CSN - LightWing Messages - Remembering George Washington 2/18/2024
Joshua preparing for Jericho
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.
Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt — all the men of military age — died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:1-15 (NIV)
FOUNDER’S MESSAGE:
Beginning with February ninth, the Citizen Sentinels Network has been focusing on presidents of noteworthiness in our various newsletters, and tomorrow the nation celebrates a national holiday commonly known as “President’s Day.” However, that is not what the national holiday is about, and it was never named that by the Congress who created the holiday. Nevertheless, it does not stop Americans from doing whatever they want across the land. President’s Day is a fabrication of the business community in cooperation with state and local governments to make a “President’s Day holiday. It is called “federalism.” But, that may only work on holidays and not the security of our national borders.
Thus, today’s LightWing Messages are focused on the true holiday that Congress created, and that was to honor George Washington’s birthday - not a few presidents, not all presidents, but one president: the Father of our Country. Today’s edition features two primary messages, the first of which is one of George Washington’s prayers from his prayer journal (ues he kept one).
The second is an article I wrote in 2014 about George Washington’s relationship with God as expressed in his First Inaugural Address in 1789. Washington’s own words reflect a different view of him than much of the secular humanist narratives about him or about what others wrote about him. Both messages are intended to help our readers get a better view of Washington from the original source.
Washington’s willing effort and sacrifice during the War for Independence could be construed to be similar to the Hebrew people taking the land God had promised to Abraham, yet it is mainly something to contemplate God’s ways and He was helping to establish a Land of the Free in which freedom of religion and freedom of conscience would be established. This is how the messages we offered in January regarding the pursuit of holiness becomes connected to the concept of leadership strengthened through faith. It was the point of offering Mother Teresa’s message calling “leaders” to a deeper demonstration of morality in our nation.
Certainly, in comparing Washington’s day to this, a drastic descent into a more sinful and decadent society has gradually occurred, with the greatest plunge coming in the past few decades. As mentioned in last week's edition… “from the attacks on 9/11, there seems to have been a teetering back and forth between good and evil across the land. From the time when many Americans were united on 9/11 after the attacks,when Americans supported our first responders and law and order, to a point in which rampant lawlessness has shocked the normal citizens.”
America needs leaders of the caliber of a Reagan, a LIncoln, and a Washington in such a time as this. In fact, we may need an entire battalion of such leaders to descend like the angel who met Joshua near Jericho and lead the Lord’s legions into this Cosmic Battle. It is not just the hope of a beleaguered people, but in my humble opinion, God too would want to be involved in the resurrection of the Land of the Free. This is my humble expression of faith rooted in earnest prayer with a determined resolution to preserve the Republic and to restore the Land of the Free to God’s original vision under the biblical principles upon which America was founded.
We are happy that our LightWing Zoom calls have been successful thus far, and in 2024, they will continue on Mondays. We also still hope more readers would join us and could “cross the bridge” and get on the Monday Zoom calls. Our calls this year will follow the same format of having a discussion or an interview linked to the topic covered in the preceding Sunday edition.
Tomorrow, on “President’s Day,” we will honor the president to whom the holiday was dedicated by Congress and the only president to whom it is dedicated by honoring George Washington’s birthday. As mentioned, it has since fallen to common misunderstanding throughout the various states as to what “President’s Day” really means and how it should be celebrated. Our regular discussion will focus on the messages regarding the Father of our country, George Washington. Again, we invite our readers to call in and check in with other like-minded readers for mutual support in these turbulent times. Those readers who join us this coming Monday evening can participate in the question and answer session, or just listen. Readers need to reach out if they’re not already on our list to receive a link to the call. Please send an email request to this address: d.jamzon@gmail.com We’ll add you to our mailing list.
CSN LightWing Mission – Zoom call Monday 2/20/24 at 5:00pm PST NOW Mondays at 5pm PST (6pm MST; 7pm CST; 8pm EST).
These words are being freely offered to you – intended to shine light unto our paths, as written: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 - KJV
May God bless our readers and all of their loved ones. May God bless All His Children!
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version
May we who are seeking His Kingdom humble ourselves and pray earnestly, seeking to know His heart and mind and to know His Will. May we truly repent for our iniquities and turn away from our wickedness. May we seriously turn toward His righteousness and focus on becoming children of goodness.
