Thank you for joining in 40 Days of Prayer for America as we count down to the 4th of July. Daily posts will follow this introduction.
If you are outside the United States let me encourage you to use these 40 days to pray for your country, your leaders and your people as we pray for ours. God does not love America any more than He loves your country and your people. John 3:16 states "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
All God's promises and blessings are for the "whosoever" people and nations. The "whosoever" that will take Him at His word, believe He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. That promise is for me, you, my country, your country and the entire world. Join us!
Day 20: June 15, 2011
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Lord, you have proven your word to be true and just. It is us Lord that have fallen short of your righteousness, your children. We groan today because of our sin of slothfulness. We have not taken our stand for you these last years and now our nation is speedily traveling to disaster. A spiritual tsunami has crashed into our shores and threatens to engulf our nation. We ask for mercy Lord, for forgiveness. Renew your spirit within each of us and return this nation back to you. Give us the courage and the strength to stand against any foe, both foreign and domestic, who would threathen our way of life and our belief in you, the one true God.
Isaiah: 60:12
For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.
Lord we come before you today humbly confessing our personal sins and the sins of our country. Lord we have taken what is good and right and have declared it to be wrong. We have gone after our own desires and not sought your face. We have said within our hearts that we do not have need of God for we are wealthy. We have questioned the very establishment of the core of our country ~ its Christian values and have said they are outdated for this modern age. We have tossed aside your Commandments from our halls of justice and taken prayer out of our schools. We have made legal the taking of innocent life and have called it aborting tissue when your word declares it to be murder. Our churches have embraced the placing of gay and lesbian pastors in the pulpit when your word says "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen" (Romans 1:24~25). Lord, this is but a few of the many sins our country has commited and we ask for forgiveness. Lord, open our eyes and let us see as you see. Pierce our hearts and minds Lord with the truthfulness of the path we are traveling so we will not continue to move down it but return to you. Burn your words and your commandments into the hearts and minds of our citizens, let us know your truths and repent of our sins. Lord we ask these things so we will be a nation who serves you and that we may not perish from the earth.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Lord only you truly know the number of men and women who have fought and died for this country down through our history. Let us never forget their courage and sacrifice. But Lord, we continue daily to be in a battle ~ not one of flesh and blood but spiritual. Father, if this country is to return to following after you it will be fought and won on a spiritual realm. Father, never let us tire of hold firm to your truth and declaring it to this nation. Father, you are on our side and we thank you. Give us victory in this endeavor Lord, for our good and your glory.
All God's promises and blessings are for the "whosoever" people and nations. The "whosoever" that will take Him at His word, believe He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. That promise is for me, you, my country, your country and the entire world. Join us!
~ COUNT DOWN TO THE FOURTH~
Day 20: June 15, 2011
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Lord, you have proven your word to be true and just. It is us Lord that have fallen short of your righteousness, your children. We groan today because of our sin of slothfulness. We have not taken our stand for you these last years and now our nation is speedily traveling to disaster. A spiritual tsunami has crashed into our shores and threatens to engulf our nation. We ask for mercy Lord, for forgiveness. Renew your spirit within each of us and return this nation back to you. Give us the courage and the strength to stand against any foe, both foreign and domestic, who would threathen our way of life and our belief in you, the one true God.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Day 21, 14 June, 2011
Flag Day, 2011
Flag Day, 2011
Our Flag: A Symbol of Service
"June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
Act of April 4, 1818, provided for thirteen stripes ~ representing the thirteen original colonies, and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the Fourth of July following the admission of each new sate, signed by President Monroe."
God Bless America: Prayers and Reflections For Our Country
Zonderan Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan, USA
Flag Day, a day to celebrate our flag and what it stands for. It's more than just stars on a field of blue and red and white stripes. It's the essence of America, our past, our present and by God's grace where we will be in the future. It represents us, a united people in 50 different states; brought together under one common idea, that all men were created equal. It represents the faith of our founding fathers that God in His providence guided the founding of this country and it's only by His mercy and hand of protection will this flag continue to wave over this land of the free. It represents the courage of all the men and women who have come before dedicating their lives to the continuance and preservation of such a great land. It represents the service of all the brave men and women who down through our great history who have left friends and family to embark on a journey, a service dedicated to the greater good for all her citizens. It represents the promise of a better life for all who come to her shores. It represents the high price of sacrifice for a common good to keep this country free. It represents freedom ~ the right to live without oppression from a particular group or governing body. It is our standard, Old Glory, our star spangled banner that stands for home and hope for thousands around the world.
