By: Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton
If we want our nation to be all that it can be: if we want it to be all it should be: if we want to enjoy God’s blessing on our country, we need to pray. It seems that many have lost sight of what God has told us to do. He told us to pray for those in authority over us. That would include our president, our governor, members of congress and even our county commissioners. Lord knows they need it. It looks like many thought we are supposed to protest and prey, not pray. Protests draw attention but it takes more than that to fix a problem. Burning our flag is preying on our nation, not praying for it. These things cause division and fans the flames of frustration instead of being a good example and raising the standard.
2 Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I believe that is what many Christians did in the last election and God heard our prayers. Soon we will have a new president and he most definitely needs our prayers. Whether you agree or disagree with our leaders, wisdom tells us to pray for them. They need wisdom, guidance, favor, knowledge, protection, strength, humility and a heart to seek God for His help.
Most Americans don’t know how blessed they are. I have seen some of the poverty in foreign lands. I remember one home I visited that had a grass mat for a bed and only one small chest of drawers for furniture. There were no curtains on the lone window, no running water and not even a door for privacy. We are blessed. There are nations were the possession of a Bible is illegal and its possession can send you to prison.
There is no nation on this planet as generous as the United States of America. When disaster strikes it seems we are the first to respond with whatever aid is needed. It doesn’t matter if it is an earthquake or a hurricane. It doesn’t matter if they are our friend or enemy, we have always been ready to help. The blood of our soldiers and sailors have been spilled all over the world; not to conquer or dominate but to protect and help the oppressed. Still, here at home we see riots where thieves have a hey day by breaking into business and others stand on the corner and burn our flag. I believe in our freedom including freedom of speech but burning our flag should be a crime. Our congress won’t even pass a law decreeing English as our national language. A couple of days ago one college in Massachusetts even refused to raise Old Glory. That’s the kind of leadership in many of our colleges and universities. We are more interested in the dollar than morality and integrity. What’s the answer? Pray to God and set an example that God will honor.
Maranatha!
