Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that today is Inauguration Day for the 45th President of the United States.  Why not take a moment and give thanks to the Lord for our nation, where we still have free elections and a peaceful transfer of power?  I’m afraid that sometimes we take that for granted!  However, that’s not the point of today’s note.  As the new administration takes office, let’s be reminded of a couple of things.  Notice I said “reminded”; there’s nothing new here, but these must be principles to which we give more than just lip service.  First, the hope of the United States of America remains in the Lord God of Scripture.  We must never, for a second, think otherwise.  The prophet Jeremiah stated, “Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord…Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is” (Jeremiah 17:5-8).  Next, ask yourself if you are praying for our nation and its government at the same high level you were just prior to election day.  If not, why?  The need is just as urgent now as it was then.  1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”  That should be part of the “Pray without ceasing” principle, don’t you think?  Lastly, we must purpose to live as salt and light in today’s culture that seems to be spiraling downward (Matthew 5:13-14).  To do this, we must live the Gospel and share the Gospel with those who need Christ.  Also we must stay in communication with our government officials, letting them know we are praying for them and encouraging them to make decisions that keep our nation in line with God’s word.  As I said, nothing new here, so let’s commit to these simple principles.  You see, it’s not really about a great America; it’s all about a great God who is sovereign over all things.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”