Tag: Governing

A Christian Perspective

Praying for the Salvation of our Leaders

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT – Instructions about Worship – I urge – Bible Gateway

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT

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In the book of 1 Timothy the apostle Paul is giving instructions to young Timothy, a pastor in the ancient city of Ephesus. Chapter 2 begins Paul’s teaching on church worship. He starts with prayer, urging Timothy as the pastor to set the example of praying for the salvation of all people, It is the duty of an evangelistic church to pray for the lost among us and that includes those who rule over us. Paul says to pray for all people interceding on their behalf for this pleases God who desires all to be saved and understand the truth of the gospel message.

Christians often fall short in prayer for our leaders by taking 1Timothy 2:2 as a prayer for an orderly and peaceful life only. That is certainly a part of it, but more important is the salvation of each leader in the world today. That indeed is needed most. Then they need wisdom to govern in a godly manner and in dignity.

What better place to start praying for our leaders than in our churches on a Sunday morning. Praying for our local leaders, state governments, and all those on the federal and national level of every country in the world is our responsibility. Christians are to pray for their salvation and wisdom in governing. This is what the apostle is instructing us to do. Let us not fall short of what God desires for us, for ‘this is good and pleases God our Savior.’

A Christian Perspective

A Message to World Leaders    

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 96 NLT – Psalm 96 – Sing a new song to the LORD! – Bible Gateway

“Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.” Psalm 96:10 NLT

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As of this writing there is a summit scheduled between the United States and Russia on Friday August 15, 2025, which was yesterday. Obviously the outcome of that first summit in four years between the two countries is not known to this writer at the moment. What is known is that each side will try to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine to their advantage. This, of course, is not the only on-going war in the world on this day. Israel and the terror group Hamas has been fighting now close to two years with no end in sight. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost in both conflicts and lack basic needs in each area is added to the suffering.

I may be skeptical, but I don’t believe either side will open the summit with the words of the psalmist in Psalm 96, “Tell all the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” The leaders in our world, as a whole, do not recognize God as in control and reigning. They do not hold to looking up to Him for wisdom on how to judge when Scripture says it is He who ‘will judge all people fairly.’ But then again most do not recognize the Bible as an authority that was written by the creator of this world. It is as if the psalmist is pleading with our world leaders, “O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.” (Ps.96:7 nlt)

Scripture declares all authority comes from God. Every world leader’s authority is ordained by God. That is hard for some of us to accept, nevertheless God declares it. Those in authority have the responsibility to govern by Biblical standards. We all know that is not the case, and why we have continual wars and crime running rampant. This current world will never be perfect, but world leaders can make it a lot more peaceful and livable if they only recognize the Lord and have Him lead in their governing by His glorious and strong hand.

A Christian Perspective

Whose Leadership Do You Trust?      

Loring Schultz
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“Seeking nothing but each other’s harm, these kings will plot against each other at the conference table, attempting to deceive each other. But it will make no difference, for the end will come at the appointed time. The king of the north will then return home with great riches. On the way he will set himself against the people of the holy covenant, doing much damage before continuing his journey.” Daniel 11:27-28 NLT

Years ago, many Bible preachers would be heard saying ‘read the headlines in the newspaper and you’ll find much the same in the Bible.’ It still applies today to any creditable news source. The Lord has laid out for us the good, the bad, and the ugly along with future events and the recorded past in His Word. God does not want us to be ill informed, but to know the signs of the times. The evil times in which we live, as bad as they are, have been on-going since Cain and Abel. God has given us His Word, reliable for truth, for us to know who to trust in our troubled times.   

In Daniel chapter 11, a conference was prophesied to take place between two kings, Antiochus and Ptolemy, who lie to each other at the conference table. Deception to the hurt of the other was politics as usual as it is today. Our News headlines are the same as centuries ago. Antiochus was also a vile individual who hated the Jews, persecuting them and desecrating the Temple. (Dan.8;13) Sounds like a current day news story, hatred of the Jews by some of our world leaders.

For Christians it comes down to this, whose leadership do we trust today. Every one of our most trusted leaders across this world has flaws of some kind. Conferences, peace talks, etc. don’t have long-lasting effects and never will. The Lord God is where our trust should be. May we see the events happening in our world as God at work leading the nations and let us be content, He is in control.

A Christian Perspective

Peaceful Protests Will Be Gone Forever

Loring Schultz

Read: Revelation 21:1-8 NLT – The New Jerusalem – Then I saw a new – Bible Gateway

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT

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For those of us living in America, and those viewing the news headlines across the world, an updated version of the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution is on display. Peaceful protests have been redefined. Not sure who amended the First Amendment, but it sure looks like it was according to the news media and certain politicians. The fact is it was not amended, but still stands and says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (1) It is hard to watch this chaos unfold with the ignorance of those who ignore it and remain silent.

