“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
I Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
No matter our political affiliation, God has called us to pray for our leaders. We have a great opportunity today, on Presidents’ Day, to gather the family together and do just that – pray for President Obama. Talk about what to pray – for protection, for wisdom, for his relationship with God. Then, pray that as Christians, we have the freedom and the heart to live out our faith and make a difference in our world.
Here are some more ideas about how your family can celebrate this Presidents’ Day:
Learn more about the American Presidents. The National Park Service has a section on their website,http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/pres/trivia.htm , entitled “Just For Fun: Presidential Trivia”. You’ll find some interesting facts about every U. S. President there.
A Presidential Project. If you have elementary school children and older, give each member of you family a project for this week. Let them choose an American president , research his life and put together a presentation about him. Then, next weekend, have a time when each family member makes his presentation.
If I was President... Let each family member take their turn as “president”. Hold a press conference and allow all the other members of the family, the “White House press corps”, ask questions about the “president’s” policies and ideas about the future. This one might be worth putting on video for posting at http://www.youtube.com , or http://www.tangle.com, the “family-friendly Christian social network.”
Here's an idea that could change the way you do Valentine's Day forever. Call you family together tomorrow for your usual celebration, then, afterwards, discuss something that you all could do together as a “Valentine for Jesus” – a special offering, an outreach or a service project in which everyone participates. Make this day a time to give love too!
I love you. No, I really mean it. I do. At least, that’s what I’m working on these days.
I’m not sure who’s reading this right now, but, you might be someone who’s a part of that small inner circle of people that I love desperately. I’ll take a moment in the next few days, as Valentine’s Day approaches, to let you know how much I love you. Martha, you’re so easy to love. I can say without any hesitation that my love for you is limitless. You’ve been the love of my life for 30 years, and I long for at least 30 more. Anne and Matt, I could have never imagined the amazing people you’ve become. You’ve been such a joy! I’ve always loved you so much, and I always will. Robbie, I’m thankful for the man that you are, and that Anne picked you to be a part of our family. You’re not only my son-in-law, you’re my friend. And then there’s Josiah. How can anybody work their way so deep in my heart in just a few months? You’re G-Diddy’s little man. To my Mom, and all my other family members, I’m so blessed to have you in my life. All my close friends, you know who you are, are a source of encouragement and strength and a whole lot of good times. These are all the folks that I have no problem loving. Even during those challenging times, I can’t let go of them.
But we have a higher calling. If we want to love like Jesus loved, we’re not allowed to write anyone off – not the unknown and, definitely not the unlovable. We can’t hold them at arm’s length, and we can’t walk away, because that’s the way He loves. And I’m really glad about that. Because, you see, I’m one of the unlovable ones. Because of my failures and frailties, He could have given up on me. If I were God, I’d have probably already turned my back, out of sight, out of mind. But He loves me so much that He gave, and keeps on giving and giving. Thank God.
I’m challenged to love like Jesus loves. Not just on Valentine’s Day, when loving is the thing to do. But all the time, no matter the situation, no matter the circumstances.
When clouds veil sun, and disaster comes
Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul!
When waters rise, and hope takes flight
Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul!
Ever faithful, ever true, You I know
You never let go. You never let go.
You never let go. You never let go,
When clouds brought rain, and disaster came.
Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul!
When waters rose, and hope had flown
Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul! Oh, my soul!
Oh, my soul overflows.
Oh, what love, oh, what love.
Oh, my soul fills with hope,
Perfect love that never lets go.
Oh, what love, oh, what love
Oh, what love, oh, what love
In joy and pain, in sun and rain
You’re the same. Oh, You never let go.
“You Never Let Go”
Written by David Crowder, Mike Hogan & Mike Dodson
