Amidst an ever chaotic week of media and politics a familiar name continually rings out, President Barack Obama. The past few days have been an interesting and challenging time for God's people as we watched the 44th President of our Nation take his oath on January 20th. I personally spent the majority of the inauguration day in an almost surreal state as the news I had heard of the elections finally came to life. I watched in disbelief at the numbers of people that had gathered to witness the event and I felt a sudden sadness for the end of President Bush's term. But one word that I believe carries us on is Sovereign. I believe in an all knowing Soveriegn God who has allowed our new President to take office. I believe that he is in complete control and that he loves and cares for his children. I know that because of this, I can trust that even the President is not out of my God's control.

In my family we have discussed over the past few days the need to bring due respect back to the office. I am behind this 100%! I believe that the authorities we have come from God and as such have the right to be respected.

Romans 13:1,2 ESV says, " Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

This morning on C.J.Mahaney's blog there was an entry about praying for the President. www.soveriegngraceministries.org/blog
As a result of reading his entry I was impressed with the call to Prayer. We have the responsibility to bring before the Lord not only our President, but also the many other leaders, and our Nation.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV "First of all, then, I urge, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior."

While my initial reaction was not to begin praying for the President, I was challenged and encouraged to do so by these truths and I now encourage you to do so as well.

-Amanda Marie