Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Always Available

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How frustrating it is to call a utility or a lender, only to get a long list of options, several rounds of elevator music and then, if you’re lucky, an actual human being – but who can’t speak English. The days of personal customer service are all but forgotten.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Psalm 86:5

Today’s verse, though, guarantees a far better experience when you call upon the Lord. Jeremiah 33:3 is often referred to as God’s telephone number, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Peter reminds you that God’s ears are open to your prayers (I Peter 3:12), and John assures, “if we ask anything according to his will…we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (I John 5:14-15)

The Psalmist praised God for His character traits. Worship God, not only for what He can do, but for who He is: holy, eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, forgiving, loving and good. Pray, too, that God will remove the blinders from the eyes of America’s leaders and citizens alike so they can see who He is – and call upon Him for their deepest needs. He’s always available!

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:7-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Anticipation

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In his Fifteenth Sermon on Canticles, St. Bernard said, “Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joy in the heart. Is any among us sad? Let Jesus enter the heart, and thence spring to the countenance.”

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Psalm 85:6

Easier said than done, right? Circumstances sometimes tend to bring you down. The winter surrounds you with cold harshness, the children suffer lengthy sickness, the job demands more than you want to give, death strikes a family member, or some sin has overtaken you…and the heart is heavy. The Old Testament psalmist asked the Lord to revive the people. They had known God’s goodness, His leading and His faithfulness, but they had forsaken Him. Now they needed to come back to Him, forgiven and in His favor once more.

Where’s your heart, Beloved? Let it be uplifted. You can know Jesus – the salvation He secured for you if only you believe – and reflect that peace in your countenance. Rejoicing comes as you worship the Lord in prayers of repentance and thanksgiving for all He is and does for you. Even as you pray for America’s leaders, let your heart soar in anticipation of what God will do to revive this nation.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 63:7-16

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Short Term Memory

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If you want a friend in Washington, the old saying goes, get a dog. Presidential approval ratings bear out the truth of this statement – people who think you are wonderful today may turn on you tomorrow. Take, for example, President George H.W. Bush. In 1991, he orchestrated the United States’ victory in the Persian Gulf War, one of the most one-sided conflicts in history. Ninety percent of Americans polled said they approved of his job performance. That he would win the next election, just one year away, seemed a foregone conclusion. Then the economy stalled, Bush broke his “no new taxes” promise, and voters threw him out of office.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

It’s human nature to ask, “What have you done for me lately?” You may even ask it of God when things don’t go the way you think they should. In such moments, take your perspective to a higher altitude and look down on your life. You will surely see and remember that He has, indeed, been good and brought you through many hardships.

He will do it again! As you pray for America today, “remember the deeds of the Lord” and his “wonders of old.” It’ll correct your short term memory.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 4:1-7

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Presidential Prayer Team;  P.G. – Glory in Your Grey

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In Psalm 71, we see David reminiscing on his life, and now acknowledging the grey in his hair. While he is filled with praise for God’s lifetime of provision, he is eager to pass what he has learned to the next generations. David asks the Lord to sustain him so that he might.

I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 71:18

Aging has its challenges…failing health, falling income, possibly even thoughts of uselessness or obsolescence. But God wants you to glory in your grey. You have lessons to teach. Times when God healed health issues, or provided just the right job when you thought financial ruin was looming. You are not useless so long as you can have the sound of praise in your heart and in your voice. Grandparents can often get their messages through to children and youth when the words of parents fall on deaf ears.

What legacy are you preparing for the generations who will follow you? The most important is their memories of your love and praise for the Lord. Ask Him to be your sustainer through your grey (or golden) years. Intercede for God to grant His loving wisdom to the grandparents who serve in Congress, the courts and the Obama Administration.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Power Music

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Do you have a special song to share with a significant person in your life this Valentine’s Day? Did you know there’s power in it? Research shows music can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve chronic pain, and increase coordination, communication and self-esteem.

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

The Bible also tells of the power of music and songs. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. As they prayed and sang hymns, their chains were loosened and the prison doors opened. In II Chronicles 20, armies were coming against King Jehoshaphat and Judah. The king prayed and instructed the people to sing to the Lord. When they began to sing, God defeated the armies for them. Paul reminds believers in Ephesians 5 to stay filled with the Spirit by singing hymns and songs and making melody in their hearts.

