Devotionals
Devotional
Bless Our City!
Zephaniah 3:1-5
Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor ·
From the Archives · Pastor Orr Devotional
READ – “But the LORD is still there in the city, and He does no wrong. Day by day He hands down justice, and He does not fail. But the wicked know no shame.” Zephaniah 3:5 NLT
EXAMINE – Zephaniah once again shined the judgment spotlight on Jerusalem. Jerusalem was described as rebellious, polluted, and full of violence and crime (Zephaniah 3:1). The people had turned from God (Zephaniah 3:2). The political leaders were ravenous wolves who took advantage of the people (Zephaniah 3:3). Even the religious leaders, prophets and priests, were arrogant liars, disobedient servants and manipulative hypocrites only concerned about fattening their own pockets (Zephaniah 3:4). It was a MESS! Yet, the LORD was still in the city to deliver justice (Zephaniah 3:5).
APPLY – Recently, Memphis was named the No. 1 Most Dangerous City in the country. John Maxwell states, “Everything rises and falls on leadership!” For Zephaniah, the leaders played a significant role in the city’s spiritual demise and coming destruction. Today, let’s pray for our political and spiritual leaders that we would listen to correction, lean more on the LORD, live holy and in harmony with others, and labor for the prosperity and welfare of everyone. God is still in the city, and we just need to let God work through us.
PRAY – Father God, give our leaders the courage to stand for right and the compassion to stand up for all its citizens. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
EXAMINE – Zephaniah once again shined the judgment spotlight on Jerusalem. Jerusalem was described as rebellious, polluted, and full of violence and crime (Zephaniah 3:1). The people had turned from God (Zephaniah 3:2). The political leaders were ravenous wolves who took advantage of the people (Zephaniah 3:3). Even the religious leaders, prophets and priests, were arrogant liars, disobedient servants and manipulative hypocrites only concerned about fattening their own pockets (Zephaniah 3:4). It was a MESS! Yet, the LORD was still in the city to deliver justice (Zephaniah 3:5).
APPLY – Recently, Memphis was named the No. 1 Most Dangerous City in the country. John Maxwell states, “Everything rises and falls on leadership!” For Zephaniah, the leaders played a significant role in the city’s spiritual demise and coming destruction. Today, let’s pray for our political and spiritual leaders that we would listen to correction, lean more on the LORD, live holy and in harmony with others, and labor for the prosperity and welfare of everyone. God is still in the city, and we just need to let God work through us.
PRAY – Father God, give our leaders the courage to stand for right and the compassion to stand up for all its citizens. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
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