Old Glory

"His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed" (Psalm 72:17).

"Mom, it's my turn to hold the flag today, right?" asked my five-year-old son.

"Yes, honey," I replied, "but you can't be silly. If you want to hold the flag, you have to stand up straight and tall with your right hand on your heart."

As we started the day with the Pledge of Allegiance, holding the flag was considered an honor in our homeschool. My father was a World War II veteran who had passed on his love for history, country, and flag to his children and grandchildren. Sharing heroic stories of combat and bravery, my father instilled a sense of pride and respect for the American flag, especially on June 14.

June 14 was first proclaimed Flag Day in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson and officially became recognized as National Flag Day in 1949 when President Harry Truman signed the National Flag Day into law. Although June 14 is not declared an official federal holiday, it is a wonderful day for homeschoolers and all Americans to show respect for what our flag represents — one nation under God. With so many voices disputing that fact today, teaching our children to honor and handle the flag correctly is one way to develop a patriotic spirit and appreciation for those who died in protecting our flag.

Does your homeschooling family know how to honor the American flag? If not, today is a great day to start a short unit study on our nation's greatest symbol. As your children learn to honor those who have died to keep Old Glory waving, they'll also discover the Holy God who made our country great. "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:27-28).

Lord, help us to remember the blessings You gave this country because we trusted in You. Show me how to teach my children how to honor the flag, so they might continue to keep this one nation under God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Comments(42 comments)

DAVID P 06/14/2009 06:58:48

Our homeschool will pass on the idolatry of beginning our school day with a "pledge of allegiance" to a piece of cloth that is soaked in the blood of millions of innocent babies. The LORD's anger burns against this nation and its symbol and our nation will go the way of other nations of the world throughout history. Pray for her leaders, pray for her repentance, but PLEASE do not commit the sin of idolatry by bending your knee to Molech.

America will be on the rouge list of nations at the end of history, standing before God to receive her just reward. And you want to begin your day pledging allegiance to this earthly power? Say it our loud, does it make ANY sense whatsoever. Allegiance means "the loyalty of a subject TO HIS SOVEREIGN". There can only be one sovereign; who or what is yours?

MARIA P 06/03/2010 04:40:10

If you don't like America, David, GET OUT.

JENNIFER C 06/03/2010 06:01:05

"One nation, under GOD..." David, honestly, let's break that down for just a moment. There's the nation, and it's under God. That would make Him the sovereign according to the Pledge of Allegience wouldn't it????

VERONICA P 06/03/2010 08:49:59

Really, David, have you completely missed the most important line in our pledge - "one nation UNDER GOD." This nation was founded by people who knew and feared God. They recognized God as the ONE and ONLY Sovereign. That flag is dipped in the blood of thousands upon thousands who gave their lives fighting for the freedom the allows you to voice your opinions (wrong as they may be) and the freedom you have to teach your kids at home. If you have issues with freedom, maybe you should read God's Word more - Jesus has set us free, and He blessed us with a nation founded on the pursuit of freedom. If that's a problem for you, maybe you should leave this country and find one you can support.

DENISE K 06/14/2010 10:49:07

My Hubby just retired after 23 years in the United States Army! We always fly the flag at our house, and do the pledge of allegiance as we post the colors...We also have a son and son-in-law in the United States Air Force proudly continuing the proud tradition.

SHEILA G 06/14/2011 04:21:45

David you, and others like you, are the reason our country is in the shape it is in. A twisted value of what is right. Love America or leave it!!

KIM P 06/14/2011 04:29:57

David certainly has a point - while it's not wrong to teach about America and the country's history, I've always had an uncomfortable feeling about teaching an allegiance to a country as much as I believe and accept that the United States is the best country in which to live. My children are young and at such a young age, I want their allegiance to be toward Christ rather than muddying the waters with allegiance to anything else. Maybe as they grow older, we can teach them more. But even now they learn about other countries around the world where God has loving followers as well. The nation under God is the nation that bows to the Lord in fear and reverence calling Christ King. Anyone who is a true follower of Christ is part of that nation. 1 Peter 2:9-10

SUSAN H 06/14/2011 04:56:09

I said the pledge of allegiance every day in school and then we said the Lord's prayer. Then instead of prayer, we had a moment of silence and we could pray quietly. Now there is no prayer in school, as we lost that freedom. Many of us home school so we can have the freedom to choose. We also have freedom of speech which we can exercise. Many are not so fortunate as we are. I will always salute the flag and pay my respect to my country, just as I will pray that we keep those freedoms to pray (in whatever language or religion), worship, and teach my children to love GOD, FAMILY, and COUNTRY! My father, father-in-law, mother-in-law, a son-in-law, and two of my children served and still serve so that you all can enjoy the privilege of freedom of speech and religion. We are the conduit for the next generation. Choose wisely!