So, for what it is worth, I’m not remaining silent. There is no need to state the obvious for all people with even a speck of honesty know the reality of the situation. This world is in chaos, and it saddens me to say the United States is contributing to it with the divisiveness in the country. It is no longer divided by politics but between right and wrong. ‘Right is wrong and wrong is right.’ ‘Good is evil and evil is good.’ Millions of people in the world fear the future in its current state, and there are sound reasons for that. The truth is that life on this planet will only grow worse until the arrival of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom. But there is good news, a guaranteed perfect future for those who know Christ as savior.

John, the apostle, wrote of that future time through the leading of the Holy Spirit and said, “He (Jesus) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Rev.21:4 nlt) The likes of the lies, corruption, violence, and chaos we are witnessing today will be gone forever. Yes, even the amended ‘peaceful protests’ will be gone forever. Real peace will finally be observed. Let us repeat after John at the end of Revelation, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22:20 nlt)

(1)  https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/

A Christian Perspective

Wisdom for the asking    

Loring Schultz

Read: Proverbs 8:12-21 NLT – “I, Wisdom, live together with good – Bible Gateway

“Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. Proverbs 8:15-16 NLT

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We end our week of devotions from the wisdom book of Proverbs with ‘A Christian Perspective’ concerning the world’s leaders. Scripture is clear in more than a few verses that God does raises up the leaders of the world for His purposes. We may or may not agree with God’s choices depending where we find our home on this earth, but then we are disagreeing with God. We may not want to do that. So, what should we do? Pray for your leaders, and pray they ask for wisdom. It is there for the asking.

Throughout this week it was stressed that true wisdom is from God. It was also noted, “The fear (reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Pr.1:7 niv) This wisdom and knowledge is available to every President, Prime Minster, King, even a dictator if they truly desire it wanting to rule well, if they ask for it. Why then is there so much chaos in the world today? Obviously because most leaders don’t ask for God’s wisdom and why is that? The second half of Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We would agree that there must be plenty of foolish leaders in the world today to be in the mess we are in. But it doesn’t need to be that way.

Our scripture verse today says, “Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. (Pr.8:15-16 nlt) By wisdom leaders rule and make just decisions for the laws in their countries. They have the help of God’s wisdom to judge justly in every circumstance. Our world needs God’s wisdom working through each world leader today to rule righteously and with justice. It is readily available. All they need to do is ask. It’s there for the asking.

A Christian Perspective

Fraud and Inefficiency (a false balance)                 

Loring Schultz

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 ESV

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The United States’ New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its latest savings report of $155 billion as of April 14, 2025. It is a ‘Combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” (1) Living in a fallen world, it should come as no surprise that there would be fraud and inefficiency in those who are to uphold the law. Government, their institutions, their departments, and each agency is run by people, fallen people living in our sin sick world. No government is a machine that is not accountable to its citizens. There needs to be justice.

There is plenty of controversy and political wrangling over some of the cuts made by DOGE in the list above. But it is safe to say there were people with good intentions who approved the money for special programs but then saw an opportunity to siphon money out to non-essential areas, even lining their own pockets. Which brings me to my main point. These tactics damage the credibility and integrity of the government but more specifically, it hurts the people who work in government, both the guilty and the innocent.  

For Christians working in government, now is the time for them to show grace to those impacted by the uncovering of the abuse of power over the years. Perhaps they find themselves being caught in the game of politics participating in the expansion of irrelevant programs passed off as essential, or under the guise of something else. King Solomon knew a lot about politics, government, and money. He wrote, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Pr.11:1 esv) The Lord expects honesty and justice within the governments on the earth. All authority comes from Him and He delegates it to those He chooses. Those in positions of leadership in the government are accountable to its citizens and to God. It’s a good thing to make the country more efficient and get rid of fraud, but a better thing to change hearts and minds of those who are using ‘a false balance.’

A Christian Perspective

Transparency

Loring Schultz

“But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:21 NLT

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A review of the Merriam-Websters ‘word of the year’ will give us an accurate description of the mood of people across the world, and mainly here in America. The 2024 Word of the Year was ‘polarization-division in two sharply distant opposites.’ In 2023 the word was, ‘authentic-not false or imitation.’ 2022 gave us the word ‘gaslighting-the act or practice of grossly misleading someone.’ There is a distinct pattern continuing to develop that reveals the mistrust between individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, and mostly the government.

