A Word for Christians about President’s Day

President’s Day should be a reminder to pray.  To pray for our president and for our nation.  It is easy to complain.  It takes no effort to criticize.  But prayer is hard work, and it is the only work that can truly make a difference.

Our country is in great need of leaders that know more than their agenda. We need leaders that know God.  Proverbs 28:2 says, “For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.”  God, give us a man of understanding and knowledge!

Much can be learned from the history of American Presidents, both good and bad.  At Crown College, there is a Hall of Presidents, an amazing display of the official Presidential portraits and some statement by each President regarding America’s Christian heritage.  For some of them the words seem deeply personal.

President’s Day is celebrated in honor of George Washington’s birthday.  Our first President was a man of faith in God and real character.  (I recently read George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution.  It is an interesting and insightful read.)  Both President Washington and President Lincoln were born in the month of February.

Words of Wisdom from President Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln has always been my favorite president. For many years, I had a bust of President Lincoln next to my desk.  It served as a reminder of strong leadership in tough times.

On my desk are two volumes of Lincoln’s letters and speeches from 1832-1865. From time to time I enjoy seeing what Lincoln wrote or spoke on a particular day.

On the closing pages, there is an amazing entry. They are words written only eight days before his race was finished. In it is more than a message for his favorite general. Here we find a message for us all…

Head Quarters Armies of the United States

City-Point, Lieut Gen. Grant., April 7. 11 A.M. 1865

“Gen. Sheridan says, ‘If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender.’ Let the thing be pressed.

On this side of history we know that he was right. On his side, he only knew that April 7 was no time to let up. It was time to press.

Thankfully we are not engaged in a bloody Civil War. But we are all engaged in some sort of battle. A battle for our family. A battle for souls, and a battle against evil. And this is no time to let up.

Another warrior wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Let the thing be pressed.

Clarence Sexton often said, “People remember how you start and how you finish.” Many start well. Few finish well. The secret is near the end – let the thing be pressed.

President’s Day – A Day of Prayer

President’s Day should be more than a reminder of history.  Take the time to pray for the future of our nation, and for godly leaders.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 we read,

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Our world is full of talking heads. The problem is that most of our talk is being done only to one another. The greatest thing you can do is talk to God for those who are in authority.

• Pray for his protection.
• Pray for his family.
• Pray for his counselors and advisers.
• Pray for his decision-making. Ask the Lord to give him wisdom and to continue to give us liberty.
• Most of all, pray for his soul. Intercede for spiritual needs and you will make a difference not only for time but for eternity.

It is the one thing you can do for our President and our nation today. It is the best thing you can do. And you can do it every day.

Do this today for the President of the United States…pray.

Perhaps we think that our contribution is small.  It is easy to be overcome with the vastness of our country, the shortness of time, the depths of our nation’s sin, and the littleness of our influence.  Instead ponder the greatness of God.  He is able and He is listening.

Make President’s Day a prayer day this year.