BARBARA R 06/14/2011 05:49:31

Wow. David. Molech? Liken that to our American flag? That's pretty harsh. You say, "The LORD's anger burns against this nation and its symbol and our nation will go the way of other nations of the world throughout history. Pray for her leaders, pray for her repentance, but PLEASE do not commit the sin of idolatry by bending your knee to Molech." Did the Lord personally tell you that His anger is burning against America, personally? Did the Lord personally tell you that the flag, as an American symbol and this country will go the way of other nations of the world? I'm not sure if you are in the Old or New Covenant but the New Covenant in my Bible says that God isn't angry any more. His anger was placed on His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross at Calvary. God isn't mad anymore David. I think before you posted your comment that YOU should have prayed for our leaders and their repentance and yourself before you lashed out at this awesome devotion on paying tribute to what our flag stands for. Freedom. Not the innocent blood of children. We fight to continue to maintain that freedom. When we speak it must be edifying, encouraging and uplifting. You spoke of hatred and how giving honor to the American flag was idolatry and bowing a knee to Molech. Again, that's pretty harsh and I don't think our Father looks down on us as doing that. I will pray not only for our leaders and their repentance David but for you as well. I am choosing to believe that your comments here were an honest and sincere attempt to communicate your passion about the state America is in but I won't take that any further. When you get to know the love of God, you'll see that your comment meant to harm and hurt and that's unfortunate in the body of Christ.

BARBARA R 06/14/2011 06:24:11

I'd like to say one last final thing David. The only thing standing before God in the end will be the seven churches. No where in Revelation does it say that each nation, individually, will stand before God. Nations individually aren't even mentioned. The seals, however, that represent those churches, will be opened and judged. Who labeled the American flag as an "earthly power?" It's a symbol David and Jesus gave and used many of them in his day to explain the Kingdom of God and what it was like. I'm sure he'd do the same today. The flag is a sign of respect to those of us who honor it. God knows our hearts and I'm positive that most people that revere and respect the American flag, revere and respect God as well. I would have to question someone in rebellion of the American flag because if you cannot respect that and what it represents, then you might have to examine yourself as possibly rebellious and disobedient towards its' authorities.

BARBARA R 06/14/2011 06:52:57

I did a bit of studying after reading David's comment. I had to because it really bothers me when I hear of Molech and idolatry worship of the American flag in the context that he spoke of it. That was new to me and anything new to me I examine with passion. This is what I found out about the particular cult that David may be a part of. http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/chapter3/. It's regarding the American flag and what they believe. In the websites' words: "The American flag is a symbol of the Brotherhood (Freemasons) and the Brotherhood is linked to Satanism. The Flag has 50 pentagrams on it with thirteen stripes. The number 13 is not evil however the US government has programmed us to think that it is evil because they do not want us to go near the knowledge that is behind it." That explains David's position. The group that is a part of that statement looks into reading into all types of occult messages that they believe exist in everything. They look at the American flag as a satanic attempt by the American government to get its' Americans to worship it and that there are messages behind it. Granted George Washington was a Freemason but I think these groups have taken things too far. Quite interesting really. All I can say to this instead of dishonoring and disrespecting our American flag is that there is a Holy Spirit who reveals truth and thank the Lord that He knows each and every one of our hearts. I'm not going to concern myself too much with any subliminal messages behind anything or be placed under condemnation by anyone with regard to where the Spirit leads in the matter of honoring the American flag because in Christ Jesus we are all free with or without a flag.

