Thoughts on Inauguration Day 2025

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 The benefits of another snow day on a Monday means we were able to watch the inauguration of US President #47. Our homeschool co-op usually meets in person on Mondays, but icy roads have dictated otherwise for the past two weeks.The kids may not have normally been that enthused over it, but since it counted as “school time” and got them out of a worksheet or two, they were pretty excited to watch. I loved hearing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful, and the National Anthem sung so beautifully. I loved the Scriptural prayers that were offered up. I loved that there were so many God-honoring, patriotic things to point out to my children. At the same time, it was important to point out that no man, government, or country is all good. Only God can rule righteously and justly.  
     Some thoughts that have been running through my mind recently as I read and prepare to teach my kids each day from a Biblical perspective. More and more it has been pressed on me that there is no “good” thing that is totally good, except God. Even “bad” things can be dressed in truths. That is how the Evil One is able to deceive! Teaching our kids to be discerning, through the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit is more crucial than ever. Placing our hope, no matter how tempting it may be, in a man will always lead us to disappointment and tragedy. We see this frequently in once-great preachers and evangelists who are caught in gross sins and “fall from grace.” (Did they though? They fell from the pedestal on which men placed them. But, the grace of God does not fall away from them. It is still there, ready to cover them as much as it ever was!)
   So, do we throw the baby out with the bathwater? Just because we can never trust a man, does that mean we label all as heretics or dismiss teachings from men who fail to live up to the expectations of their followers? Philippians 1:18b reads: “the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.” We must seek out the truth of the Word. Rejoice in truth that is accompanied by the gospel – no matter where we see it coming from. God will use even evil men to spread His Word. Understand that God is not limited by men’s actions. His plan will prevail! We can trust Him! We can live victoriously, no matter who is in power because we serve the Almighty God. None other. To do this, we must be in the Word. To recognize the truth, we must be familiar with it. The more we know it, the more we will recognize the lies that might be entwined with the truth in this world. God promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him. 
  May your walk be blessed this week!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Heather Sparks


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