Today’s verse reminds you to praise the name of God with a song. Remember, there’s power in it. As you spend time in worship today, share a song with Him. Amazing things can happen through song. Also pray for a new song of praise and thanksgiving to manifest in people’s hearts across the nation.

Recommended Reading: II Chronicles 20:1-4, 18-22

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R – Limited Time Offer

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The largest cemetery in the United States – measured by number of internments – is Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. Over three million are buried there: everyone from once-famous politicians and wealthy tycoons to notorious mafia leaders and even penniless waifs whose families would have struggled to raise the seven dollar burial fee when the cemetery opened in 1848.

Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion.

Psalm 62:9

Though it was once a tranquil place away from the city, Calvary Cemetery is now dissected by the Long Island Expressway. Visitors to the cemetery experience a poignant and striking contrast: as they stand among three million tightly-packed headstones, the traffic roars by, hundreds of thousands of people hurrying their way to and from the skyscrapers in the distance.

Your time on earth is limited – just a “breath” the psalmist noted – and to believe wealth will bring meaning to life is a “delusion.” Today, pray for an opportunity to impact your neighborhood and your nation with something of eternal value. “Only one life, a few brief years, each with its burdens, hopes and fears,” wrote the missionary C.T. Studd. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Recommended Reading: James 4:11-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Yay God!

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Fans go all out at football games, wearing the team color, painting their faces and roaring as a unit at a touchdown. Concertgoers raise their hands and swoon at rock stars. Supporters clap, cheer and throw confetti for leading politicians. So why not unite hearts, souls and minds, raise voices and cheer for the lover of souls, the giver of good things, the creator of the universe, the all-powerful glorious one, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end?

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Psalm 51:15

King David was eager to worship. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1) And he had so much enthusiasm, dancing before the Lord when the ark returned to Jerusalem, that his wife was embarrassed by his behavior (II Samuel 6:14-16).

Football games and concerts are fun. Political events are important. But a bigger priority is to worship God. Why not praise Him with the enthusiasm of a Super Bowl fan, the adoration of music enthusiast, and the zeal of a political supporter? Pray for this nation to recognize the awesomeness of God and give Him the praise due to His name.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Uplifted Heart

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Franklin Roosevelt’s 1933 Inaugural Address is famous for one of its first lines: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Enduring the Great Depression, the nation was devastated by economic crisis. Roosevelt sought to buoy up the American people.

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

Psalm 47:1

Encouraging words are still needed in this country. Satan sets nation against nation and group against group, creating an environment of fear and insecurity. But God is “a very present help in trouble…though the earth gives way…its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble,” the Lord does not forsake those who trust in Him. (Psalm 46:1-3) Today, through your trials, heartaches and the uncertainties of life, He is your refuge and strength. As Jesus calmed the raging waters by saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39), the psalmist says “be still” to those things that Satan sets before you as stumbling blocks (Psalm 46:10). Be still, anxiety and fear; be still, apprehension; be still, impatience.

“Come, behold the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46:8) Rehearse His goodness in your life. Worship with songs of joy. Lift up your prayers for the leaders of this country and the Lord Most High will uplift your heart.

Recommended Reading: Jude 17-25

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Source of Exceptionalism

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In his 1989 farewell address, Ronald Reagan famously described his vision of America as a shining city upon a hill. “In my mind, it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.”

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill.

Psalm 43:3

President Reagan’s words were adapted from “A Model of Christian Charity,” a 1630 sermon by John Winthrop, who first delivered it to immigrants arriving in America. It articulates the idea of “American Exceptionalism.” Its central premise was that the nation would survive only if its citizens were just, merciful, labored and suffered together, and worshiped the God of Israel. But, Winthrop warned, “if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.”

Today, pray that America may be that shining city – illuminated by His light and truth – and also that others may be drawn to Him by your testimony of His exceptional love.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:3-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – From the Heart

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In last month’s trials for the television program American Idol, judge Jennifer Lopez denied one contestant the opportunity to continue, saying that while her voice was lovely, there were “no feelings from the heart” behind it. She explained to the would-be songstress that without that emotion, there was nothing to connect to, only notes coming from her mouth.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God

Psalm 40:3

You might not have the voice of a soloist or even a member of the chorus, but if the song you sing comes from what God has put in your heart, you are a part of that heavenly choir that harmonizes in worship to Him every day. Think about a tune you already know: “There’s Within My Heart a Melody.” Only days before that song was written, Luther Bridges experienced sorrow and tragedy – the death of his wife and children in a fire. But through it all, Bridges found the song God put in his heart.

