Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

I have to wonder, Lord, if the present hostility towards Christianity by the Administration is not something that is being allowed by You to chastise Your Church and bring us back to You in repentance? Are we entering into a season of persecution to bring us ot our knees? If we obey Your Word in ALL things, will You withdraw the sword from us?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 48    Mid-day: 119:97    Evening: Psalm 124

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.