President Barack Obama

Yesterday Barack Obama was sworn-in as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Pastor Rick Warren's invocation was outstanding, sincere, biblical, and well said. It certainly rose to the historic occasion.

President Barack Obama gave an excellent speech. He is a great communicator.

His inauguration was significant because he is our first African-American President. His inauguration will be etched in our history forever---and in the minds of those most impacted by the historical event.

Presidential inaugurations are always significant in that they punctuate the orderly, peaceful transfer of power in the most powerful nation on earth, following the vote of the people.

Inauguration day is a day when Americans, regardless of how they voted, stand together as citizens, then move forward.

In moving forward, how should those who perhaps did not vote for the new President, respond?

First, the Bible is clear that we are to pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 says,"Pray for those in authority."

Dr. Richard Land has written an article titled, "Let's Pray For Our New President." He puts the teaching to pray for those in authority in biblical perspective and suggests ways in which we can pray for President Obama.

Secondly, there is a biblical mandate for Christians to be salt and light---speak to the culture. In a representative republic such as ours, we are afforded the opportunity and the responsibility to be an active participant in the political process.

We are to work to elect those who uphold righteous principles and hold leaders accountable when they do not.

There are major challenges facing our country, including cultural challenges to the sanctity of life, biblical marriage and the family.

We must pray and be vigilant watchman.

I also want to share a couple of points of interest.

I asked my wife to share her thoughts after watching the events of inauguration day.

As I ponder the events of the day I am left with a feeling of awe for the amazing strength and power of our great country. God is at the helm and our lives and energies are in his hands. I was, as always, encouraged by our roots and our founding fathers, the history of our nation. The reminders through protocol and through tradition that with all of our faults and disagreements we are still a nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The anthems, poems and hymns that we all share unite us as one country.

I was blessed by all of the prayers that were shared, the evidence of God in the lives of so many. It is the way we do things in this country. Rick Warren's prayer could not have been better.I was so proud of him and what he stands for. It is a strengthening feeling to share in spirit with his spirit for this country. I was encouraged by all of the bowed heads and even many seriously praying and seeking God's blessing and help in the future.

As we move forward in our country and in our dreams for the future, may we continue to pray that God will lead us and that we can continue to say "In God We Trust". May we daily pray for Barack Obama. He will need God's leading and guiding each and everyday as he makes the hard calls and performs the tasks that lie before him. I for one will be praying daily and trusting God to help him and speak to him.

May God Bless the United States of America.

Rev. Ron Jones, pastor of the 5000 member Immanuel Bible Church, which is located a short drive from the White House, wrote an open letter to the President a few days ago regarding the high priority of life. I have given you a link to his letter.

God bless you.

___________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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