Today in the USA we celebrate Presidents Day which is a combined holiday of both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays. These were first celebrated on their own separate days until several years ago. Initially it was celebrating our First Presidents Birthday, George Washington, then changed to make it for both Washington and Lincoln since they were both born in February. So the name does not necessarily imply every single president but was the initial intent to celebrate our nations 1st President George Washington only.
At this time, because of the name being in the plural form, we may think this day honors all of our presidents as well. We may have a president of the US in this currently independent and democratic country who is called the leader of the free world, but the ultimate leader in charge of even the President of the United States, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Ultimately all power is given from God and he allows men or women to be in authority for his purposes. This does not necessarily mean it will be godly leader or a fair leader, but God is the one who is in charge of promotion and allowing this person to be there for His purposes. God will take care of evil rulers in the end. He has the final say. Man may try to build up his own little powerful earthly kingdom and can leave God out of the equation for the time being, even misusing scriptures for his own gain, but look out! He may try to lord over people and put them in bondage. This arrogance and egotism will not stand in the end.
Businesses used to close on George Washington's birthday and other holidays like Veterans Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day, but now stores use them as an opportunity to have sales. All honor and respect due this holiday is largely lost and a new generation grows up unaware of the true meaning unless their parents choose to teach them. Respect and honor for this special day seemingly have gone by the wayside. Formerly it was a day of remembering, not shopping. This holidays' intent when it was celebrated as Washington's Birthday was to honor the 'father of our country' and his accomplishments. Indeed we have lost the honor and respect due to these holidays and now they are nothing more than days with no mail, going to the lake, shopping, seeing the latest movie and noting the day on a calendar. Respect is long gone.
What does it mean to show honor and respect? We can choose to bring honor and respect back and to teach the younger generation these valuable traits which used to be taught in our public schools in addition to the home. Honor is showing reverence and holding someone in high esteem. Jesus is the one we are supposed to show ultimate honor to. George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge was "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping." George Washington was a true man of God regardless of what people do to rewrite history and deny that fact.
1 Timothy 1:17 says "now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever Amen." Romans 11:36 says "for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever, Amen!"
Do you pay the ultimate honor to the king of kings? Let's start today to lift Jesus higher than mere man of the world. Jesus is the one on the throne who deserves our true allegiance, honor, and respect. No one should ever exalt man over God. Philippians 2:10 says "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Our hope is not in a mere man but hope is only in the Lord God Almighty!!
Psalm 103:19 says "The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is."
PRAYER: All hail the power of your name Lord Jesus. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is only through you power comes. We pray for our leaders to follow you and listen to your voice. We pray for good to overcome evil. Help us to show honor to you Lord and to remember to pray for our earthly leaders per your command in scripture. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Note: We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. I urge you in order to try to do this daily to check out the following website which is independent and has nothing to do with the federal government. It is a valuable tool to help fulfill this command. http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/
Click on link for a praise song which will lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/MslM2vkVXiU
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