BRENNA H 06/14/2011 07:17:07

My sister currently serves our country and my husband and many other relatives bravely served in our military. I feel that to pledge to the flag, shows that we want America under God! I wish more people took that more serious that some faulty thought process of flag worship. I pray everyday that God will still bless our country as confused as we seem to be. Our leaders need a giant heap of prayers as do all of us. If honoring the flag as a symbol of what God has graciously given to us as in this nation, what is the issue. If we do not remember who has died for first our eternal peace and freedom...Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ and then to our earthly freedoms.. the soldiers.. we take for granted two wonderful, undeserved gifts. We serve an Awesome God!!!!! Peace and prayers, Brenna

KRISTEN L 06/14/2011 07:27:35

David - learn a little history about the world before the United States existed, please, before you try to pass your vitriolic hatred on to your children. Read books like The "God's Plan for America" series by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. Then use a little imagination and try to see what the world would be like if the US had never existed. Of course there are problems - we are a nation of humans subject to misunderstanding God's meaning and the corrupting influence of power. I believe your heart is in the right place, but I believe your human capacity for reason and understanding has been corrupted by your emotion. Please pray for your anger to subside so that you can see more clearly.

SHARON W 06/14/2011 07:35:21

I'm not sure why so many are attacking David. He has the right to believe what he believes, and nowhere in his comments did he say he doesn't love or support this country.

I personally don't have a problem with the Pledge of Allegiance. Like many of you, I grew up reciting it each morning in public school. I like the idea of having pride in one's country and the flag as the representation thereof, because I think it gives young people a sense of belonging and community.

However, I do have a problem with the notion that every soldier that has ever died in the service of the US military has done so to "protect our freedoms." I have military personnel in my family, too, and I can tell you that the reasons for signing up are wide and varied, and also that not every soldier believes in the mission he or she is sent on. They go where they are told, and sometimes that is to protect "our" freedom, but sometimes it is to protect some other interest that our government has that is far less noble. I wouldn't want to live in any other country, but I'm not going to be naive and believe that my country / my government is always on the side of right, either.

LISA B 06/14/2011 07:46:57

Where to begin?

David, I pray you can forgive the attacks against you today. Jesus gave us a new commandment - to love each other. I'm not seeing a lot of love here today.

Jesus also told James and John (in Luke - when they wanted to call down fire on the Samaritan village for not taking them in) "You know not the manner of spirit that is in you."

What manner of spirit is in a person who attacks a brother in Christ? And what manner of spirit is in a person who condones warfare at all? The Lord opened my eyes to this some time ago.

And Barbara - the Lord isn't angry anymore? What do you think is going to happen on the Day of the Lord? His wrath/anger is going to burn against all those who are not in Christ. Jesus took on His Father's wrath on our behalf. That's why those of us who are in Him won't have to suffer it. But God's wrath is still there for the rest.

This nation we live in is just one of all the rest of the nations. There is the world - of which this nation is a part...and then there is the Kingdom of God - of which we, as Christians, are a part. We bow the knee and pledge allegiance to one or the other.

Yes, we are to respect the authority that God has placed over us. Jesus did that (telling Pilate that he only had the authority that His Father gave him) to the point of death. Jesus never told his people to fight for their rights. He never told us to protest. We are to love, bless, pray for and forgive our enemies - not bomb them. And that's why a nation cannot be Christian. Only a person can. Our nation is responsible for the deaths of so many civilians in other countries - and we must open our eyes to that.

I pray that all here will prayerfully consider reading Jesus' words on all this. And I pray that the spirit of contention and strife and hatred and anger will leave those who have it here.

And David is not in a cult! Good grief! David - you might find good, Christian fellowship with a blog called "Protoprotestant" or one called "Following Judah's Lion". Great reading there and thoughtful discourse.

Bless you, brother. And be careful how you approach people with the truth. You don't want to be too confrontational. Many people were weaned on patriotism in this country.

If you were leading a country and you wanted people's undying devotion to it - wouldn't you ask them to give their lives for it? Their families would have to be devoted to you then - because they just couldn't believe their loved ones sacrificed so much and possibly died for nothing. It's hard to become reconciled to that.

Our job is to spread the gospel - not attack.

Take care, brother.