May our living Lord ever let our Star Spangled Banner be a symbol of His grace, love and goodness as the citizens of this country reach out our hands to others in their hour of need. May our service be a reflection of His love and redemption for all the world to see. May God Bless America.
The Star Spangled Banner ~ our National Anthem
The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton
Display your flag with pride and honor and think about its meaning.
Enjoy your Flag Day
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Day 22: 13 June, 2011Isaiah: 60:12
For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.
Lord we come before you today humbly confessing our personal sins and the sins of our country. Lord we have taken what is good and right and have declared it to be wrong. We have gone after our own desires and not sought your face. We have said within our hearts that we do not have need of God for we are wealthy. We have questioned the very establishment of the core of our country ~ its Christian values and have said they are outdated for this modern age. We have tossed aside your Commandments from our halls of justice and taken prayer out of our schools. We have made legal the taking of innocent life and have called it aborting tissue when your word declares it to be murder. Our churches have embraced the placing of gay and lesbian pastors in the pulpit when your word says "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen" (Romans 1:24~25). Lord, this is but a few of the many sins our country has commited and we ask for forgiveness. Lord, open our eyes and let us see as you see. Pierce our hearts and minds Lord with the truthfulness of the path we are traveling so we will not continue to move down it but return to you. Burn your words and your commandments into the hearts and minds of our citizens, let us know your truths and repent of our sins. Lord we ask these things so we will be a nation who serves you and that we may not perish from the earth.
18th U.S. President: Ulysses S. Grant
Born: April 27, 1822
Term of office: March 4, 1869 ~ March 3, 1877
His fame as a war hero made him an easy choice for Presidency after Andrew Johnson. During his time in office the first national park was established ~ Yellowstone, in 1872, the Department of Justice was established and the 15th Amendment was passed granting voting rights regardless of color, race or whether you had been a slave.
Grant had a habit of smoking 20 cigars a day which more than likely contributed to his death ~ throat cancer.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Days 24 & 23: 11 / 12 June, 2011
Romans 8:31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Lord only you truly know the number of men and women who have fought and died for this country down through our history. Let us never forget their courage and sacrifice. But Lord, we continue daily to be in a battle ~ not one of flesh and blood but spiritual. Father, if this country is to return to following after you it will be fought and won on a spiritual realm. Father, never let us tire of hold firm to your truth and declaring it to this nation. Father, you are on our side and we thank you. Give us victory in this endeavor Lord, for our good and your glory.
19th U.S. President: Rutherford B. Hayes
Born: October 4, 1822
Term of office: March 4, 1877 ~ March 3, 1881
Hayes rose to the rank of a Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War. At one point declined to leave the battlefield even after he had been nominated for a seat in Congress.
During his Presidency Alexander Graham Bell personally installed the the first White House telephone.
Term of office: March 4, 1877 ~ March 3, 1881
Hayes rose to the rank of a Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War. At one point declined to leave the battlefield even after he had been nominated for a seat in Congress.
During his Presidency Alexander Graham Bell personally installed the the first White House telephone.
17th U.S. President: Andrew Johnson
Born: December 29, 1808
Term of office: April 1, 1865 ~ March 3, 1869
Term of office: April 1, 1865 ~ March 3, 1869
President Johnson had many arguments with Congress over how the reconstruction of the North and South should be brought about. Johnson vetoed plans Congress wanted and it angered them so much so that in 1868 the House of Represpentatives charged that he should be removed from office ~ impeachment. Upon the Senate vote only one vote fell shore of convicting Johnson. "The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia during Johnson's Presidency."
Upon his death "At his (Johnson's) request he was buried wrapped in a U.S. flag with his haead resting on his copy of the Constitution."
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Day 25, 10 June, 2011
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Father, we thank you for these great victories of long ago. We thank you for your providential hand in making all men free. We thank you for the reunification of our United States of America
16th U.S. President: Abraham Lincoln
Born: Born February 12, 1809
Term of office: March 4, 1861 ~ April 15, 1865
The states were on the brink of war when Lincoln Lincoln
In January, 1863 Lincoln
In his famous Gettysburg Address Lincoln stated “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that the government of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” He succeeded in that effort on April 9, 1865 when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox , Virginia Lincoln
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 26: 9 June, 2011
Galatians: 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Lord, let all your creation always live free and preserve that freedom for generations to come.
15th U.S. President: James Buchanan
Born: April 23, 1791
Term of office: March 4, 1857 ~ March 3, 1861
The slave, Dred Scott, had argued that he should be free if his owner moved him to a free state
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 27: 8 June, 2011
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.
