I was listening to a message by Kemp Holden that was preached approximately 17 years ago. He brought out of the book of Daniel five principles to live by as a Christian in America. The sermon was taught soon after President Clinton was elected president. As you might recall, when Clinton was elected president, there was much fear and anger among some Christians in America. The message he preached was very helpful. Let me recap it for you. It might help you during these tough times.

1. Make a Stand. Daniel purposed in his heart while in Babylon not to be defiled. We need to make a stand with our Christianity. We will not be defiled by sin or the world regardless of which party is in power in Washington D.C.

2. Pray for the President. Darius the King issued a decree that prayer was no longer allowed in the kingdom. Daniel prayed anyway. Paul tells us in Timothy to pray for all those who are in authority. You are to pray for them not against them. Do you pray for your president?

3. Have Compassion for the President. Daniel was cast into the lion's den. When the king went to see if he was still alive, Daniel said, "O king, live forever!" This is found in Daniel 6:21. Daniel did not hate the king. Daniel spoke favorably toward him. God has not called us to hate anyone except sin and the devil. I always like this saying, "If you can see them, they are not your enemy." Since President Obama is flesh and blood, we do not war against him. We wrestle against principalities and powers. We are to love our enemies and pray for our President.

4. Serve with an excellent spirit. Daniel always maintained an excellent spirit. He served four different kings. Through each administration, Daniel maintained an excellent spirit. An excellent spirit is a spirit of integrity, high character, moral values, self discipline, emotional stability, and a biblical self-image. Do you have an excellent spirit?

5. Have confidence in the future. Daniel was able to see the future through the eyes of the prophetic. Daniel knew that the kingdom of God would triumph over the kingdoms of the world. As Christian, we can have the same confidence. We are on the winning side. Politicians will come and go. Kingdoms will come and go. Political parties will come and go. The Word of the Lord will endure forever. Christ will rule and reign over all. If you read the end of the book of Revelation, Christ and His followers win! Hallelujah!!!

I hope these five principles will help you be an overcomer regardless of who is living in the White House. We do not have to fear, hate, or fret. God is the Lord. We are His people. If God be for us, who can be against us? Amen!

Blessings, Pastor Tim