Lisa

ALLISON W 06/14/2011 07:50:08

I agree with David and Sharon! Right on! We are all entitled to our own opinions on things and I think that as long as we came to those opinions with much prayer, searching of the scriptures, and with pure motives that God will honor our decisions on whether or not we pledge to the flag. Personally, we do not pledge to any flag but we do pledge to the Bible. We came to that decision through the methods I stated. The verse speaking about giving an account for every idle word spoken hit us hard...pledging ALLEGIANCE (loyalty) to a FLAG seemed kinda iffy to us. To each their own, but definitely through prayer. This does not make us the equivalent to Westboro Baptist, we love our country and support our troops, but we will not be pledging to any flag.

BRENNA H 06/14/2011 09:32:14

I just looked up molech and am very insulted about the reference that to support our country and flag is a kin to worship of a beast. I am a very God-loving, conservative Christian and that comment is rude. I realize that because of the death of many soldiers we have the right to express our opinions. David, you can say what you want since you live in the free country, but realize the backs on which your freedom was won. Peace and prayers, Brenna

CHRISTINE E 06/14/2011 09:54:22

To Denise K., S.H., and Brenna H., thank you for the service and sacrifice of your family members in the military, past and present. Joining you in praying for your loved ones currently serving; for our leaders at all levels of government; and thanking God that we live in a country where we are free to speak, worship, and assemble -- and teach our children -- as we see fit. And proudly, very proudly, hoisting our flag today, as, with grateful hearts, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, with full understanding of the difference between a symbol and our AUTHORITY -- in Christ alone, our hope is found.

BARBARA R 06/14/2011 10:49:02

I stand by what I said in my earlier comments. The same thing David that you stated in your article is the same thing that is keeping you from the true love of God in the Bible. God, from beginning of time, set up structure; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; God, the Husband, the Wife. America too has structure. It sits under God. Americans should abide by that. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. God, America ,and the flag. More structure. Lisa, judgment will come when Jesus returns but there is no anger burning in God right now. Wrath was taken out on the cross and put on Christ. David, you say "our nation WILL go the way of other nations." It is true that our country has betrayed God and just because those who choose to betray it does not mean that we, as Christians, are going to pay for it. You say that we are "commiting the sin of idolatry" by bending our knee to the flag? Jesus said to give to Ceasar what is Ceasars. David, your thinking is that of a cult. Americans pledge their allegiance UNDER GOD. That is NOT idolatry. Take God out and it would be idolatry. You say, "America WILL be on the rouge list of nations at the end of history." Of course! but where is your faith? Where is your hope? Who are you to condemn our nation and speak death over it like you have? I rebuke what you have said. America will NOT be on the rouge list of nations, our nation will NOT go the way of other nations. I take what you say as blasphame. I put my faith in my country under God. That's where my allegiance is David. ONE NATION UNDER GOD. Biblically David unlike a majority of the believers commenting here? I am standing up for the truth and I am rebuking you. The bible refutes everything that you have said. David, I pray you repent before Jesus comes because you will be responsible and accountable to Him in the end for what you have said.

SORETHA P 06/14/2011 10:58:12

Soretha P from South Africa

If I may: al my precious sisters and brother in Christ.I learn so much of all of you through this daily devotions. I want to just leave this thought with you-In South Africa God has shown our nation exactlly that that David P was saying:Idoltary (of S.A. is our traditions Etc.) please find the book of Denise Woods Reaping the Whirlwind of National Idolatry (of South Africa). please read it and you will understand what David ment-he was a little bit fearce! but for give him.It was hard for me to hear from our flag as a Voortrekker-please read it if you can. believe I had to promp you all. PsWith the greatest respect to all of you as Americans and fellow christ followers: I don't know alot about your history,we need to honour and let go-God is with the living and all that are His that died are living . Blessings in Christ to all

LISA B 06/14/2011 11:14:19

Thank you, Soretha, for writing in!

I think many people need to be reminded that the U.S. isn't the only place where there are Christians! Our brothers and sisters reside all over the world and speak many languages.

If we, as Christians, raise our nation's flag and reverence it - how are our brothers and sisters around the world going to feel about us? What if they've been bombed by the bearers of that flag? What if they've been oppressed by the bearers of that flag?

Bless you, dear sister! I will look for the book you speak of.

