On January 20, 2025, just three days away, our new President will stand before the country, place his hand on the Bible and swear an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. This oath will be followed by his inaugural address - the first speech by the new leader of the country. In it, he will unfold his strategy to bring about peace and prosperity for all citizens of this great country.

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There is little doubt that we are proud to be Americans. Yet, as Christ-followers, our truest citizenship is in the Kingdom of Heaven with Jesus as our King and Supreme Leader. Our reading today is HIS inaugural address. It is an unfolding of HIS strategy to bring about peace and prosperity to the human soul. This will not be accomplished by force but by forgiveness - not by might but by mercy - not by getting but by giving. Read it several times from different translations, and let the truths saturate you soul and spirit. Read it prayerfully and reflectively.

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As our reading reveals, although the mission matters, the motives of the heart matter more. What matters is how we treat people - all people, how we order our lives, how we offer forgiveness, and how we prioritize our stuff - including our money. Our Kingdom is an upside-down Kingdom; very different from the strategy of 21st-century world powers.

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The prophets of old prayed for the revival of their beloved nation, Israel. They confessed their sin and called her people to repentance, return and renewal. May this be the focus of our prayers as well. The prophet Isaiah prophesied of a child born, a Son, the government would rest on His shoulders and His reign would have no end. Hallelujah! 

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Friends, let's turn our gaze from the headlines, the hopes of wall street and from the power brokers of our day and turn our eyes upon Jesus. He is our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father and our Prince of Peace. 

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