Praying for The President

"I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection." 

- President George Washington  

 
George Washington, the 1st President of the United States was a man of prayer. This spiritual discipline came about long before he was sworn in as President. When he was General of the Continental Army, he drafted a prayer for the new nation and had copies of it sent across the country to all the states and their governors. “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen.” (Image by iStock)

Though our language has changed a little since 1783, you can see this godly military general and politician believed in God and understood the power of prayer for a nation.

We see an illustration of this in the Bible during a transition of power from David, King of Israel, to his son Solomon who would succeed him. Amid this, King David offered a public prayer for his country.

“…direct their hearts toward you” he prayed. (1 Chronicles 29:18) The old, wise king knew who was really over the affairs of his country. Therefore, he prayed that the affections of the people would first and foremost be toward the Lord God. If our hearts are bent chiefly toward a political party or ideology, then we are on a crooked path to an eventual downfall. However, if we fix our eyes straight ahead and walk according to God’s purposes, the foundation of our nation will be made secure.

David also prayed for the new king, “… may he keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all.” (1 Chronicles 29:19) The experienced King David knew who the author of blessing and cursing on his nation was. And He knew how to remain in a healthy relationship with the Lord God and how to follow His counsel in governing. He knew all these answers were found in the Scriptures and prayed the next king would give himself to knowing and following God through His Word.

As the seasoned king prayed, he was aware of the price of neglect. He knew that each person, his own son and the entire nation, could do as they wished. As a result, he warned them choose not to abandon God and go their own way. For there would be a high cost to the country if they did.

Pray for Donald Trump, our new President of the United States. As we do, let us also commit ourselves toward God. May our hearts be fixed on Him. Additionally, let us pray that President Trump will know God personally and walk in accordance with His holy Word for the welfare of his own soul and our nation.

A prayer for you – Father in heaven, at the beginning of this new presidential administration we pray for our new president and for America. May the people of our country direct their hearts toward you. May President Trump humble himself before you, place his faith in Christ alone and walk daily in holiness and obedience according to your eternal Word. May the church in our land be good stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ, carrying it to all our citizens, that all might repent and believe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Most Difficult New Year’s Resolution of 2025

Are we in control of our phones or are they in control of us?

Over four billion people have a smartphone, which is about 54% of the global population, according to an Internet Connectivity report. In the United States the percentage is dramatically higher, a Zippia research study identified that over 80% (270 million) of Americans own one. (Image by upliftfamilies.org)

In the last 10 years smartphone ownership has skyrocketed among U.S. adults and teenagers, and so has its dependency. Americans average almost five hours a day on their phone, which is an increase of 52% from just a couple of years ago.

The data is in. We love our smartphones and cannot imagine living without them! As technology has advanced, we can do increasingly more with them in our personal lives, through our job, as students and in our churches.

But who is controlling who? Are we in control of our phones or are they in control of us? The first thing we look at in the morning is…our phone. When we walk out the door to go to work or school, we do so with…our phone. During the day, we are constantly engaging with…our phone. When we come home in the evening, we regularly have in hand…our phone. The last thing we look at before we go to bed is…our phone. The Zippia study reveals that we check our phone about 96 times a day or at least once every 10 minutes. We are engaging with our phones more than we do with our spouse, children, friends, and for Christians, even God.

I have a challenge. It would be the most difficult New Year’s resolution. Would you be willing to reduce your screen time in 2025?

How are phones, as well as TVs, computers, tablets and video games affecting us? Not so good. A PubMed Central scientific study wrote, “Dependency on digital devices resulting in an ever-increasing daily screen time has subsequently also been the cause of several adverse effects on physical and mental or psychological health.” The report discusses issues like anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, obesity, poor brain development in children and many other alarming concerns for adults and kids.

The Bible says, “’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ’All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12) Are our electronic devices helpful? You bet! But are they controlling us? Yes.

Once God confronted a man over his anger saying, “…sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7) It is no secret. The inventors and marketers of our electronic devices want us to watch them, so they build them for the purpose of drawing you in. Your devices knock at your door every minute. Will you rule over its call to pick it up or will you refuse its desirable invitation?

Where do you start if you want to reduce your time on your electronics in 2025? 1. Set digital detoxes. On a weekly or even a daily basis, set times where electronics are turned off. 2. No electronics in bed. When you are getting ready for bed, turn off the TV and put down your smartphone. 3. A new morning routine. When you wake up, commit to getting out of bed before you look at your phone. 4. Create substitutions. Replace your screen time with reading the Bible or another book, playing a board game, face to face conversation, prayer, exercise, getting outside or serving another person.

It is written, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) The Lord God, through Jesus Christ, calls people to set their minds upon Him. For in Him is life and peace. However, there is a raging battle that competes against this here on earth. Jesus came to die and rise again that we would have victory over these appealing and deceptive enemies.

A prayer for you – God of heaven and earth, help us to see our life through your eyes. Point out if we are spending too much time on electronics? Help us to accept the challenge for 2025 and begin to release the grip of these devices on our lives and fix our attention on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.