I pray that the eyes of the blind are opened to God's truth. And I pray that He will help me to love those who have been very rude on this comment board today. It's easy to fight...but we must remember that our fight is not with flesh and blood. Let's read God's word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and take what He says seriously.

Early Christians died - were tortured and died - for not bowing the knee to Caesar. Barbara says we should render to Caesar what is Caesar's - and that is exactly right - that's what Jesus said. But He didn't say we should give to Caesar everything Caesar wants. If he wants us to pay him taxes - fine. But we don't pledge allegiance to him and we don't honor him like we should God.

Let's not twist scripture and misunderstand it.

Lisa

KIM P 06/14/2011 11:35:33

Idolatry=putting anything above God first in our lives. If Christ is first in a Christian's heart, there should be no offense taken at someone speaking out against devotion to the US or to the American flag because Christ is first in our heart, not the flag or our country. Our citizenship is not here but in heaven. Our hearts must be checked often - daily, hourly - for idolatry. We are to submit to our govt and leaders as we are called to do insomuch as it does not oppose God's commands. And how can a person who is filled with zeal for their country not appear prideful toward others who are not a part of this country, similar to what Lisa has said.

Thank you Lisa B. for your wise and Biblical response. A great blog post re: our citizenship being in heaven is here for those interested: http://anneelliott.com/blog/2011/06/my-heavenly-citizenship/

SORETHA P 06/14/2011 12:36:07

Soretha P of SA

All the honour to our Heavely Father!!! He open our Spiritial eyes.Lisa B, David P and Kim P thanks.Wow. Don't want to debate-reason for so many denominations under christians and breaking up the unity!I Believe God works with each and everyone according to their purpose so no one can be above another but just learning from each other. Lovingly sisters and brothers God said in 1 Pet 4.( heading Suffering for God's Glory in NKJ version-I prefer the old king james)verse 13 ,read the whole chapter. always remember this in doing everything.Even fight a battle, for the memory of those that died for country etc. be bless and do read Denise Woods book on Whirlwind of nasional Idolatry-Even if it is from another nation se explain things so clear and please share what you see or hear! Blessings in Christ

CINDY M 06/14/2011 16:01:06

I, personally, am not comfortable with my (or any) children reciting the pledge of allegience primarily because God takes pledges very seriously. The Bible warns against making vows carelessly. I'm willing to bet that most children (especially in schools) have no idea what they are even saying - they have learned it by rote and recite it without thinking much about what they are saying. This devalues what a pledge really should be. Also, because children are taught to say it without given a choice in the matter, they are not taught that making a pledge is a serious thing and should be done with caution and reverence. I don't want my children pledging allegience to anything or anyone but God. If there comes a time when there is a conflict between what God wants them to do and what our country decrees, I don't want them having made a pledge of allegience to this country. If they want to celebrate or remember our country's history, or the people who have sacrificed to win their freedoms, that is fine, but I won't have them making any pledges.

KIM P 06/14/2011 17:00:08

Totally agree Cindy M!

KRIS H 06/14/2011 17:01:02

I don't usually comment on boards but feel I should point out a couple things.

I agree with those who don't believe in pledging allegiance to any flag.

Unfortunately this country was founded by men who only claimed to be christian. If you do the research you will find symbols used in our capital and in most government building around the world are pagan. Taken from Greek and Roman mythology. The capital building actually has a mural of George Washington seated on a throne in an imitation of Apollo. All of our spaceships have been named after pagan gods.

For anyone who cares to find out more do a search on David Flynn, or his book Temple at the Center of Time. He has done in depth research on the founding of this country and the symbols and their origins.

Don't get me wrong I don't hate this country. I know there are many christians, there may even be some in government. I have much respect for our soldiers and those who truly try to uphold God's laws.

But we can't be blind to what the real leaders of our government really worship, unfortunately it is not Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

ALLEN B 06/14/2011 21:45:56

Wow, Kris H! You are the first person I have heard correctly state that this country was founded by men who only CLAIM to be christians. CORRECT! Do the research and you will be shocked! I was blind to this FACT until my husband presented me with some documented research. Don't want to get into a "political" discussion here:) We don't pledge our allegiance to anyone or anything other than the triune God of the Bible. We appreciate this country and the fact that we are able to worship without persecution...yet! Teaching our children to respect and honor is certainly good. But, have to say I agree with David. Christianity and patriotism seem to be more and more intermeshed these days where they shouldn't .

