{"id":59717,"date":"2024-10-14T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/?p=59717"},"modified":"2024-10-15T04:04:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T08:04:46","slug":"patriot-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/patriot-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriot","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a patriot?\u00a0
What is the difference between patriotism and partisanship?\u00a0
How do you act as a patriot without compromising your heavenly citizenship?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> \u2013 Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Patriot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some years back, I had the honor and privilege of taking an oath to become a citizen of the United States of America. This meant forsaking the country of my birth, where I grew up until the age of 10, where my ancestors served as kings, where my mother served in high political office and was a prominent businesswoman, and where I have over one thousand family members. It was the hardest decision of my life<\/strong>, to the extent that I spent years contemplating the resultant outcomes before finally deciding to do it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What led to my final decision was that although I was born in Cameroon, I had become more American than Cameroonian. In addition, my wife and children are American citizens, and living in America has provided me with many opportunities. I also realized that becoming an American citizen would facilitate God\u2019s purpose for my life. I had the privilege of casting my vote in a presidential election. \u00a0I am proud to be an American!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its challenges, America has a rich history of freedom, heroism, industry, opportunity, and caring for humanity<\/strong>. Only in America can a young 11-year-old boy arrive from Africa without even knowing a word of English, and eventually become the leader of an international organization while serving as a trainer and coach to some of the brightest and most promising entrepreneurs<\/a>. Only in America can you leave so much behind \u2013 in exchange for so much more.\u00a0 America remains one of the greatest nations on earth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this great nation is currently at great risk \u2013 not due to terrorism or an economic crisis \u2013 but due to political partisanship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Political partisanship is an inclination to favor one group, view, or opinion over alternatives.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Political partisanship is not just dividing the nation, but it is dividing the body of Christ along political lines. Partisanship is robbing us of the unity that we should experience as Christians.\u00a0 It is dimming our light and therefore hindering our ability to be effective witnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although partisanship is sometimes disguised as patriotism, it is not patriotic. One can be a patriot and a Christian, but it is difficult for one to be partisan and remain a faithful Christian. This is because partisanship blinds us of truth and causes us to impute motives to others, whereas patriotism focuses on truth and gives others the benefit of the doubt. We need more patriots in our nation today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A patriot is someone who loves his or her country and is prepared to defend it against all enemies or detractors.<\/strong> When required, the interests of the country are placed before self-interest, even to the point of laying down his or her life for the nation. A patriot recognizes that though we may have different views and ideas on how to do something, we all ultimately have the same goal. There should be no greater patriot in a nation than the Christian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Apostle Paul showed us how to be an ambassador for Christ while being a patriot and a statesman for his country. He honored the accomplishments of Israel and the values that had shaped that great nation while challenging them to turn toward Christ. While acknowledging their zeal for God, He prayed for them that they would be saved and know the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul showed high regard and respect for the ruling authorities of his time, and he pursued every opportunity to respectfully challenge them based on the standards of Christ. He risked his gains as an Israelite for the sake of his relationship with Christ.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you operate in your country as a Christian patriot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    One of my favorite passages is Philippians 3:4-11<\/strong>, where the apostle Paul recounts his rich personal heritage, and how he was willing to count it all as loss for the sake of a richer heritage with Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

