Dear Friends,
On Flag Day, we are reminded of how, as children, we would stand proudly with our classmates, hands over hearts, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Since those days, we have seen the flag spit on, burned, and desecrated. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by those who still fly Old Glory and love the country it represents.
| Recently we took our grandson to visit the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem. The final verses of the anthem are not often sung, but are worthy of consideration: |  |
| “Then conquer we must, when our cause is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust’ And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” |
In 1956, President Dwight David Eisenhower signed a law making the motto of the United States, “In God we trust.” In the Book of Exodus, we read an account of the Israelites battle with the Amelikites that demonstrates what it means to have God with you in the fight.
“While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”
So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”).” (Exodus 17: 8-15)
This Flag Day, let us proudly raise Old Glory remembering that we are one nation under God. Let us also raise a prayer that God will remain a protective banner for the United States – In God we trust.
Verse for the Week: Romans 8:31: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Blessings, Your friends in Christ
Dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Macaulay and Harry Lindsey.
Because He Loves Us Press 