Lord, let us be aware of how our actions and words influence those around us as individuals and as a nation. Let us always influence others to turn to you.
14th U.S. President: Franklin Pierce
Born: November 23, 1804
Term of office: March 4, 1853~March 3, 1857
During his term of office hot and cold running water was installed in the White House along with a hot water based heating system.
“Let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man’s wisdom…It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence." Franklin Pierce
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
"God Bless America , Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House,Grand Rapids , Michigan
Zondervan Publishing House,
Day 28, 7 June, 2011
Romans 12:13
Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospility.
Lord, because of your love and goodness and mercy is the only reason this nation has been blessed. Our prosperity does not come from our innovatatieness, our political savy nor our military strength. No, it only comes from you. You Father have blessed this nation beyond measure. Let us, who have been blessed so richly, be quick to give to those who do your work and those who are in need of your forgiveness.
13th U.S. President: Millard Fillmore
Born: January 7, 1800
Term of office: July 10, 1850 ~ March 3, 1853
Romans 12:13
Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospility.
Lord, because of your love and goodness and mercy is the only reason this nation has been blessed. Our prosperity does not come from our innovatatieness, our political savy nor our military strength. No, it only comes from you. You Father have blessed this nation beyond measure. Let us, who have been blessed so richly, be quick to give to those who do your work and those who are in need of your forgiveness.
13th U.S. President: Millard Fillmore
Born: January 7, 1800
Term of office: July 10, 1850 ~ March 3, 1853
President Fillmore and his wife, Abigail, established the first permanent library at the White House.
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Day 29: 6 June, 2011
2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Lord let us not forget we are in a battle. A battle for souls for your harvest, a battle for our spiritual well being, a battle for turning this country around to once again trust in you. Let us be of good courage, take up our shield of faith and keeping our feet covered with peace let us step boldly onto the battlefield ~ never backing up, never giving up, never compromising but pressing onward toward the prize of our high calling.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 29: 6 June, 2011
2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Lord let us not forget we are in a battle. A battle for souls for your harvest, a battle for our spiritual well being, a battle for turning this country around to once again trust in you. Let us be of good courage, take up our shield of faith and keeping our feet covered with peace let us step boldly onto the battlefield ~ never backing up, never giving up, never compromising but pressing onward toward the prize of our high calling.
12th U.S. Presidnet: Zachary Taylor
Born: Nov 24, 1784
Term of office: March 4, 1849 ~ July 9, 1850
Nickname: Old Rough and Ready
President Taylor never attend college instead his loyalty was to the Army where he served for 40 years. His military bravery earned him his nickname. He liked wearing farming clothes into battle and his legs were so short he had to be assisted in mounting his horse. Taylor died July 9, 1850 after becoming ill from an Independence Day celebration snack.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
Day 30: 5 June, 2011
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Lord, thank you for our laws that exist for our good, our protection, our prosperity. Keep in our hearts and minds that each individual ultimately must answer to you for what we've done/how we've lived our lives. You've entrusted us with an enormous responsibility ~ to have no faith or trust in any other god but you, the one true God, to give as it has been given to us, love others as we love ourselves and never cease from doing good. Let us so live Lord that at the end of our days when our lives are spilled out before your throne we will hear you say ~ well done.
11th U.S. President: James K. Polk
Born: November 2, 1795
Term of office: March 4, 1845 ~ March 3, 1849
During his term in office President Polk secured land that would increase the size of the United States by two-thirds. Land that would form all 48 contiguous states. "In all, Polk added 1.2 million square miles of territory to the United States." President Polk was tireless in his duties to this country. After his term of office his retirement only last 3 months, Polk died partly from exhaustion from his Presidential duties.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
"With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the presence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen to take upon myself the solemn obligation to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States". James K. Polk
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
"With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the presence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen to take upon myself the solemn obligation to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States". James K. Polk
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
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Day 31: 4 June, 2011
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Lord, give our leaders wisdom to choose rightly for the people of this nation, for themselves, for me. Prick their spirits with your truths, keep in front of them their sworn duties to you and country.
10th U.S. President: John Tyler
Born: March 29, 1790
Term of office: April 6, 1841 ~ March 3, 1845
President Tyler fathered more children than any other president ~ 15 in all by two wives.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 32: 3 June, 2011Proverbs 39
Honor the Lord with your wealth.
Lord it is you who makes wealth for the world, for this country, for me. Thank you Father for all your wonderful and gracious gifts both those that can be bought with money and those only love can purchase. Lord, let this always be a gracious nation, ready to help those in need and let the generosity of my country start with my generosity to others. All is yours to bestow upon whom you will according to your good pleasure. Let us follow close in your steps with open hands.