This mistrust is nothing new. It is as old as the Jews mistrusting the Egyptian Pharaoh in the Old Testament. In the United States over the last twenty years each new administration has promised to be transparent with the people in government affairs. As the saying goes, “how did that work out for you?” The word ‘transparency’ was the Word of the Year in 2003, the beginning of the war with Iraq. That administration was accused of not being transparent with the American people as well as other countries taking it on the chin from their citizens. A lot of scrutiny is being placed on the current administration to see if they hold up to their promise of being transparent with the many policy changes that are occurring at a record pace. Only time will tell as we are being told, “we’ll see.”

The main definition of ‘transparent’ is, ‘having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.’ Transparency is being sheer as fine textiles capable of seeing through. There were mostly self-interest reasons why previous administrations failed to be transparent. It would have exposed what they wanted to remain hidden, causing great embarrassment, loss of power, and possible charges of corruption.  

For a person, a business model, or a government to be transparent the darkness around them must be dispelled to allow the light of truth to prevail. The best way to dispel darkness, in fact the only way, is to let the light of Jesus Christ into one’s life. You may say corporations and governments are not people, no they are not, but they are run by people who need the light of Christ. Jesus said, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (Jn.3:20-21 nlt) The only hope for true transparency is for the light of Christ to change darken minds into a sheer conduit exposing everything that is done is right due to many lives dedicated to Christ and His will.

A Christian Perspective

The World needs Rulers who speak Righteousness and administer Justice     

Loring Schultz

“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

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During a fourteen-month period from January 2024 through February of this year 2025, there will be approximately 90 countries installing new leadership, including the United States on January 20, 2025. There were more national elections held worldwide in 2024 than any year in history, and with that new leadership has been installed. The Bible says in Romans, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1b niv) We may not all be pleased with the leaders God has place for us in our country, but it is for His purposes.   

Every government leader in the world has the same responsibility towards God to rule righteously. Their authority is given and ordained by God. We all can testify most world leaders are not following through with their obligation. Citizens had the same problem thousands of years ago. David wrote the 58th Psalm as a lament against tyranny, wicked leaders, and judges. He criticized the rulers for being silent in righteous matters. “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?” (1:1a niv) And he questioned their integrity in administering justice. “Do you judge people with equity?” (1:1b niv) The answer to both questions is no. In fact, they were doing just the opposite, devising evil schemes that resulted in cruel injustice. Not much has changed over time.

There have been and still are government leaders who try to do the right thing for the people. But with the current situation the world is in we need a lot more of them. This pass election year was a pivotal point for most countries in the world in how they will govern in the future. People across the globe have expressed their dissent with the violence, chaos, drug cartels, corruption, and instability of their countries. And most voted in that way. These newly elected rulers have their work cut out for them. First and foremost is the recognition that their position is authorized by the God of the universe, and they are accountable to Him. The second is to rule righteously and administer justice according to the one who gave the authorization to govern. Third, and this is for us, to pray for our leaders wherever we reside.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1Tim.2:1-2 niv)

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

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The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

A Christian Perspective

Jesus Christ will Judge the World with Righteousness

Loring Schultz

“For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98:9 NKJV

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Anticipation for the results of the United States Presidential election is running as high as the money spent between both political campaigns. A vast majority of America’s population are anxiously waiting to see who the Commander-in-Chief will be sitting in the oval office where the buck stops. The hope is whoever it is will rule with integrity, honestly, and for the benefit of all the people. May I be honest with you by saying it is only a hope and most likely will not be a reality. Human beings are prone to sin inherited from our first parents, and that includes Presidents. Chances are there will be plenty of finger pointing at the next administration and perhaps justifiably so. Hope for ‘a new way forward’ or ‘make America great again’ will fall short and there will be disappointment for all.

Human government, although ordained by God to administer justice, will fail in some way every time because it is a ‘human’ government. We are to obey human authorities but not put our trust in them. The psalmist gives us great advice, “Itis better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” (Ps.118:8-9 nkjv) So, if we are putting our trust in one candidate or the other that is not where it should be, because both will fall terribly short of what we expect. Our trust should be in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone.

There will be a time when we can and will put our trust in a prince. The prince of peace, Jesus Christ, is going to rule on the earth with righteous judgement when He returns to establish His kingdom. He will not fall short, He cannot. Jesus will rule all people with righteousness and equity, true Christ-like equity. There will be no more elections. All will be obedient to Him and there will be no disappointment. So, as we eagerly wait for the results of the U.S. Presidential election may we be just as excited anticipating the coming Prince of Peace who will judge the world with righteousness.

Read: Psalm 98 NKJV – A Song of Praise to the Lord for His – Bible Gateway