    But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> \u2013 Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    When our desire for Christ is stronger than our desire to fulfill our own natural agenda, we will be able to move from being partisans to becoming Christian patriots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My prayer for you today is that you will evaluate your current mindset and action and acknowledge where you have operated more as a partisan than a Christian patriot, and then seek God for the grace and wisdom to become more of a patriot and statesman.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE What is a patriot?\u00a0What is the difference between patriotism and partisanship?\u00a0How do you act as a patriot without compromising your\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":1,"featured_media":59718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-devotionals","pmpro-has-access",""],"spectra_custom_meta":{"affwp_submission_forms_hashes":["a:0:{}"],"_edit_lock":["1729243608:1"],"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"rank_math_seo_score":["82"],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["Patriot"],"rank_math_primary_category":["28"],"_thumbnail_id":["59718"],"_edit_last":["1"],"_learndash_course_grid_short_description":[""],"_post":["a:2:{i:0;s:0:\"\";s:29:\"post_course_short_description\";s:0:\"\";}"],"_learndash_course_grid_duration":[""],"_learndash_course_grid_enable_video_preview":["0"],"_learndash_course_grid_video_embed_code":[""],"_learndash_course_grid_custom_button_text":[""],"_learndash_course_grid_custom_ribbon_text":[""],"_app_page_editor_content":[""],"_wp_page_template":["default"],"rank_math_analytic_object_id":["6911"],"_uag_css_file_name":["uag-css-59717.css"],"_uag_page_assets":["a:9:{s:3:\"css\";s:7156:\".uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-desktop) !important}@media (max-width: 976px){.uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-tablet) !important}}@media (max-width: 767px){.uag-blocks-common-selector{z-index:var(--z-index-mobile) !important}}\n.wp-block-uagb-image{display:flex}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure{position:relative;display:flex;flex-direction:column;max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:0}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;display:flex;max-width:100%;transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure>a{display:inline-block}.wp-block-uagb-image__figure figcaption{text-align:center;margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:1em}.wp-block-uagb-image .components-placeholder.block-editor-media-placeholder .components-placeholder__instructions{align-self:center}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-left{text-align:left}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-right{text-align:right}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-center{text-align:center}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-full .wp-block-uagb-image__figure{margin-left:calc(50% - 50vw);margin-right:calc(50% - 50vw);max-width:100vw;width:100vw;height:auto}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-full .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;width:100% !important}.wp-block-uagb-image--align-wide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{height:auto;width:100%}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;opacity:0.2;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);transition:opacity 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay-link{position:absolute;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;top:0}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity:1}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner{position:absolute;left:15px;right:15px;bottom:15px;top:15px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-direction:column;border-color:#fff;transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-center,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-right{justify-content:flex-start}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-center,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-right{justify-content:flex-end}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.center-left,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-left{align-items:flex-start}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.top-right,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.center-right,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner.bottom-right{align-items:flex-end}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading{color:#fff;transition:transform 0.35s, opacity 0.35s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 24px, 0);margin:0;line-height:1em}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{width:30%;border-top-width:2px;border-top-color:#fff;border-top-style:solid;margin-bottom:10px;opacity:0;transition:transform 0.4s, opacity 0.4s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 30px, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity:0;overflow:visible;color:#fff;transition:transform 0.45s, opacity 0.45s ease-in-out;transform:translate3d(0, 35px, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-heading,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-separator,.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner:hover .uagb-image-caption{opacity:1;transform:translate3d(0, 0, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:scale(1);transition:transform 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-zoomin .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:scale(1.05)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{width:calc(100% + 40px) !important;max-width:none !important;transform:translate3d(-40px, 0, 0);transition:transform 0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover img,.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-slide .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{transform:translate3d(0, 0, 0)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-grayscale img{filter:grayscale(0%);transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-grayscale:hover img{filter:grayscale(100%)}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-blur img{filter:blur(0);transition:0.35s ease-in-out}.wp-block-uagb-image--effect-blur:hover img{filter:blur(3px)}\n.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default figure img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure figcaption{font-style: normal;align-self: center;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay figure img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity: 0.2;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner{left: 15px;right: 15px;top: 15px;bottom: 15px;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading{font-style: normal;color: #fff;opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-heading a{color: #fff;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity: 0;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__color-wrapper{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{width: 30%;border-top-width: 2px;border-top-color: #fff;opacity: 0;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-caption{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure:hover .wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay__inner .uagb-image-separator{opacity: 1;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default figure:hover img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image--layout-overlay figure:hover img{box-shadow: 0px 0px 0 #00000070;}@media only screen and (max-width: 976px) {.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.uagb-block-637764cc.wp-block-uagb-image .wp-block-uagb-image__figure img{width: px;height: auto;}}\";s:2:\"js\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"current_block_list\";a:7:{i:0;s:14:\"core\/paragraph\";i:1;s:10:\"core\/table\";i:2;s:12:\"core\/heading\";i:3;s:9:\"core\/list\";i:4;s:14:\"core\/list-item\";i:5;s:10:\"uagb\/image\";i:6;s:10:\"core\/image\";}s:8:\"uag_flag\";b:1;s:11:\"uag_version\";s:10:\"1775489711\";s:6:\"gfonts\";a:0:{}s:10:\"gfonts_url\";s:0:\"\";s:12:\"gfonts_files\";a:0:{}s:14:\"uag_faq_layout\";b:0;}"]},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-768x512.jpg",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-1024x683.jpg",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-624x416.jpg",624,416,true],"gform-image-choice-sm":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-scaled.jpg",300,200,false],"gform-image-choice-md":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-scaled.jpg",400,267,false],"gform-image-choice-lg":["https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/10\/pexels-edgarcolomba-2240293-scaled.jpg",600,400,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"EC Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/author\/ecmembersadm-2\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE What is a patriot?\u00a0What is the difference between patriotism and partisanship?\u00a0How do you act as a patriot without compromising your\u2026","comments_count":0,"content_native":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE<\/em><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE<\/em>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    What is a patriot? 
    What is the difference between patriotism and partisanship? 
    How do you act as a patriot without compromising your heavenly citizenship?<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"What is a patriot? 
    What is the difference between patriotism and partisanship? 
    How do you act as a patriot without compromising your heavenly citizenship?"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/table","render":"

    Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> - Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
    <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","content":"
    Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> - Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
    <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","data":{"rows":[{"style":{"background-color":"","text-color":"","is_head":false},"columns":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> -     Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
    ","content":[{"type":"a","data":"Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> -     Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
    ","src":"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Romans%2010%3A1&version=NKJV","style":[]}],"data":{"html":"Brethren, my heart\u2019s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.<\/em> -     Romans 10:1 (NKJV)<\/a><\/strong>
    "},"style":{"align":"center"}}]}]},"style":{"textColor":"","layout":"regular","parent_style":{},"hasFixedLayout":false}},{"type":"core\/heading","render":"

    Patriot<\/h3>","content":"Patriot","data":[],"style":{"align":"left","parent_style":{},"textAlign":"center","header":"h3","fontSize":"21px"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Some years back, I had the honor and privilege of taking an oath to become a citizen of the United States of America. This meant forsaking the country of my birth, where I grew up until the age of 10, where my ancestors served as kings, where my mother served in high political office and was a prominent businesswoman, and where I have over one thousand family members. It was the hardest decision of my life<\/strong>, to the extent that I spent years contemplating the resultant outcomes before finally deciding to do it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Some years back, I had the honor and privilege of taking an oath to become a citizen of the United States of America. This meant forsaking the country of my birth, where I grew up until the age of 10, where my ancestors served as kings, where my mother served in high political office and was a prominent businesswoman, and where I have over one thousand family members. It was the hardest decision of my life<\/strong>, to the extent that I spent years contemplating the resultant outcomes before finally deciding to do it.\u00a0\u00a0"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    What led to my final decision was that although I was born in Cameroon, I had become more American than Cameroonian. In addition, my wife and children are American citizens, and living in America has provided me with many opportunities. I also realized that becoming an American citizen would facilitate God\u2019s purpose for my life. I had the privilege of casting my vote in a presidential election.  I am proud to be an American!<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"What led to my final decision was that although I was born in Cameroon, I had become more American than Cameroonian. In addition, my wife and children are American citizens, and living in America has provided me with many opportunities. I also realized that becoming an American citizen would facilitate God\u2019s purpose for my life. I had the privilege of casting my vote in a presidential election.  I am proud to be an American!<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Despite its challenges, America has a rich history of freedom, heroism, industry, opportunity, and caring for humanity<\/strong>. Only in America can a young 11-year-old boy arrive from Africa without even knowing a word of English, and eventually become the leader of an international organization while serving as a trainer and coach to some of the brightest and most promising entrepreneurs<\/a>. Only in America can you leave so much behind - in exchange for so much more.  America remains one of the greatest nations on earth.  <\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Despite its challenges, America has a rich history of freedom, heroism, industry, opportunity, and caring for humanity<\/strong>. Only in America can a young 11-year-old boy arrive from Africa without even knowing a word of English, and eventually become the leader of an international organization while serving as a trainer and coach to some of the brightest and most promising entrepreneurs<\/a>. Only in America can you leave so much behind - in exchange for so much more.  America remains one of the greatest nations on earth.  "}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Unfortunately, this great nation is currently at great risk \u2013 not due to terrorism or an economic crisis \u2013 but due to political partisanship. <\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Unfortunately, this great nation is currently at great risk \u2013 not due to terrorism or an economic crisis \u2013 but due to political partisanship. "}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/table","render":"

    \u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d - Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","content":"
    \u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d - Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","data":{"rows":[{"style":{"background-color":"","text-color":"","is_head":false},"columns":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"\u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d - Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"\u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d - Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong>"}],"data":{"html":"\u201cIf a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand<\/em>\u201d - Mark 3:24 (NKJV)<\/strong>"},"style":{"align":"center"}}]}]},"style":{"textColor":"","layout":"regular","parent_style":{},"hasFixedLayout":false}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Political partisanship is an inclination to favor one group, view, or opinion over alternatives.   <\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Political partisanship is an inclination to favor one group, view, or opinion over alternatives.   "}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Political partisanship is not just dividing the nation, but it is dividing the body of Christ along political lines. Partisanship is robbing us of the unity that we should experience as Christians.  It is dimming our light and therefore hindering our ability to be effective witnesses.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Political partisanship is not just dividing the nation, but it is dividing the body of Christ along political lines. Partisanship is robbing us of the unity that we should experience as Christians.  It is dimming our light and therefore hindering our ability to be effective witnesses."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    Although partisanship is sometimes disguised as patriotism, it is not patriotic. One can be a patriot and a Christian, but it is difficult for one to be partisan and remain a faithful Christian. This is because partisanship blinds us of truth and causes us to impute motives to others, whereas patriotism focuses on truth and gives others the benefit of the doubt. We need more patriots in our nation today.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Although partisanship is sometimes disguised as patriotism, it is not patriotic. One can be a patriot and a Christian, but it is difficult for one to be partisan and remain a faithful Christian. This is because partisanship blinds us of truth and causes us to impute motives to others, whereas patriotism focuses on truth and gives others the benefit of the doubt. We need more patriots in our nation today."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    A patriot is someone who loves his or her country and is prepared to defend it against all enemies or detractors.<\/strong> When required, the interests of the country are placed before self-interest, even to the point of laying down his or her life for the nation. A patriot recognizes that though we may have different views and ideas on how to do something, we all ultimately have the same goal. There should be no greater patriot in a nation than the Christian.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"A patriot is someone who loves his or her country and is prepared to defend it against all enemies or detractors.<\/strong> When required, the interests of the country are placed before self-interest, even to the point of laying down his or her life for the nation. A patriot recognizes that though we may have different views and ideas on how to do something, we all ultimately have the same goal. There should be no greater patriot in a nation than the Christian."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    The Apostle Paul showed us how to be an ambassador for Christ while being a patriot and a statesman for his country. He honored the accomplishments of Israel and the values that had shaped that great nation while challenging them to turn toward Christ. While acknowledging their zeal for God, He prayed for them that they would be saved and know the person of Jesus Christ.

