who are grieving over the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a home; 2 people who are struggling to overcome and live with life-altering disabilities. Thank you 4 the health You have given me and 4 all the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I come b4 You and pray. Amen.
Jesus Wept for the City
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-06-2011
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes'" (Luke 19:41-43).
Jesus was making his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. The Pharisees were complaining about the exuberance of His disciples as He made His way into the city. They were celebrating a life that had blessed them and countless others: "When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 19:37-38).
Jesus was saddened by the response of the Pharisees. He knew what His presence could do for the city. But He also knew they would not change. The city would reject His presence and crucify. His presence would bring peace to the city if they embraced who He was - the author of peace. Now it would be hidden from their eyes bcoz of unbelief.
Every city can be blessed by the presence of Jesus in their midst. However, it requires city leaders 2 invite the presence of Jesus into their city in order 4 that city 2 experience peace. Jesus comes 2 bring peace in any situation. However, He also realizes He will divide city leaders because of unbelief and political correctness.
Does your city need the presence of Jesus? Do you desire to see peace in your city? Begin 2 pray for city leaders to understand how the presence of Jesus can impact your city in dramatic and positive ways.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And your own city.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