The paintings of George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow covered woods of Valley Forge are based on fact. We have all probably heard of his prayer that was overheard by a Quaker, a pacifist, a Tory – a man loyal to the Crown. This man returned home shaken and said to his wife: “Our cause is lost! I came unexpectedly in the woods upon a man who was kneeling in prayer. As I drew closer, I heard his voice. I heard the impassioned plea of his prayers and saw the tears on his cheeks. I knew our cause was lost.” The Quaker and his wife were so overwhelmed that they became supporters of Washington and the American cause. George Washington's Prayers
Tuesday Evening Prayer:
Most gracious God and heavenly father, we cannot cease, but must cry unto thee for mercy, because my sins cry against me for justice. How shall I address myself unto thee, I must with the publican stand and admire at thy great goodness, tender mercy, and long suffering towards me, in that thou hast kept me the past day from being consumed and brought to nought. O Lord, what is man, or the son of man, that thou regardest him; the more days pass over my head, the more sins and iniquities I heap up against thee. If I should cast up the account of my good deeds done this day, how few and small would they be; but if I should reckon my miscarriages, surely they would be many and great.
O, blessed father, let thy son's blood wash me from all impurities, and cleanse me from the stains of sin that are upon me. Give me grace to lay hold upon his merits; that they may be my reconciliation and atonement unto thee, -- That I may know my sins are forgiven by his death & passion. Embrace me in the arms of thy mercy; vouchsafe to receive me unto the bosom of thy love, shadow me with thy wings, that I may safely rest under thy suspicion this night; and so into thy hands I commend myself, both soul and body, in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ, beseeching Thee, when this life shall end, I may take my everlasting rest with thee in thy heavenly kingdom. Bless all in authority over us, be merciful to all those afflicted with thy cross or calamity, bless all my friends, forgive my enemies and accept my thanksgiving this evening for all the mercies and favors afforded me; hear and graciously answer these my requests, and whatever else thou see'st needful grant us, for the sake of Jesus Christ in whose blessed name and words I continue to pray, Our Father.
Washington dutifully recorded the words of advice his mother, Mary, gave him when he was leaving home to begin what would turn out to be a lifelong service to his country. She instructed her son with these words: “Remember that God is our only one trust. To Him, I commend you … My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer.” And did George Washington heed his mother‘s admonition? Of course he did. Throughout his life, whether while a young man, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, or President of the United States, George Washington showed, by example, how meaningful were his mother’s teachings. He’d stand up at promptly 9:00 pm, take his candle, and go off by himself. There, from 9:00pm to 10:00pm, he wouldn’t be seen. He was alone on his knees in front of a chair praying. A candle stood on a stand next to the chair. And his Bible was open before him. Robert W. Pelton
George Washington and His Gratitude to God
By Dennis Jamison 4/30/2014
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, dressed in a plain brown broadcloth suit, stood on the second balcony of Federal Hall in New York City before approximately 10,000 spectators, and swore the oath of office to affirm his determination to fulfill the duties of the new President of the United States. Today, some Americans have forgotten that New York City was the nation’s first capital in that period of time, and ironically, George Washington did not serve as the nation’s president in the city named after him. This very first swearing in ceremony established tradition, and subsequent presidential inaugurations have not changed much over the history of the nation's government since the time of George Washington.
Nevertheless, despite the extensive preparations and detailed planning for the ceremony, as he presidential parade carrying Mr. Washington by horse-drawn carriage approached Federal Hall, someone realized that no one had secured a Holy Bible, which was required by law, for the actual swearing-in part of the ceremony. It is reported that the parade marshal, Jacob Morton, rushed off and brought back a King James Bible that was laid upon a crimson velvet cushion held by Samuel Otis, Secretary of the Senate. Robert Livingston, who had been one of the original committee of five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, had been chosen to administer the oath because he was the highest ranking judicial official in New York.
As several other distinguished officials, among them Vice President John Adams and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay, appeared on the balcony with Washington, they directly witnessed the ceremony. The King James Bible was opened, and Washington placed his left hand upon it, raised his right hand, and repeated the words of the oath of office, which he had helped to write. It is also reported that after the official oath, Washington said “so help me God,” and bent down and kissed the open Bible. However, the words at the end have recently raised controversy in the non-religious sectors of Americans. Some claim that Washington did not utter such words since it has not been recorded anywhere in the historical records of the ceremony.
