inauguration

I am excited about tomorrow's inauguration. I feel like we are at a critical time in our nations history and the events taking place right now will be the things that our children read in history books for years to come. Last Thursday we showed our students the video of Martin Luther Kings "I Have A Dream" speech. As I watched this speech, it reminded me in style of the speech that Obama gave on election night with the repetition. I don't know how anyone can watch that speech (either one) and not be moved by the words that he spoke. As we get ready for the inauguration, the media has been playing clips of past presidential inauguration speeches and I have found their words so profound. I'm anxious to see what Obama has to say. I am tired of people complaining about him. He was not the candidate that I voted for either, but I think it is time that we, as Christians, step up and do what is right: support and pray for our leaders.

I was reading my Proverbs 31 devotion this morning and decided that I would post it here. I liked what it had to say. As Christians we serve someone much higher than the President, and He is the one leading our country :)

A President and a King

19 Jan 2009
Susanne Scheppmann

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

I tucked away the last of the Christmas decorations. My house appeared tidy again after the Christmas disarray. I began to dust the furniture and shelves when I came to the Nativity set. I had purposely left it out as a reminder to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus all year long.

I reflected on the recent holidays and sweet joy filled my heart. My thoughts leapt forward, "What is the next celebration coming up?" I realized it is the inauguration of our 44th President.I gazed at t he Nativity scene. Several times during December I heard the familiar verse from Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Then I recalled the next verse that speaks of Jesus' role in government”an eternal government. "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:7, NIV). What joy! What peace to know that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords “ that is a cause to celebrate no matter what country we live in.

This month, the United States is inaugurating a new President. It's a time to observe and utilize our religious freedoms. Let's start by praying for our newly elected President and all government officials. Let's honor God's command found in our key verse, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone “ for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." As followers of Christ who is the Prince of Peace, let's honor, respect and pray for our President.

As I look at the baby in my nativity manger, I remember that He is not only the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Wonderful Counselor who guides Presidents, leaders, and you and I as well. Let's lift them up in prayer.

Dear Lord, I pray for our national leaders. Allow their hearts to be open to Your wisdom and guidance. Remind me to pray for them fervently and frequently. In Jesus' Name, Amen.