Honoring Authority

Honoring Authority

By Pastor Gary Wayne

Our words and attitudes that we use when we speak create atmosphere.
I believe when I speak negative words, it’s similar to how the stink from a carcass draws files; my words can either repel or draw the demonic.

Another completely different related topic is how the enemy uses my words against me as legal license to trouble me.

Given the political mess we have been subject to, I feel God wants to remind us that we are representatives of Him, and how my heart responds to people in authority – particularly those I don’t like, - reflects on my relationship with Him.

Text: Jeremiah 29:4-14a, Titus 3:1-2

As we read through these scriptures, I want to remind us of the ruling government when these scriptures were written.

In my opinion, the people in office were evil people.
Paul was put to death by the ones he said to not dishonor.

Ver.2 “Speak evil of no one.”
Often we justify how we talk about someone based on how “we” feel if they deserve it or not.

I feel God would remind us that when I talk about a political leader, I align myself with either God, or His enemy the devil.

I don’t want to have given my life to God, and then ally myself with Satan.

1 Timothy 2:1-3, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17

Jer. 29:4-14a Notice how many times God speaks “Peace” to their situation.
Notice this was written to people who were POW’s.

Ver.11 What is on God's mind about you? What are His thoughts about you?
Shalom - peace – prosperity – favor - health, etc.

Whatever you are going through, apply this truth.

When I am in a situation I can't control or get out of, what is my responsibility? Turn my heart to His, and in the middle of trauma, I can thrive.

The first point of this message is: be aware of my heart attitude towards people in authority I don’t like.

Second: Where does my peace come from?

When I rely on my surroundings to be the peace that feeds my heart, I will be up and down on a REGULAR basis, but when I seek God's face, I can be content at my core level.

Phil.4:11 "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…”

Where is your soul anchored? Heb.6:19 (anchor of the soul - behind the veil)

If my peace is only there because of political things - doctor things, - financial things, etc, it is a very shallow place for me to go get more peace.

One of our former Bishops, Bro. Morrow - when the Dr. said, your heart is in good condition, he felt himself relax. "God said, I wish My word would cause you to relax, like the Dr.'s words."

Dutch Sheets - Regardless of what happens, this is a spiritual battle, not flesh and blood.