What keeps you from singing? Don’t let it! Confess it to the Lord and ask Him to give you a new song. Intercede for the far-from-harmonious Congress that they, too, could find the courage to sing by filling their lives with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Romans 15:8-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – His Perfect Way

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For many baby boomers the phrase “Love Hurts” turns on the radio in their mind to that aching Nazareth hit: “Love hurts / love scars / love wounds and mars / any heart not tough or strong enough / to take a lot of pain.” For many today, loving America’s government has become painful. It’s difficult to watch those that reject God clamor for power and have success in passing laws that stifle His presence.

Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful.

Psalm 31:23

Corrie ten Boom speaks to the pain in love, recalling a conversation with her father. One day he said, “Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so it stops hurting. But then, of course, part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel…Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us His perfect way.”

Ask the Lord to help you pray for America with a renewed heart of compassion. Expand your worship of God to include petitions for the nation’s decision makers to know and follow Him.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:1-7

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Added Protection

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In ancient Greece, a hoplite, or citizen-soldier, carried a shield and sword for protection. The shield was considered personal armor used to deflect any weapons of battle. These Greek soldiers carried a type of shield called an aspis. The Spartans used the aspis to create the Greek Phalanx formation, where shields were locked together to create one large barrier – providing protection for comrades on the right and left of the holder.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Psalm 28:7

When David wrote today’s passage, he praised the Lord for being his shield. David knew God was his personal protection. He trusted his Heavenly Father to keep him and the people of Israel safe. God sheltered David, and He will shelter you. He “is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Praise the Lord for the many times He has kept you safe. With your song of praise, give Him thanks. Ask Him for your continued protection, and don’t forget to add in prayer for those citizens on your right and left. Finally, pray for President Obama and his family to recognize God’s protection in their own lives.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Worship = Serving

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Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has been awarded for his on-the-field accomplishments. Yet it is the college football star’s godly character that is most noteworthy. In fact, Marcus’ Oregon teammates nicknamed him “St. Mark” as they watched him make weekly unannounced visits to the Boys and Girls Club and daily stops to pass out food and water to the homeless. Marcus says, “With Christ’s power, we are able to pursue and play for His glory. We want to go out and show the world that Christ lives.”

Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

Psalm 22:30

One of the Greek words for worship is “latreuo.” The root meaning of the word reveals that worship involves service rendered to God. Worship is not merely an attitude. It involves specific acts according to His requirements. It’s more than giving praise. The Lord’s heart is blessed when you lay aside your personal desires and ambitions and serve others with humility and love.

Remember that as you faithfully pray for America’s leaders, you are worshipping God. Thank the Lord each day for the privilege to show the world that Christ lives by praying for those who serve this country.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Truly Good

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Certain words and phrases become fads from time to time. “Spaced out.” “Awesome.” “It is what it is.” And who can forget the confusion of “That’s bad” meaning “good?”

You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.

Psalm 16:2

When you worship, know that God is truly good. He is pure and holy. He is worthy to be praised. He desires and inspires good. You can worship Him at church, but you can also glorify Him by what you think, say and do. Think good thoughts. “Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Say good things. “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into…Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) Do good deeds. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

To see evil, look at the news. To see good, search the Scriptures. In them you will behold God and His goodness. Pray that this nation’s citizens and leaders will turn to the good God and seek to do good – so future headlines might be filled with good news. That would be awesome indeed!

Recommended Reading: James 1:12-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Attitude Change

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Charles Stanley, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, once talked about making a road map of your life – documenting the significant crossroads in your life and seeing how God carried you through and guided your steps.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6

David recognized the Lord’s help and direction, and it gave him the strength to go on. Pursued by King Saul for years, the young shepherd felt he could not endure any further and cried out in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord?” He supposed God to be indifferent to him, but realized that the Lord does not forget His own. David’s lament shifted from despair to a song of praise and confidence that his enemy would be defeated. His circumstance wasn’t changed, but his attitude was. He began to worship the Lord, trusting in God’s steadfast love and rejoicing in His salvation.

