On Sunday our pastor encouraged our church body to watch the inauguration events today- which I agree, everyone should if he is able. This is a historic day in our nation. He also challenged us to say a small prayer each time that we heard the name Barack Obama (which should be quite often :) We were encouraged to pray for our nation, our new president, Rick Warren as he prays for our nation, and the lost souls around us. I decided to take up this challenge (as much as is possible with a needy 4 week old baby :)
Inauguration ceremony:
Runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Program is as follows:
Call to order and welcoming remarks — Dianne Feinstein.
Invocation — Pastor Rick Warren.
Musical selection — Aretha Franklin.
Oath of office administered to vice-president-elect Joe Biden.
Musical selection — John Williams, featuring Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, Anthony McGill.
Oath of office administered to president-elect Barack Obama by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Inaugural address.
Poem — Elizabeth Alexander.
Benediction — Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.
National anthem.
I have also recently been thinking about Romans 13 in light of the friendly transition of powers in our nation. I am encouraged that God is sovereign, and that he has established Barack Obama's authority over our nation. I choose to respect, honor, show thanks, and pray for that authority. He will need much wisdom and strength in the days ahead.
Rom. 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Rom. 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
4 comments:
I agree 100%! and thanks for the reminder to pray, our country needs it no matter who is in office. I hope no matter who people voted for we can stop the cycle of being so vicious and critical of our leaders, whoever they might be. may our words be directed upward!
Great stuff Julie...excellent perspective.
To Kelly - "Amen" said perfectly.
To Jules - GREAT post!
couldn't have said it better!! :)
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