SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- We celebrated nationally on Independence Day. with parades, music, fireworks, reunions, visits with friends and family.

Those celebrations and prayers of gratitude came in the midst of national unrest, the worst economic times millions of us have ever faced, climbing national debt, escalating prices, drastic decrease in buying power, natural disasters, threatening international problems, and political unrest at home and abroad.

What have we been doing to help solve the dilemma we face? I would suggest that it is time we begin to follow the examples set by presidents and national leaders.

Dynamic speaker and researcher of American history, William J. Federer, released another major publication in 2010, titled Prayers and Presidents. You may learn more about this book by going to www.amerisearch.net  or email wjfederer@gmail.com. 

George Washington, at his first inaugural, April 30, 1789, 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.”

At his inaugural, March 4, 1797, John Adams stated: “May that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessings upon this nation.”

Thomas Jefferson wrote to William Canby, September 18, 1813, “Of all the systems of morality, ancient and modern, which have come under my observation, none appear to me so pure as that of Jesus.”

Universally respected President Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural, March 4, 1861, included sound advice for his day and ours: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty.”

We all know that if we are not a nation under God our fate is sealed forever. Our nation, as all historians know, was founded by those who sought religious freedom and built on the eternal principles of the Holy Bible.

It has been my privilege to attend numerous local, state and national Prayer Breakfasts, beginning those days and noting that every day should begin in the acknowledged presence of God.

Kitty and I were seated on the first row immediately in front of President Ronald Reagan, and heard him say with his characteristic vigor and conviction, “When Americans reach out for values of faith, family, and caring for the needy, they’re saying, ‘We want the Word of God. We want to face the future with the Bible.’ We’re blessed to have its words of strength, comfort, and truth.”

The first act of President George H. W. Bush, after his inaugural, January 20, 1989, was to personally pray for the nation he would lead for the next four years, after having served eight years as the Vice President of our country.

George W. Bush, with whom I spoke at length when his father was running for president in his Easter message, April 17, 2003, said, “Easter is the most important event of the Christian faith, when people around the world join together with family and friends to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the hope of life to come.”

In all our history, in times of crises and what seemed like insurmountable problems, our presidents have led us by words of challenge and the example of living in dependence on Almighty God.

Words that always bring a sense of challenge and blessing as I think about our beloved country are these, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

We live in a difficult time when we need godly, intelligent, wise men, and women serving our nation at every level who will take on the responsibility of leading us into the presence of God.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books. He is also a widely known motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.