There are those in America today who specifically seek to estimate the phrase of “So help me God,” which has become entrenched in the tradition of the public recitation of the presidential oath since this day of Washington’s first inauguration. Some want the elimination of inaugural prayers by members of the clergy as well. One of the more known of such atheists is Michael Newdow, a U.S. born attorney, who recently filed a lawsuit to prevent references to God and religion from being part of President Obama’s inauguration. He also filed and lost a lawsuit to stop the invocation prayer at President Bush’s second inauguration, and has sought to have recitations of the current version of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools declared unconstitutional due to the phrase “under God.”
Actually many like Newdow, who strongly advocate the concept of separation of church and state, run in direct opposition to what George Washington and many of the other Founding Fathers believed, and for which many died. Today there are many like Newdow, who are seriously litigating to fully instigate the absolute separation of church and state in many aspects of the more traditional governmental ceremonies or simple daily governmental activities in several parts of the United States. However, like many of the generation of founders, George Washington firmly believed in a divine entity that they recognized for assistance in helping to establish the miraculous experiment that became known as the United States of America.
In reality, Washington’s inaugural address that he delivered right after reciting the oath was quite an expression of faith. As Washington concluded the ceremony, Robert Livingston proclaimed, “It is done!” He is reported to have turned to the spectators in the street and shouted, “Long live George Washington – the first president of the United States!” It is said that the crowd on hand responded by repeating the cheer again and again. Then, the group on the balcony went inside to the Senate Chamber where the new president delivered the first inaugural address to those dignitaries and others in attendance. As he delivered his address, some record portrayed Washington as a bit fidgety, as he spoke in a low voice, which was sometimes inaudible. But his words included his personal gratitude to God. He said:
…it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private Good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.
Granted, such words are probably more than Newdow or his compatriots could handle in any one sitting. And if one follows their course of logic, they would have sued Washington for bringing God so fully into the proceedings. However, in attendance at that inaugural address was not only the President of the Constitutional Convention (Washington), but also as many as a quarter of the Congress that set in motion the inaugural proceedings. And, many of the members of Congress that were in attendance at this first inauguration were also original delegates to the Constitutional Convention, which created the U.S. Constitution. One can wonder why no one raised a voice of opposition to such a public display of faith if there was a violation of the “separation clause.”
Unfortunately, the nation has changed since the days of Washington and many of the founding generation, and as Americans lost touch with their heritage, they forgot a second part of the clause on freedom of religion was written. The concept of the absolute separation of church and state in fact was not an original intent of the Founding Fathers, and it is only a recent interpretation of the First Amendment to the Constitution. Indeed, Congress was intent on not establishing a state or official government church. However, the clause states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise of religion.” Washington and the Framers of the Constitution had faith in an “Almighty Being” and did not want to limit worship.
In ending his inaugural address Washington concluded with these words:
I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication that since he has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.
Washington, like Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson, and other Framers of the Constitution had faith in an “Almighty Being” and did not want to limit worship of the Almighty, or God, nor to limit the freedom of others of faith in pursuit of religious practices. These men had their own relationship with God, felt it was a personal issue, and not an issue the government had any right to restrict. Yet, self-serving prophets of atheism have seized the initiative and manipulated contemporary perception of what the Framers intended. This is an outrageous injustice, and anyone in the U.S. government who has permitted this to continue should be suspect in what their true motivation is in serving the people. In addition, religious factions should cease fighting amongst themselves, and start fighting the loss of religious values or the loss of religious liberty.
This was a concern to Washington as well. His “Farewell Address” to the American people has been regarded as one of the “world’s most remarkable documents” because it served as a humble notification from a man who was turning control of the nation over to others, and it offered a set of values that Washington hoped would assure the survival of a fledgling America. In the midst of this shared wisdom, he highlighted his regard for religion as being important to the political success of the nation.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion And morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human Happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens? The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity.
Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?
