In the crosshairs...

I read online last night that Ted Haggard was being accused of having a homosexual relationship for the past three years, and it knocked the wind right out of me. No, not again. I know that there are only unproven allegations (which I hope to be false), but from what a news article on MSNBC wrote, some of the allegations, Ted admitted, are true. What a terrible shame and what a fall of a great leader. I pray for Ted and his family, and I pray that the truth comes out like it should. I pray for his church (New Life in Colorado Springs), and I pray that we church leaders stay pure against the attacks of Satan who is gunning for us...

I feel the deep impacts of this, and if the devil can get Christian leaders to fall (and his attacks are vicious, real, and hit at the perfect spot) then he can nullify the Christian message to many. So much is at stake, and so easily I forget. Christian leaders all over the country are in the crosshairs, and the devil is waiting to pull the trigger when we foolishly leave ourselves vulnerable (I say "we" because I could easily have been taken out many times by my own foolishness).

God, please keep your church leaders pure and protected. Keep us from sin, and keep us from stupidity and pride. In this case of Ted Haggard, may Your goodness shine through in a dark time, and may Your grace be extended to Ted and his family who so desperately need it (as do we all). Father, may You extinguish the fiery darts of the wicked, and may You ultimately restore Ted as he receives instruction, correction, and accountability through his church board. MAY WE CHRISTIANS NOT SHOOT OUR WOUNDED AND LEAVE THEM FOR DEAD! May Your LOVE, which is far greater than any accusations or realizations, be what is evidenced by the world. Forgive Ted, and forgive this other man, and Lord, may Your kingdom come...in the name of Jesus I ask this.