Blessed through the kingdom

The late Dwight David Eisenhower had the distinction of being the only American President to have been baptized and received into church membership upon confession of faith while in office. The memorial service in the Washington Cathedral witnessed strongly to his faith—there can be no mistaking of it. The simple service, the hymns sung by choir and congregation, the Scriptures read, the prayers given, the Apostles Creed—all bore witness to Ike’s faith in his Lord. The leaders of one hundred nations were present and they heard the witness. More than that, national television brought the witness before the American people.

We were not only reminded of Eisenhower’s faith, but of his humility. There might have been much pomp and ceremony. Eisenhower was the Commander of the Allied forces for the invasion of Europe. He was one of the world’s most decorated military men. Many honors had been heaped upon him in life. In death, the services were simple. It had been planned that way. He was buried in a casket just like those used for common soldiers. This speaks of the humility of the man. With all the honors bestowed upon him, and having been the 34th President of the United States, and having enjoyed a personal popularity seldom matched in America, he chose the common lot.

—Christian Victory

“Blessed are the poor in spirit [those who are not self-exalted, but candid, and of a humble disposition, not too proud to be taught, not vain and ambitious for the honors of the world]

those who are not self-exalted, but candid, and of a humble disposition, not too proud to be taught, not vain and ambitious for the honors of the world

those who are penitential, submissive, and who grieve over their failures and errors because the Spirit of God is grieved

those who are gentle and forgiving, who, when reviled, will not revile again, but who manifest a teachable spirit, and do not hold themselves in high esteem