JENNIFER V 06/17/2011 01:55:30

Wow...whereas David has every right to ins opinion, it was his tone that was offensive. The devotional spoke about a love for country and uniting the flag on Flag Day. David's comments were meant to be harsh and devisive. Had his comments been loving and gentle, they may have been received and welcomed. There is nothing wrong with a healthy and respectful debate. Unfortunately, what was meant to be an inspirational devotional was turned into an ugly display of anger and intolerance.

I do not take issue with his opinion (I have my own on this subject). I take issue with the unloving and offensive nature in which he expressed it. There are places on the web in which that kind of tone is expected. Very disappointing that this was found on a Christian devotional site for many who Homeschool.

It is sad when we forget that it is His kindness that leads us to repentance.

BECK M 07/18/2011 03:48:13

When David referred to the Flag as "a piece of cloth that is soaked in the blood of millions of innocent babies" I assume he was referring to abortion which the U.S. government has made every woman's "lawful right". The horrors of abortion can make a Christian's blood boil; and the degree of apathy in the church about it can add to the Christians dismay. This can lead one to becoming harsh in their statements.

I am Australian. I admire American patriotism because there isn't much love of country or pride of belonging here in Australia. I want my children to grow up loving their country and respecting the sacrifices that Aussie soldiers have made for their freedom. Having said that, I agree with those who say that it is not right to pledge allegiance to any country or cause other than God. Australia has also legalized abortion (to our everlasting shame) and my children know that we live in a post Christian society. We pray for righteous government and seek to shine a light in our anti God Australian culture.

ALLEN B 07/23/2011 00:07:55

Amen sister.

AMANDA J 06/14/2012 05:14:46

I know from personal talks with people, that things dealing with old traditions and our country can come under argument and cause strife. Many times when we read what one has posted, we are angered. But we must remind ourselves that we are not hearing the tone or even the complete story behind such comments. I personally want my children to care about our country. To have a love so that they know how desperately we need God\'s mercy and guidance more and more each day. Let us each be thankful that God has led and allowed us to be able to teach our children ourselves about everything that we can to make them the men and women that He has planned them to be for the country that they live or will be apart of someday.

COLLEEN P 06/14/2012 07:18:50

Freedom of speech, Freedom to believe in what we choose and the freedom to teach our children what we desire. God bless America!.

KATHY S 06/14/2012 08:13:28

Wow.

Today is quite a day on the AOP website. I agree with the statemnet above saying \"It\'s the tone\" thst is offensive (thanks Jennifer V.).

This is a Christian website.

Without, or at least trying no to criticize in any way, I will give my input, whatever it\'s worth, as well.

As a child we also were taught to do the \"Pledge of allegiance\" every morning in Private school.

I think that\'s a good thing. Long time ago, our country was in better shape than now.

When my son attended Public School, they did a \"Peace Pledge\" each morning, pledging to not \"Bully\" one another and be \"Peacful\" throughout their day at school. That was somewhat of a \"Joke\". There was no peace or behavior there for the most part. So saying/pledging and doing are 2 different things.

My Father, may he rest in Peace, fought in the Korean War. His hands were frostbitten as he actually was fighting on the lines, and I might add he had many mental \"Scars\" from those 4 years, joining at age 15 years old, and ending at almost 20 years old. He was not welcomed home with a \"good job\" or \"praise\". Just as our soldiers today are not always welcomed home with open arms from our fellow citizens. It\'s really quite sad.

Whether you are for or against a War, always, always, praise our men and women who serve, they put their lives on the line, for our Freedom. Please, remember that.

I have taught my son to always say :THANK YOU\" to every person dressed in service attire when we see them, since he was little.

We went after Bin Laden and others because of 9/11. It\'s done. I am not in charge, and I don\'t have the \"Intelligence\" to make the decision whether they bring our men and women home yet.

For reasons that I cannot understand, we are still there, I will not debate it as I am not in charge. My heart wishes that our service men and women could be home. But that\'s just my heart speaking.