9th U.S. President: William Henry Harrison
Born: February 9, 1773
Term of Office: March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841
President Harrison was the first President to die in office. He had the shortest term in office ~ one month. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison became our nations 23rd President.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 33: 2 June, 2011
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Lord, we are a nation with many beliefs, many differences. Father while we choose to live in this country let us hold true to the Christian values it was founded upon. While not all believe in you Lord let us not back down from your commission to spread your gospel message to all nations ~ that includes America. While we diligently spread your gospel seed to all the world let us also be a light for those in our country to see your love and grace and redemption, for Lord these are the only things that will last.
8th U.S. President: Martin VanBuren
Born: December 5, 1782
Term of Office: March 4, 1837 to March 3, 1841
VanBuren was "the first President born as a citizen of the United States." Earlier Presidents were born as British subjects, but were considered U.S. Citizens by their association with the new nation.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
"May it be among the dispensations of His providence to bless our beloved country with honors and with length of days. May her ways be ways of pleasantness and all her paths be peace!"
President Martin VanBuren
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
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Day 34 ~ 1 June, 2011
Deuteronomy 6: 5 ~ 9
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Father, you have given us the command to love you, to keep your words before us and to teach them to our children. Lord, you have ensured that this nation was built on Godly values and your words were kept in front our forefathers and leaders down through our history. Your words are inscribed on our buildings in our nations capital, we are forever reminded of your love and grace through our songs, our national pledge and our currency. Lord, let us hold close the truth of these words, your words for our people and let us as citizens never grow tired of telling our children of your love, grace and blessings on this nation.
Born: March 15, 1767
Term of Office: March 4, 1829 to March 3, 1837
During the American Revolution Jackson served as a messenger for the American troops. He was captured by British soldiers. He was attacked and his faced scared for life while refusing to obey an order of a British soldier. He was the only President who had ever been a prisoner of war. During the American Revolution Jackson served as a messanger for the American troops. He was capitured by British soldiers. He was attacked and his faced scared for life while refusing to obey an order of a British soldier. He was the only President who had ever been a prisioner of war.
"The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests".
Andrew Jackson
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
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Day 35 ~ May 31, 2011
Lamentations 3:40
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD."
Father, let us not be deceived by any false spirituality. Let our feet follow in your footsteps. From our Chief Executive to our members of Congress and state and local leaders, guide their every step and let them choose what is right and good and moral.
6th U.S. President: John Quincy Adams
Born: July 11, 1767
Term of Office: March 4, 1825 to March 3, 1829
Adams was the first son of a Chief Executive to seek and gain the Office of the President, second was George W. Bush in 2000.
Adams was the only President to serve later, after his term of office, in The House of Representatives.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Day 36 ~ May 30, 2011
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”
Father, we humbly bow before you and give thanks for the sacrifices that our countrymen have made down through history in order for us to live free. Let us never forget their courage, love for their country and dedication to preserve a nation that ensured our freedom and liberties would be passed down to generations to follow.
Lord, protect and preserve this nation. Protect us from those who would declare this nation as anything other than a Christian nation. Let the evil that is devised against this nation be returned to the ones who perpetrate it. Let them not escape. Father it is not anything we have done that has set us up as a great nation. It is only because of the love and mercy and plans you have declared for America
Lord, we thank you for your love and mercy. We thank you for America
5th U.S. President: James Monroe
Born: April 28, 1758
Term of Office: March 4, 1817 ~ March 3, 1825
President Monroe was no stranger to politics, The Presidency or war. He severed under the command of General George Washington in the famed crossing of the Delaware, he was severely wounded in battle at the Battle of Trenton and was there to winter Valley Forge.
"He held post in foreign affairs for three of the first four Presidents. He was Washington's minister to France, Jefferson's minister to Great Britain, and secretary of state and secretary of war for James Madison."
Like Presidents Jefferson and Adams, he too died on the 4th of July, 1831.
"With a firm reliance on the protection of Almighty God, I shall forthwith commence the duties of the high trust to which you have called me."
President James Monroe
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
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Day 37 ~ May 29, 2011
5th U.S. President: James Monroe
Born: April 28, 1758
Term of Office: March 4, 1817 ~ March 3, 1825
President Monroe was no stranger to politics, The Presidency or war. He severed under the command of General George Washington in the famed crossing of the Delaware, he was severely wounded in battle at the Battle of Trenton and was there to winter Valley Forge.
"He held post in foreign affairs for three of the first four Presidents. He was Washington's minister to France, Jefferson's minister to Great Britain, and secretary of state and secretary of war for James Madison."
Like Presidents Jefferson and Adams, he too died on the 4th of July, 1831.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
"With a firm reliance on the protection of Almighty God, I shall forthwith commence the duties of the high trust to which you have called me."
President James Monroe
"God Bless America, Prayers and Reflections for our Country"
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999
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Day 37 ~ May 29, 2011
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Lord, I pray about the moral decline in my nation, backs turned away from the one and only thing that will right the wrong in this land and in me. That we would turn again to see your love demonstrated for us and embrace it. Start we me Lord and let your light shine as a luminary to those around me who have lost their way.
4th U.S. President: James Madison
Born: March 16, 1751
Term of Office: March 4, 1809 ~ March 3, 1817
James Madison was instrumental in creating the rules that govern our country ~ The Constitution and The Bill of Rights. Madison and Washington were the only two men who signed the Constitution who later became President.
Madison died in 1836, only six days before the 60th anniversary of our nations Independence Day.
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Day 38 ~ May 28, 2011
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Lord, I pray about the moral decline in my nation, backs turned away from the one and only thing that will right the wrong in this land and in me. That we would turn again to see your love demonstrated for us and embrace it. Start we me Lord and let your light shine as a luminary to those around me who have lost their way.
4th U.S. President: James Madison
Born: March 16, 1751
Term of Office: March 4, 1809 ~ March 3, 1817
James Madison was instrumental in creating the rules that govern our country ~ The Constitution and The Bill of Rights. Madison and Washington were the only two men who signed the Constitution who later became President.
Madison died in 1836, only six days before the 60th anniversary of our nations Independence Day.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
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Day 38 ~ May 28, 2011
Galatians 6:8
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Lord, give us sound minds that are secured with your helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit ~ the words of God. Let us not easily stray from following after you to seek our own indulgences. Let us instead Lord be dependent on you for our needs ~ promises you’ve made to us. How far we have strayed Lord from placing you first in our individual lives and as a nation. Open our hearts and minds Lord to know these things will never bring us lasting happiness or joy, things which can only be found in a relationship with you.
3rd U.S. President: Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Born: April 13, 1743
Term of Office: March 4, 1801 ~ March 3, 1809
Along with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, and others, Thomas Jefferson assisted in drafting the Declaration of Independence. A few days later Jefferson penned it. He was the second of only two men who signed the document to become President ~ John Adams was the other. And like Adams he too died on the 50th anniversary of the approval of the Declaration of Independence ~ July 4, 1826.
Some of his accomplishments include: drafting and founding the University of Virginia in Charlottesville , VA ; made the Louisiana Purchase for around $15 million dollars which added 800,000 square miles to the United States
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
“It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.”
Thomas Jefferson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 39 ~ May 27, 2011
Day 39 ~ May 27, 2011
Hebrews 1:7 (NIV)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Lord, thank you for the office of the Presidency of the United States
2nd U.S. President:
John Adams
Born: October 30, 1735
Term of Office: March 4, 1797 ~ March 3, 1801
John Adams coordinated the crafting of the Declaration of Independence and was one of only two men who signed the document to become President. He died on the 50th anniversary of the approval of the Declaration of Independence
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
Shortly after he came to live in the White House in a letter to his wife, Abigail he wrote, "Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/johnadams
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Day 40 ~ May 26, 2011
Jeremiah 29:11-13
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Day 40 ~ May 26, 2011
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Father, thank you for loving us so much that you have numbered our days and laid out a plan for all of them, a plan that will be for our good and your glory. Lord, our nation didn't happen by accident. You planned its beginning and in the fullness of time your plan came to pass and our nation was founded. You allowed our nation to be founded by Godly men with Godly values. But Lord, in these last times we have strayed from those values and have gone after other gods. We have replaced you with gods of materialism. Forgive us. Set our feet back on your paths of righteousness. Let us lay aside all that would cause us to turn away from you and let us be a nation that calls you and only you Our God.
1st U.S. President: George Washington
Born: Feb 22, 1732
Term of Office: 1789 ~ 1797
He chose the design and location of the White House but never lived there and helped lay the corner stone of the U.S. Capitol building.
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
Thanksgiving Proclamation (October 3, 1789)
George Washington
At the request of Congress, Washington establishes November 26th as a national holiday of thanks to God for the successful establishment of the Constitution and government and the liberties the citizens enjoy under the new United States
Transcript
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee 78 requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia
www. millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3447
www. millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3447
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
“Our Country’s Presidents”, Ann Bausum,
National Geographic Society; Washington DC