    Paul showed high regard and respect for the ruling authorities of his time, and he pursued every opportunity to respectfully challenge them based on the standards of Christ. He risked his gains as an Israelite for the sake of his relationship with Christ. <\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"The Apostle Paul showed us how to be an ambassador for Christ while being a patriot and a statesman for his country. He honored the accomplishments of Israel and the values that had shaped that great nation while challenging them to turn toward Christ. While acknowledging their zeal for God, He prayed for them that they would be saved and know the person of Jesus Christ.

    Paul showed high regard and respect for the ruling authorities of his time, and he pursued every opportunity to respectfully challenge them based on the standards of Christ. He risked his gains as an Israelite for the sake of his relationship with Christ. "}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

    How do you operate in your country as a Christian patriot?<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"How do you operate in your country as a Christian patriot?"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list","render":"

      \n
    1. Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously<\/li>\n<\/ol>","content":"
        \n
      1. Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously<\/li>\n<\/ol>","listItemData":[{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      8. Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers.
        <\/li>","content":"Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers.","data":{"text":"Recognize that wherever God has placed you, you are an ambassador of Christ and therefore are held to a higher level of accountability in terms of your character and integrity than those who are not His followers."},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      9. Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example.
        <\/li>","content":"Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example.","data":{"text":"Recognize your role to be salt and light within the government and the society through your Christlike example."},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      10. Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth
        <\/li>","content":"Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth","data":{"text":"Your allegiance is always towards heaven and never towards earth"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      11. The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission.
        <\/li>","content":"The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission.","data":{"text":"The best way to model Christ is to combine the Great Commandment with the Great Commission."},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      12. Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service.
        <\/li>","content":"Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service.","data":{"text":"Use every opportunity to demonstrate Christlikeness through your service."},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      13. Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power.
        <\/li>","content":"Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power.","data":{"text":"Respect and honor the authorities, regardless of who is in power."},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/list-item","render":"
      14. Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously<\/li>","content":"Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously","data":{"text":"Pray for the nation and its leaders continuously"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}}],"data":{"listType":"ordered"},"style":{"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

        One of my favorite passages is Philippians 3:4-11<\/strong>, where the apostle Paul recounts his rich personal heritage, and how he was willing to count it all as loss for the sake of a richer heritage with Christ.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"One of my favorite passages is Philippians 3:4-11<\/strong>, where the apostle Paul recounts his rich personal heritage, and how he was willing to count it all as loss for the sake of a richer heritage with Christ."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/table","render":"

        Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

        But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> - Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","content":"
        Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

        But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> - Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","data":{"rows":[{"style":{"background-color":"","text-color":"","is_head":false},"columns":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

        But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> - Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

        But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> - Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong>"}],"data":{"html":"Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.<\/em>

        But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.<\/em> - Philippians 3:4-11 (NKJV)<\/strong>"},"style":{"align":"center"}}]}]},"style":{"textColor":"","layout":"regular","parent_style":{},"hasFixedLayout":false}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

        When our desire for Christ is stronger than our desire to fulfill our own natural agenda, we will be able to move from being partisans to becoming Christian patriots.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"

        When our desire for Christ is stronger than our desire to fulfill our own natural agenda, we will be able to move from being partisans to becoming Christian patriots.<\/p>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{},"align":"left"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

        My prayer for you today is that you will evaluate your current mindset and action and acknowledge where you have operated more as a partisan than a Christian patriot, and then seek God for the grace and wisdom to become more of a patriot and statesman.<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"My prayer for you today is that you will evaluate your current mindset and action and acknowledge where you have operated more as a partisan than a Christian patriot, and then seek God for the grace and wisdom to become more of a patriot and statesman.<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}}],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"bb_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"app_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59717","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59717"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59717\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}