The United States has a very unique history and has been greatly blessed by God who has used this great nation to bring the gospel to the far corners of the globe and to minister to many, many nations in their times of need. Key to the blessings our nation has experienced has been our foundation on biblical principles and the leadership of many who, although not all Christians, have had a respect for and support of biblical values. The Psalmist wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (Jehovah)” (Psa. 33:12). Unfortunately in recent years, it seems our nation has lost its respect and reverence for the LORD and for biblical values and we have been paying the price for turning our back on the God who has made this nation great. It is encouraging that under the new administration we appear to be headed back in the right direction. So, as I wrote recently in a “Wisdom of the Week,” “Don’t Stop Praying!” Pray that our leaders will depend upon God and look to Him for wisdom in their decision making.

     Many can remember when we observed holidays on both the birthday of President Lincoln (Feb. 12) and that of President Washington (Feb. 22). These two men were widely revered as our nation’s greatest presidents, and their birthdays were patriotic holidays. But our commemoration has “devolved” into a three-day holiday theoretically honoring all presidents. We are thankful, of course, that most of our presidents have indeed been God-fearing men. None were atheists and almost all have professed belief in Christ and the Bible. God surely led our founders when they formed our constitutional republic, and most of our presidents and most other leaders have diligently supported it. Christianity has thrived in our country–until recently–and we have been acknowledged everywhere as the world’s greatest nation. Only if we return to honoring, and fearing God, will that continue.  So, pray, pray, pray!

    While neither George Washington nor Abraham Lincoln were particularly “religious” in worship or lifestyle, both men believed in God and creation, and both were men who prayed for wisdom and guidance in the establishment and preservation of our nation. The day before his 52nd birthday, Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, to become President of the United States. With the threat of civil war looming, he said goodbye to the friends and neighbors who had come to see him off. “I now leave,” he told them, “not knowing when, or whether ever, I  may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trust in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.” Lincoln’s reliance on God for guidance and strength reflects the instruction of Solomon: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (direct your paths)” (Prov. 3:5,6).  Living without trust in God is like driving in the fog!  Praise God for our leaders who have put their trust in the Living God for wisdom and direction. Pray that President Trump and his staff will do so.  

     Some of the wisdom God provided President Lincoln is evidenced in many of his sayings which have been passed on to us.

Here are some quotations from Abraham Lincoln:

     “Whatever you are, be a good one”  (Check out Col. 3:17, 23,24)

     “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” 

     “Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them.” 

     “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

     “No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent.”

     “I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know who his grandson will be.”

     “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”

     “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed

          ourselves.”

     “If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?”

     “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”

     Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Once, doctors pointed out a young soldier who was near death and Lincoln went over to his bedside and asked if there was anything he could do for the young man. The soldier, who did not realize it was the President of the United States, asked him to help write a letter to his mother. The soldier began but was too weak to finish the letter, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.” The young man asked to see the note and was astonished when he discovered who had written it. “Are you really the President?” He asked. “Yes, I am,” Lincoln replied quietly. Then he asked if there was anything else he could do. “Would you please hold my hand?” the soldier asked. “It will help to see me through to the end.” In the hushed room, the tall gaunt President took the boy’s hand in his and spoke warm words of encouragement until death came.

     Lincoln was one of our greatest and most beloved presidents because of his servant leadership and the true love he had for his fellow men and for the Lord. He seemed to serve God in all he did. That’s an example of a leader we can look to with pride. That’s an example of a godly man that should inspire all of us. 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave