As many of us sat and watch the Presidential Inauguration of Barack H. Obama today, we heard over and over again the phrase “a moment in history.” People see this as a moment that will never be forgotten because of the hardships and battles fought to obtain equality amongst the races. President Obama is the first African-American President in the history of the United States.

A lot of people have a problem recognizing someone from a different political party as president. People struggle recognizing someone who they did not vote for as their leader. As we move forward from this momentous occasion in this country, it is important to remember what is told to us about authority. In Romans 13:1, we are told, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

I assure you, there is a reason for President Obama’s election to the position of Commander-in-Chief, just like there was for Former President George W. Bush, William Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and all those who preceded them. I don’t know what God’s plan is, but I know that we are called to recognize President Obama as our appointed authority, and treat him with respect. We are called to look to him as our leader. We are called to remember that he is a man, and is not faultless. President Obama will make mistakes, but we are called to submit to authority.

As we move forward, I hope that everyone will take the time to pray for our country, and more specifically the leadership of our country. We are facing hard times and it will take a great commitment to God and the people of the United States to overcome these hard times.

Praying for Our Leadership…

Well 2009 is in full swing and with a new year comes a wonderful time to reprioritize, make a bunch of foolish new years resolutions that we will never stick with, and perhaps set some truly realistic small goals for your life which could help you grow and move forward in all areas of your life.

After being a couple of weeks into this year, I am amazed at the feeling of renewal and hope that is in the air. It seemed as though we ended last year as a society with the mentality that we could not wait for the year to be over. Now nothing has changed really except the day, but all around us we see the hope, optimism, and looking forward to the future that should have been there all along. I dont know why, but I do know that I have seen it.

As a church group, I have seen this as well. We are amping up for some new things and the closeness of attaining some goals that we have set for quite some time. There is a renewed spirit to the vision of what we can attain with the help of God and each other. I dont just think, I believe with all of my heart that 2009 will be the greatest year that our church and the church as a whole has seen in a long time. It would appear that now, more than ever before we are coming into the end of times, and things are going to get worse around us, but God is going to pour out His Spirit on those whom are His remnant, His chosen people who serve Him with their lives. We might not be able to change everything around us, i.e. the direction of the country and government, the agenda pushing news media, and the decline of morality in society. But here is what we can do, we can save the world, one life at a time. The strength is their for you, through God; the outlet is their for you, through the church; there becomes just one thing left to do, move!

May the end of this year be one that we look back on in awe, not wanting it to end because of all of the success that God has brought us! Happy New Year!