And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
For Americans who treasure religious freedom, these words reveal that Washington viewed religion and morality as dual pillars of support for political stability and success and “props of the duties of men and citizens.” But of the two, he cautioned that based upon reason and experience, the nation’s morality could not survive without adherence to religious principle. This is a powerful statement and reflects how deeply Washington regarded religious values. Washington’s gratitude to God not only pervades his speeches, it shows who he really was deep inside, and he hoped America would have the same sense of gratitude, and would never lose it. Certainly, the pious ones and mere politicians would do well to revisit who Washington really was.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Washington!
When Washington took his oath of office as President of the United States, he subsequently bent forward and kissed the Bible on which he had just taken his oath. The Bible was opened to the Book of Genesis. He then led the Senate and the House of Representatives to the church for a two hour worship service. Robert W. Pelton
Onward and Upward!
From Nathan Pacheco Music: BE THOU MY VISION -- My Favorite Irish Hymn! :) - 2/24/2017
My Faith Votes: The Power of Prayer (With Michael Lynn of Pray.com)| MFV-TV – 1/25/24
From Angela Primm Battle Hymn Of The Republic sung by Angel Primm" - 12/6/2007
From World Outreach Church with Allen Jackson: We Should Fear God, Not Governments | Allen Jackson Ministries – 2/10/2024
From Fountainview Academy: Once to Every Man and Nation - 3/2/2018
From Rabbi Jonathan Cahn: How To See Past Satan's Deceptions, Facades and Illusions this year! | Jonathan Cahn Sermon – 1/27/24
From Zach Williams: Fear Is a Liar (Official Music Video) - 1/19/2018
From World Outreach Church with Allen Jackson: Let’s Do Difficult [Coaching from an Apostle] | Pastor Allen Jackson – 2/11/2024
ICYMI > From World Outreach Church with Allen Jackson: Let's Do Difficult [Hatred of God's People] – 1/31/24
ICYMI > From Jonathan Cahn: Jonathan Cahn's Powerful Prophetic Word at the National Day of Prayer, Washington DC – posted 2/6/24
From The American Minute with Bill Federer: Today's American Minute – "Presidents' Day – George Washington's Birthday"
Podcast - From Dutch Sheets Ministries: America's Anarchy and Its Cause | Give Him 15 Daily Prayer with Dutch | February 12, 2024
Podcast - From “Bold & Blunt” w/ Cheryl Chumley of Washington Times: Digging deeper on Founding Fathers - Washington Times – 2/15/24
ICYMI > Video Shorts - From Dr. Preston Moon: Leaders are Comfortable with Risk - YouTube – 1/27/22
From The American Minute with Bill Federer: American Minute for February 18 (posted 2022) – One of the best-selling novels (Pilgrim’s Progress) in history was published this day in 1678. It is an allegory of man's journey to a celestial city, written by John Bunyan who was imprisoned for many years for preaching without a license.
Recommended Reading…
From Crosswalk.com: A Prayer for the President to Pray on Presidents' Day 2024 and Every Day – 2/16/24
From The Christian Post: Pastor goes viral for video urging repentance amid backlash to 'He Gets Us' Super Bowl ad – 2/17/24
From The Christian Post: Author shares journey of escaping cult leader's grip, finding healing and forgiveness through faith – 2/18/24
From Kingdom Winds: Turning Darkness into Light: Harnessing Evil for Good – 2/17/24
From Crosswalk.com: What Is Lent? It's Meaning and Importance Explained – 2/14/24
ICYMI > From Kingdom Winds: Fighting Your Flesh – 2/3/24
ICYMI > From Kingdom Winds: Relational Not Transactional – 1/30/24
What affects one, can affect all!
* News From The Growing Free Union -
From Crosswalk.com: Remembering Presidents’ Day with Prayers and Quotes from Our Leaders – 2/16/24
From The Christian Post: Early America vs. today’s woke education – 2/17/24
From US News & World Report (w/ video): What Does It Mean to Claim the US Is a Christian Nation, and What Does the Constitution Say? – 2/17/24
From The American Minute with Bill Federer: "Whatever strikes at the root of Christianity, tends manifestly to the dissolution of civil government"-Justice James Kent --Today's American Minute – AmericanMinute.com – 2/18/24
ICYMI > From The Christian Post: ERLC political engagement guide aims to help Christians ‘think biblically’ about politics – 2/10/24