Bible commentator E.C. Olsen believes that sorrows in your life train you for future glory. Even more, “the Christian is driven to his knees in order that God may reveal Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him.” Intercede for America’s leaders. God can work wonders through your prayers. Then rejoice – for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:18-30

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Crispi’s Catastrophe

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Francesco Crispi is not a name associated with greatness. Crispi was the Prime Minister of Italy in 1896 and the cause of one of the worst military defeats in history, the long-forgotten Battle of Adwa. Fighting in Africa, an Italian army of 14,500 was facing a force of 100,000 Ethiopians. The sensible thing, Italian military observers advised, was to wait. The Ethiopians had overextended their supply lines and were beginning to starve. Within a few days, they would likely disband and scatter. But Crispi wanted a quick victory for political purposes. Believing his troops were superior in every way – including racially – he ordered his commander to attack at once. The Italians were slaughtered.

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalm 8:5

The psalmist wrote that God has granted many wonderful freedoms and privileges to earth’s inhabitants: “glory and honor” is upon man, he said. But there is a limit to what you can do, and pride and arrogance can be lethal shortcomings. If you forget this, God will inevitably find a way to remind you that you are, indeed, a “little lower than the heavenly beings.”

Today, pray that America’s leaders will serve in humility and recognize that greatness belongs to God alone.

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Worship’s Wonder

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Two contradictory attitudes can claim your morning. You can awake and say, “Good morning, Lord,” or you could say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” The choice is yours. The same is true with the way in which you spend your earliest part of the day. In Psalm 5, David knew the importance of beginning his day with intentional worship.

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.

Psalm 5:3

God is worshipped because He is God. Period. When you begin your day acknowledging that, then each action and each thought more readily becomes part of adoring Him the whole day long. You find yourself thankful for each cup of coffee. You sing praise as you drive your car to work or run your errands. You’re awake, alert – yes, alive – to wonders around you. Ongoing communication with the Lord happens without having to think about it. You are chosen, loved and favored by the One who matters most! And you respond, humbled in awe and reverence. That’s worship’s wonder.

Make your commitment to please God, glorify Him, and live devoted to worship – beginning first thing in the morning. Pray for America’s leaders to find that same awesome wonder starting with a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P.- Kid Contribution

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Philosopher and theologian William Temple once said, “The most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child’s home.” Parents who seek and serve the Lord have a rock-solid foundation to build on for their children. Knowing, loving and serving God is of utmost importance; everything thereafter is incidental.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

Adults must be careful to not let the importance of church services and programs for them distract from prioritizing ministry to kids, from nursery to Sunday school, and following this admonition of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) In fact, God places priority on training children (from sunrise to sunset) to seek and serve Him (Deuteronomy 6:7). God desires children as well as adults to worship Him. “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise” (Matthew 21:16)

What are your children and grandchildren learning these days? What can you do to contribute to the godly education of these precious ones? Pray that this nation’s schools or churches will not hinder children from coming to Jesus.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Your Responsibility

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There is a park atop Beachy Head, the tallest chalk cliff on England’s Channel coast, where grazing sheep from various flocks keep the grass mown. When a farmer rolls up in his pick-up truck and gives a whistle, only the sheep that belong to him respond. While some think it curious, Bible readers understand.

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.

Ezekiel 34:11

While Jesus said His sheep know His voice, how many more times did He say, “He who has ears, let him hear?” What’s the difference between knowing His voice and understanding what He says? Hearing God is your responsibility; it requires that you be quiet and ready. It takes time and discipline. His words are found in His Word, so regular Scripture reading is essential. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.” His schedule isn’t always yours.

If you are a good sheep, you will answer when He calls and go where He sends you. Pray for a disciplined New Year for yourself and the Christians who serve in government on local, state and national levels.

Recommended Reading: John 10:7-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Do-Over

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There’s a scene in the movie City Slickers where three friends are discussing how their lives have turned out. One man laments about how he’s messed up his entire life. He lost his wife, his child, his job and his self-respect. “I’ve lost everything,” he concluded. Billy Crystal, the actor portraying one of the friends, tells him it’s not true. He’s actually been handed an opportunity for a fresh start – a do-over.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

Many people get so caught up in yesterday’s mistakes they can’t see what God has planned for tomorrow. God doesn’t want you to focus on your past, but on your future. Today’s verse talks about the new beginning God wants for your life. He says to forget what has happened before. Instead, look to the fresh things He is going to do.

Do you need a do-over in life? Start by realizing you are powerless to make changes yourself. Then pray for God to give you a new start. Pray also for God to intervene to change the hearts of the nation’s leaders and give them a fresh start, too.

Recommended Reading: Acts 3:19-26