We do not do the\" Pledge of Allegiance\" in the morning. Why? Because until today, it didn\'t come to mind. We\'ve only been Homeschooling for

7 months, and in that time, we\'ve had alot to get in, like curriculum and prayer, and working around my illnesses/injuries.

Next fall, I think we shall start with a PRAYER for our Country each morning. Lord knows our country needs the prayer. I have seen in the last few years things get worse and worse in our beloved country, it\'s scary.

Later we may add the Pledge of allegiance. Let\'s see how far we get with the rest.

This was a nice Devotional. Being a child of a Marine, we were taught to respect our Country and the Flag, and what\'s wrong with that?

I\'m not putting either of thise things before or in front of our Lord Jesus. So, Let\'s pray for our country to get back on track. Let\'s pray that our Leaders quit borrowing more money (especially from Communistic countries, that so frightens me.

I personally pray that our country can go back to more of the 1950\'s Era. Where we had more saftey, respect, and love for one another. Where our children could go out and play without fear of being abducted.

There was less theft, murder, deceit, oh my goodness, the list goes on and on.

Pray for our children, that they can survive in our world today.

That God protects them from the Evil that lurks everywhere. Satan has gotten into almost eveything that we and our children come in contact with.

Jesus already won the \"War\", he defeated Satan long ago, when he died for us on the Cross. We just have to use the Wisdom and Power that Jesus has given us through his infinate Mercy to defeat Satan in our daily endeavors.

I still believe, and no offense to anyone who lives in any other country, that America is still the best place for my family to live.

May Jesus be with you all. Have a Blessed day!

MRS. LAURIE W 06/14/2012 08:43:45

\"For the kingdom is the LORD\'s: and he is the governor among the nations\" (Psalm 22:27-28).\" Right. So why murder our kin who are scattered abroad in in His kingdom? Whom the Bible also calls our brethren, our brothers? Sheep do not defend themselves or each other, the Shepherd does it for them. The Bible calls those who believe and follow Jesus, His sheep..who know their Shepherd\'s voice and follow Him. Thou shall not kill (murder). Turn the other cheek. Forgive and again I say forgive. If you are obeying what Jesus says, you won\'t be keeping account of wrong or anybody\'s debts because if you do, so will God keep your debts and account of your wrongs. Jesus also said IF you love Me, you will keep My commands, which are not only the popular 10, but what He taught in His sermon on the mount too. Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 say; And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Satan does not want people to forgive, he wants people to fight and war and hold debts and wrongs to account. Jesus, my Shepherd, wants and taught His sheep to do the opposite.

Other Books agreeing with what Jesus taught His sheep::

In God We Don\'t Trust by: David Bercot

Change of Allegiance by: Dean Taylor (he and his wife were soldiers for the USA)

KAREN C 06/14/2012 08:56:34

To David: I agree in part. But I feel that we are pledging allegiance to the ideals that the Flag represents. Just as we are not perfect Christians, our country is far from perfect. It needs our prayers and support. It is horrifying to realize how far the USA has debased itself. But the IDEALS are still the foundation on which it stands. It was founded by fallible men. But the God they based it on is infallible. One Nation UNDER GOD. Though some are clamoring to delete the \"under God.\" Sad.

KAREN C 06/14/2012 09:03:05

Another thought: I am new to homeschooling and never even gave a thought to pledging the flag. Perhaps we\'ll begin by pledging allegigience FIRST to God and then to the flag. Does anyone know of or have a Christian Pledge of Allegiance? Though, DUH, I could google it. :)

TERESA S 06/14/2012 14:32:43

I think if the apostle Paul were here he would say if you feel saying the pledge is wrong do not say it, and if you feel it is right to day it, say it.

And then he would get back to the Hevenly Father\'s business of saving souls and creating kind, supportive chuches living according to Jesus\'s instrtuctions. Paul came down hard on sin, but pledging allegiance to one\'s country was not one of the sins he mentioned. I am not concerned about bloggers attitudes toward the pledge. I am saddened to see some expressing bitterness, anger, and a little arrogance. I too have been guilty of harboring these emotions toward folks who didn\'t agree with my theology, and even now, I HAVE TO PRAY \"SWEETON ME NOW LORD\". On the issue of our country\'s forefathers, I encourge the readers to read the actual writings of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, ect. Do not believe what a2ed or third party writes about what THEY think these men blelieve. G. Washington, in particular, wrote some very inspiring Christian letters/speeches. Above all, focus on what matters today. The children of the Lord should be known by the love and tolerance they show toward each other.

