"Give thanks to the LORD of hosts, for the LORD is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting", and for those who bring a thank offering into the house of the LORD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,' says the LORD. "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'There will again be in this place which is waste, without man or beast, and in all its cities, a habitation of shepherds who rest their flocks."
- Jeremiah 33:11-12
Grace to you, and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus!
Like the Israel of Jeremiah's day, the city of Los Angeles has become a spiritual waste land. All around us we see evidence that few of the residents in this great city have found the peace we all seek. We have strayed from God, and the consequences of our actions abound. Young people are disrespectful and distant. The use of drugs and alcohol abound. Homelessness increases. Families are torn apart. Our children are shot down in the streets. Sexual immorality is rampant.
Through the prophet, the Lord spoke of a time when the cities of Israel would again become "a habitation of shepherds who rest their flocks". Take a moment and meditate on those words. Imagine a city (like Los Angeles), where the shepherds have been able to lead their flocks into a place of prolonged rest. What a city that would be!
Could Los Angeles become such a city? I believe so. That is one of my prayers . . . that this city would be transformed into a city of rest . . . a city where God's people are at peace. Would you join me and pray towards that end?
But before we submit our requests, I think we intercessors need to stand in the gap and seek the Lord's forgiveness. It is we who have strayed, and now we suffer the consequences of our own actions. Let us first seek His mercy and forgiveness.
And let us not forget our spiritual shepherds. At almost every turn I hear of pastors who are struggling against discouragement or even despair. Many struggle with financial or health issues. Some experience rifts in their own families. Their children stray. Their wives are "attacked" physically or spiritually.
Pray that God would restore our shepherds; that they would find that place of spiritual rest and be able to lead their flock in that direction. Pray for wisdom and spiritual discernment. Pray for more laborers to join them in their effort. And pray protection over their families.
And lastly, as the Lord renews His shepherds and His sheep, pray that a great season of spiritual rest and contentment would overflow this city; that many would be drawn to walk with Him. In the end, it is not about our comfort or happiness. It is all about Him receiving the glory He is rightfully due. Therefore, let us pray that as He leads us into rest, the testimony of His greatness goes forth in such a way that countless thousands turn their lives over to Him. Amen?
Again . . . thank you for praying. May God richly bless you for your efforts on behalf of His Son.
As always . . . thank you for praying.
Yours because the tomb is empty,
Lyle Randles, Director of Prayer Ministry
LIFE CONNECTIONS INTERNATIONAL
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