This round up regarding the riots in London and other English cities strikes fear into the heart. When God sometimes allows His restraints on human nature to be lifted, its amazing to see just how depraved fallen man really is.

Its a time to pray.

At times like this, it makes us think about what it is we CAN ask God for. For those who believe God will never intrude upon free will, what is it you can ask God to do? Is He powerless to stop or restrain sin? Are His hands tied because man is the one REALLY in control?

No, a thousand times, “no!”

Our God is the Sovereign King and at times like this, we ask that in His great mercy, His hand of restraint would be upon the cities, and that a measure of peace and order would prevail. We serve a God who can do this.

Yet we also recognize, that for God to judge a nation, He is more than capable of lifting all restraints on sin and allowing man to do what is in his heart. As Romans 1 makes clear, God can give man completely over to the sin in his heart. When He does, this itself is God’s judgment.

We pray that in His mercy, He would not lift all restraints on our sin…

Genesis 20: 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.”

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Lets pray!