January 22, 2023 - Proverbs 22:5, 8, 16, 22-23

“Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it. Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the LORD is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.” Proverbs 22:5, 8, 16, 22-23 NLT

Lord, as I travel the world serving you, I am continually saddened by the corruption I see in our world. The state of so many places and the conditions in which people live is utterly heartbreaking. I can easily see the connection between corruption in leadership and poverty, war, economic downfall, etc. When people rule from a place of greed, pride, lies, injustice, and other selfish motives it leads to the downfall of what they lead. I can so clearly see the outcome of what is talked about in these verses. But what I also see in these verses is a promise that you will not allow the corrupt to rule forever. You will stand up for those paying the price for their actions. Today we pray that you would begin to turn the tables. Uproot the corrupt leaders – from leaders of countries to leaders in the corporate world, even to leaders in the church. Tear down what does not glorify your name. Jesus, come and be the defender of those who are living with the injustices of a corrupt leader.

Lord, we pray that you would begin to raise up a generation of leaders that value others before themselves. Show your favor to committed Christians who will lead in a way that honors you and the people they are leading. Help them stand strong for righteousness. Give them just wisdom on how to bring change and how to guard their hearts. Begin to redeem and rebuild what the enemy has tried to destroy as only you can do.

In Jesus name, amen.