Selecting Leadership
Romans 16:17-18

17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned and turn away from them.  18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but their appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Romans 16:17-18

Each day we witness the beautiful sunrise, and at night we testify of the majestic sunset.  Between these glorious events, our eyes bear witness to corruption and collusion.   Your house of worship, which is to be a house of prayer, has shared space with false God.  Your home, which is to be a place of healing, has been hashtagged “church hurt.”  Your Kingdom should be a place of mercy, has been a place where sinners have not found peace.  You Community should have your compassionate eye, your honest tongue, your sensitive ears, but has become desensitized to suffering and selfish in service.

We have grieved Your Spirit by falling prey to false prophets and worldly leadership. We have failed to seek Your will, as to who to follow, and have walked behind those claiming to be sent.  We have allowed wickedness to influence and control Your agenda, giving counsel to the pulpit, and seeding advice to the elders.  We have allowed the enemy to pit us against each other, keeping us fighting against each other and not focused on fighting for You, our Lord!  Lord, forgive us!

The Lord punishes those that cause confusion among us.  Lord, open our eyes so we can see not just the effects of the wicked, but the hand of the wicked.  Let us identify the source and remove it from its power and influence.  Lord, let us study your word and garner the standard that we are to live up too.  Let it be the standard by which we measure those who we identify as leaders.  Help us be more diligent in following those who follow you, and not just walking after those who claim to speak for you and then follow another.

© 2020 Pastor Johnny Ogletree – Houston, TX