Abe Lincoln

 

Lincoln

 

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;

then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

(James 3 vs. 17, 18) 

                President Lincoln presided over a war that was one of the bloodiest in the history of our country. He could not have done what he did without his strong faith. His bible was often at his side in meetings and had dog-eared pages from continual use. It reinforced his belief that he and the union were doing the right thing.           

It brings to my mind the old joke about disagreements in church congregations. The arguments are often fierce because both sides feel God on their team. We are not making decisions that cause battles where 10,000 plus soldiers die in church politics. People get assassinated, brothers fight brothers, and a race's freedom is at stake. Still, somehow we do the Lord's will.           

            Often Lincoln felt badly after a traumatic field report and would lean on the Biblical hope offered to him (and all of us. Today's verse was one he often used when he needed reassurance. He would say to his cabinet and all who would listen, "Let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear and with manly hearts." (Note from Walking With Lincoln) 

Happy Birthday, Abe. 

Thought for Today: Today is the birthday of America's most loved president. His faith is a strong example for us. Our summons is to be happy Christians, be the light of the world, and share and contribute through our faith. Today let us shine our light brightly. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, we thank those great men who had gone before us and contributed to our world. We pray that we contribute in some small way to accomplishing your will and spreading a world of peace and love.

Amen