President's Day, 2017

President's Day started as George Washington's Birthday which was observed on the third Monday of February. His actual birthday was February 22, 1732. Over time, it has become President's Day or Presidents' Day. In whatever case you prefer to observe, we should celebrate the chief executive of the United States and pray for him as he deals with issues facing our great nation.

I know that there are those who disagree with the President and even question his ability to govern. In the past, I have disagreed with the actions of a past President; however, I never denied him as the duly-elected President of the United States of America. I feel great pride knowing that I live in a free nation where I can worship God freely. A nation where I can express my thoughts without fear of arrest or persecution. A nation where the press has the responsibility to act as watchdogs over the government and truly act as the fourth estate. 

Years ago, I was flying from Austin, Texas to San Jose, California, on business. On that particular day, President Bill Clinton was flying into Austin for a fund-raiser. I had the opportunity to see Air Force One land in Austin. I felt a great pride seeing Air Force One land. The scale and beauty of that airplane brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. 

We truly live in a very blessed nation. As a blessed nation, we should love our neighbors and stand ready to protect and defend the rights of others to enjoy the blessings of liberty. We, as a nation, are truly one and as such, we need to support our leaders and pray for them daily. 

On this day, I ask each of you to pray for President Donald Trump and those who work with him to lead this nation. Put aside your differences for at least one day and pray for him. 

Proud to be an American

As Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America, I cannot help but feel a certain pride as a citizen of a great nation. As I watch, I am overcome with pride and humility. Pride knowing the fact that I am witnessing something very special that is more than just a man being sworn in as President. The pride is knowing that we are a great nation and that we have and continue to dedicate ourselves to the work ahead. I feel a sense of humility knowing that God Almighty has blessed this great nation and given it a huge responsibility to love our neighbor and to work to the betterment of all men.

Once again, we must realize our place in the world. A great nation of proud Americans who acknowledge the traditions and legacy of our past and look forward to the future. A great nation who humbles itself before God. We, as one people, must remember the words of 2 Chronicles.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

Important Day in American History

In a few short hours, the United States of America will witness the swearing in of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Although we may disagree on issues, we need to come together as a nation. We are a people of peace and we work together as one to help our neighbors. As each of you watch the inauguration on TV, I encourage you to be in pray for all of our leaders. We should always be praying for our leaders daily. 

I urge everyone to have your children watch the inauguration with you. 

Honoring and Praying for our Leaders

On January 20th, the American people will once again watch a president being sworn in. Donald J. Trump will be our 45th President.

Although many do not like him, he is still our president and we should treat him with respect and the dignity that goes with the Office of the President.

In the past couple of days, I have heard many who have protested and even called into question his legitimate election to the office. I am deeply saddened by this. According to one article, 31 Democratic Senators and Congressmen will not be attending the inauguration.

As a nation, we should come together and work for the greater good of this nation. We need to put aside our personal beliefs and work to make this nation the greatest it can possibly be. Instead, many are working against each other and trying to advance their own agendas. Many want to change things through violence and childish behavior. 

I am not saying that we cannot disagree or peacefully protest, but we should be working together. President-Elect Trump is our President and we should understand our place as citizens. Yes, there are going to be things that he will do that I will disagree with. There are things that I would like to see done in this nation. But, I will not disrespect the Office of the President or the individual who sits in the Oval Office.

As the inauguration day fast approaches, I ask all to be in prayer for our new president. I ask that each of you read 1 Timothy 2:1-8 and really listen to the words of Paul as he calls us to "to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy." 

We live in a great nation that has been blessed and we are one people who should work together and love one another. A nation that "God has shed his grace on" and has "crowned thee good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea".

Peace During Times of Transition and Unrest

As I write this, there are protests and riots around the nation regarding the new president-elect. There are those who are screaming that he is not their president.  There are those who are looting and destroying property that does not belong to them.  There are even those who are calling for stopping the inauguration, even if that means assassination.  As I watch the news reports, knowing that he will not be sworn into office until January 20th, I have to wonder how long this will continue.  

This is only one of the things happening in our world right now that can ignite anxiety.  Unstable relations in the middle east, countries stockpiling nuclear weapons, famine, disease, natural disasters, finances and reports of hate filled crimes all remind us that this is not an ideal world.  

Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  And the first of the verse says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.”  Let’s remember that there was trouble during the Lord’s time on earth as well.  There always has been and there always will be.  Until He returns and we live with Him, there will be hard times when we will be driven to our knees to seek His peace.

As we go through the next few months, would you join me in praying for those with angry hearts and anxious souls?  And while you are down on your knees, lift up our new president-to-be and his family. They will need more encouragement and support than anyone.