We do not have Patrick Henrys leading us today because Christians have been careless. Even though we say "God Bless America" with our lips, we often reject God by our actions.More of Falwell's sanctimonious slop, in the same vein as 9/11 being caused not by the bad guys, but because God lifted His "protective veil".
John, I pray daily for Pres. Bush, his advisors, our military, and "all those in authority over me." Christians want to forget this: that we are REQUIRED (it isn't a request from God) to "pray for those in authority over you" that we may "live in peace." God repeatedly in the Old Testament used pagan leaders to advance the cause of Israel and to honor or protect Israel, so your leaders do NOT have to be "Christians." It helps, but God can use a donkey, if need by.
Folks, I hate to tell you, but this means praying for the Democrats as well as the Republicans. You want them to be wise, and courageous, and patriotic. To say they "can't be" says that God is a liar. He says they can be.
On the other hand, you don't want to give them free reign. So here is how I do it, and I believe this is consistent with the Word: I pray blessings on "all those in authority over me," the House, Senate, Supreme COurt, President, Gov. Taft, Mayor McLin, and my school's administration. But then, in the name of Jesus, I bind BY NAME the Democrats from interfering with certain policies. Jesus said whatever you bind on earth would be bound in heaven, so I believe this has an effect. If all Christians bound the Democrats not to impair the vote on judges, for ex., we would have our judges. You may have other methods, but this works for me. NOT PRAYING for ALL our leaders, I think, is not an option.
The War Inevitable
A speech by Patrick Henry
March 1775
Patrick Henry
They tell us, Sir, that we are weak -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.
Three millions of People, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Beside, Sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of Nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable. and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!
It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our breathren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that Gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery! Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Bump, great article.
Thanks for the post, JH2. We do need to pray for God to bring into leadership positions, people of integrity, honesty, vision, and faith in God.
(We have such a one as our President - now we need more in other offices all over the country). God will answer if we will just pray!