TABITHA J 06/14/2012 16:43:17

If one look at the back of the 1 dollar bill, you would see Freemason symbols, especially the all seeing eye and the unfinished pyramid, which is on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States. The obverse side is the coat of arms with an eagle holding 13 arrows in one talon and a olive branch in the other talon with the motto E pluribus unum (\"Out of Many, One) over the eagle.

BRANDY A 06/15/2012 11:25:58

Keyword: (Flag) symbol not idol. Our cross is a symbol not the idol. We worship the man who died on the cross not the piece of wood itself. Our Pastor teaches the cross holds no powers it is the man who died on that cross who we worship. We say the pledge everyday because we are in a nation under God. This doesn\'t mean I worship or idolize the flag just what it stands for. Just like the cross.

TERESA S 06/16/2012 07:10:49

Brandy - great analogy-

Russell Boyd 06/15/2014 03:44:38

Wow, David, you sure ignited a firestorm! A little more tact may have gone a long way, but I know how I can get with issues I'm passionate about, so I can't fault you too much.

But even if he wasn't very tactful, it's a shame, I think, to even have a firestorm among believers.

I grew up in public schools in the 1980's saying the Pledge every day. Several years ago I spent a week in ACE training. The first day I said the Pledge like a good public school-programmed American, but I felt an annoying discomfort with it. Later as I processed my thoughts about it, I realized I was indeed pledging allegiance to a piece of fabric and to a nation that is not particularly godly. I haven't said it since, and we do not teach it to our children. As stated by several people already, our allegiance must be to our God alone! And I don't think that the phrase "under God" somehow sanctifies it and makes it equal to pledging allegiance to God. It does not.

As concerns God's wrath, look at Romans 1, beginning in v.18: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them." (NASB) I don't want to type it all out, but read the rest of this chapter; the apostle Paul was writing nearly two thousand years ago and describes the United States today as if he lived here! But what nation was Paul describing? The Roman empire, obviously. And what happened to the Roman empire? It fell. The United States is just another nation in decline and God's wrath is indeed coming upon it. This isn't my opinion, I'm just repeating what Paul said!

I appreciate this land and I appreciate the freedoms I enjoy in it, but I also realize that those freedoms could very well go away even in my lifetime. My allegiance is to my God, and should this nation fall my allegiance will remain to my God and only to my God. I am not divided. And I certainly do not want my children's allegiances to be divided.

Just a thought to those pledging allegiance "...to the flag...and to the republic for which it stands..." This nation will one day go the way of every nation and kingdom before it, whether it's in our lifetime, or our children's or beyond. When this nation's day comes, where will you or your descendants stand?

dixbell force 06/15/2015 15:13:20

Beloved, as harsh as David P's comment may sound to many, so were the words of the prophets in the Scripture. Selah

Now, America is under judgment and there is no question about it (read Jonathan Cahn's The Harbinger and the Mystery of the Shemitah). Just like it was with Hananyah and Shappira (acts 5), His judgment will start in His house.

Sadly, we have removed His commandments from our places of worship and we don't honor the commands given to Moshe/Moses. We have forgotten our wedding vows but we pretend to be a faithful bride. Selah.

Today is the day to repent. To seek Yahweh while He may be found. To ask Him to show us where we have failed Him. To repent for the transgressions we've committed for generations. We have forgotten His covenant and adopted the idolatrous ways of the nations that serve other gods. His people need to return to Him in humility and repentance and He will show us where we went wrong and what we must change.

We've broken His heart long enough. "My advice to you is to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be dressed and not have to be ashamed if your nakedness; and eyesalve to rub in your eyes, so that you may see. Revelations 3:18.

Let's heed to the voice of those who cry out in the wilderness, no matter how harsh the message may sound. Let's seek Him in Spirit and truth. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments John 14:15

Have a blessed week everyone.


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