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November 5, 2025<\/span><\/p>\n Pray for Both Faithful and Fallen Leaders<\/strong><\/span> Lee en espa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFor this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God\u2019s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.\u201d Ephesians 1:15-16 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n Every time we hear it in the news, it hits hard. Another Christian leader has fallen into moral failure.<\/p>\n This may feel like the norm, but it isn\u2019t \u2014 and it\u2019s not God\u2019s desire. As far back as the Old Testament, we see several examples of God lamenting and disciplining moral failures among His chosen leaders and even His designated priests.<\/p>\n In Exodus 32, Israel\u2019s high priest, Aaron, made a golden calf for the people to worship. Later, Aaron\u2019s two sons Nadab and Abihu lost their lives because they \u201coffered strange (unauthorized, unacceptable) fire before the LORD, [an act] which He had not commanded them to do\u201d<\/em> (Leviticus 10:1, AMP). Still, God chose Aaron\u2019s descendants to steward His tabernacle and serve His people.<\/p>\n Fast-forward to today. There are men and women worldwide who have said \u201cyes\u201d to public, vocational ministry as pastors, speakers, authors, missionaries, and nonprofit leaders. For all those who have fallen into moral failure, countless others haven\u2019t. They just don\u2019t make the news. Faithfulness doesn’t make a catchy headline.<\/p>\n But many Christian leaders, knowing they are not perfect, do their best to be the hands and feet of Jesus, both when people are watching and when they aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n They serve God faithfully. They study His Word. They share the gospel. They disciple the Church.<\/p>\n They pray for the hurting. They visit the sick. They counsel the broken.<\/p>\n They honor their covenant with their spouses. They lovingly raise their children. They abide by the law.<\/p>\n They love people. They love God.<\/p>\n As the Church, let\u2019s keep praying for the countless men and women still faithfully doing the work of ministry, just as Paul prayed for and encouraged the Ephesian church: \u201cFor this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God\u2019s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Ephesians 1:15-16).<\/p>\n Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders who follow Him in what they say, think, and do. Pray that God would help them not \u201cyield to temptation, but rescue [them] from the evil one\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 6:13, NLT). Pray that they would walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, whether or not they’re standing on a stage. We can even let them know we\u2019re praying for them and thank them for their efforts \u2014 a little encouragement goes a long way.<\/p>\n And the next time we hear of a ministry leader who has fallen, we can pray for them, their family, and those in their church community who have been impacted. God can heal, restore, and redeem.<\/p>\n Father, thank You for the people who encourage and equip Your Church. Cover and fill them with Your wisdom and power. And for those who have fallen, we pray that they would repent and turn back to You in word and deed. In Jesus\u2019 Name, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n Holiday shopping doesn\u2019t have to be stressful. Whether you\u2019re hunting for stocking stuffers, meaningful devotionals, or chic pieces loved ones will actually wear, we\u2019ve made it easy to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. With options under $50, $25, and $15, you\u2019ll discover that our top picks fit every budget without sacrificing style or heart.<\/strong> Each item has been carefully selected to bring joy, encouragement, and a touch of inspiration this season. From cozy apparel to faith-filled keepsakes, there\u2019s something for everyone \u2014 and maybe a little something for yourself too! Shop the Christmas Collection now!<\/p>\n To help you engage in God\u2019s Word every day, check out Quest For More: A One Year Devotional Through the Bible<\/em>, co-written by today\u2019s devotion writer, Anitha Abraham.<\/p>\n Connect more with Anitha on Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n Luke 22:32, \u201cbut I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and<\/em> support your brothers [in the faith]\u201d (AMP).<\/p>\n What is one way you can show your appreciation to a local church pastor or ministry leader?<\/p>\n We\u2019d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n \u00a9 2025 by Anitha Abraham. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n
ANITHA ABRAHAM<\/span><\/p>\nOUR FAVORITE THINGS<\/h4>\n
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FOR DEEPER STUDY<\/h4>\n