Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Flight by Night

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The Wise Men had just departed, leaving gold, frankincense and myrrh. Mary, Joseph and young Jesus must have been in awe of the scholars who followed the star and appeared at their door. The gifts alone were worth more than Joseph had probably ever seen in one place.

And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.

Matthew 2:14

But that night as they slept, an angel awakened Joseph, telling him to go to Egypt. Egypt – the land where his forefathers had spent so many years in captivity. The Bible doesn’t tell how Joseph packed the next morning and left, or even how he questioned the angel. Today’s verse simply states his response. Joseph got up from his bed, took Mary and Jesus, and left that night. The man chosen to be Christ’s earthly father exhibited the characteristic of immediate obedience.

When was the last time God spoke to you and you obeyed without question? Not many can claim such a feat. But that’s what your Heavenly Father longs to see in your life. Ask God to create a desire in you to follow His lead in an instant. Then pray the president and his cabinet would be able to hear and follow Him as well.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 2:13-23  Click to Read or Listen

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Deepest Well

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The Woman of Samaria – a nameless woman who was both an outcast to the Jews and an adulteress – was thirsty. So, as every day, physical thirst brought her to Jacob’s well to fill her water pot.

Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.

John 4:14

However, this Samaritan woman’s life changed forever with an unexpected visit from Jesus. The Lord asked her for a drink. More important, He showed her God’s unconditional love was beyond all religious and racial prejudices. Jesus offered her “living water” – eternal life through a relationship with God, and she gratefully drank of His unconditional deep well of love. With her heart and mind overflowing with this new truth, the Woman of Samaria abandoned her water pot along with her sinful lifestyle and ran to tell others about Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, God is referred to as having the “fountain of life.” Dive in and lavish yourself each day with His Word. Remember also to pray over America’s spiritual condition as you continually evaluate your reflection in the fountain of God’s truth. Thirst after Him with all your heart, mind and soul…and pray that your local and national leaders will do the same.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 36:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Capacious Compassion

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A few things known about Timothy – from the letters written to him by the apostle Paul – are that he had a weak stomach and many ailments (I Timothy 5:23) and that he apparently suffered from fearfulness (II Timothy 1:7). Could it be that Timothy’s family history contributed to these conditions? It’s impossible to know for sure, but as the product of a mixed marriage, Timothy almost certainly would have faced ostracism and discrimination. His Jewish mother was wed to a Greek man, a prohibited marriage under Jewish law. Then she and Timothy became Christians: another strike against them.

Pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

I Timothy 2:3-4

Plenty of people would have deemed Timothy as disqualified for service, but Paul had no interest in majoring on such minors. He equipped Timothy for ministry and encouraged him to “fight the good fight of faith.” (I Timothy 6:12) Perhaps Timothy, more than most others, appreciated that Jesus came so that “all people” might be saved.

Human history is filled with one sad tale of prejudice after another. As you pray for America today, ask God to help you look beyond those in your own neighborhood, church or political party, and give you His compassion for all people.

Recommended Reading: II Peter 3:4-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Beyond Reproach

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Elizabeth bore reproach from her friends and relatives because she was barren. For many years, she endured criticism, accusations and shame, but God describes her as “walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6)

Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.

Luke 1:25

The angel revealed heady stuff about Elizabeth’s son John. “Many will rejoice at his birth…He will be great before the Lord…He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb…He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord.” (Luke 1:14-16) Yet when Mary, three months along in her pregnancy, came to visit her, Elizabeth humbly asked, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43)

In her lifetime, Elizabeth had many reasons to be proud, bitter or depressed, but instead she walked humbly with God. The Father not only took reproach from Elizabeth – He also removes it from all who trust in Christ. Give thanks for this precious gift. Ask God to move the citizens and leaders of this country to humble themselves and pray.

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – No Questions Asked

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Three words come to mind when speaking of God’s Old Testament military commander Joshua – courage, obedience and faith. His story should be your encouragement. Have courage when times get tough, stay obedient to the Lord when tempted to stray, and keep the faith in good times and bad.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

It took courage for Joshua and Caleb to encourage Israel to push forward into the Promised Land when the majority expressed fear (Numbers 14:6-9). Unshakable faith sustained Joshua as he wandered with Israel for 40 years because of their stubbornness. Moses knew of his faithfulness and kept him by his side (Exodus 33:7-11). Lastly, Joshua obeyed the Lord. At Moses death, God instructed Joshua, “Arise, go over this Jordan.” (Joshua 1:2) Immediately he commanded the people of Israel to prepare and go…no questions asked. His great leadership and mighty victories came because of his faith, courage and obedience.

How’s your spiritual life? Unmovable faith in God can give you courage to obey Him when those around you would have you falter. When the outlook for this country is dim, don’t be discouraged, for the Lord is with you.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:30-40

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – No Winner

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ppt_seal01Have you ever won the battle, only to lose the war? Rachel and Leah, two sisters married to the same man, engaged in a perpetual competition that neither one could truly win. Their complicated relationship detailed in Genesis 29-35 is an appropriate picture of today’s political landscape: two major parties vying for power over control of one government, yet battling in such as way that no one really wins in the end.

Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.”

Genesis 30:8

Election season is heating up again. Before you put up the yard signs and post your political fireballs on Facebook, take a moment and consider your unbelieving neighbors and friends. Ask yourself if your communications are creating opportunities to share your hope in Jesus Christ and bring about healing – or merely drawing battle lines for ongoing disagreement and hurt.

Like living in the tent with Rachel and Leah, the conflict going on mainly damages those that would otherwise benefit immensely from working together. Start praying today for believers seeking office in the next term. Pray they will handle members of the opposite party thoughtfully and maintain an effective witness for Christ. There’s no reason to win the election but lose the race.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 9:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Mothers Behind the Men

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Many of our nation’s presidents recognized the impact of godly mothers – as evidenced in these quotes. “All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the…education I received from her,” George Washington. “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me,” Abraham Lincoln. “From my mother I learned the value of prayer, how to have dreams and believe I could make them come true.” Ronald Reagan. These leaders guided the country through difficult circumstances and attributed their success in part to their mother’s teachings.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

II Timothy 1:5

In today’s verse, Paul also recognizes the importance of godly mothers and grandmothers. His letter to Timothy mentions Lois and Eunice who taught Timothy scripture from childhood and modeled sincere faith despite a less than ideal environment (Timothy’s father wasn’t a Christian). Their influence led Timothy to become Paul’s traveling companion in spreading the gospel and ultimately a leader in the early church.

As you pray for America’s future, remember mothers and grandmothers and their impact on the next generation of leaders.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Reflection of God’s Face

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Anna had a heart overflowing for God. She was the daughter of Phanuel, whose name also means “the face or appearance of God.” Anna’s life reflected this as she was devoted to praying, fasting and praising the Lord continuously in the Temple.

She began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:38

As a prophetess, Anna proclaimed divine messages from Yahweh. In fact, God used her to confirm that He was keeping His promises to Israel and the world by sending a Savior. Anna also became the first missionary as she gazed upon the face of baby Jesus and then shared the Good News to everyone who had been waiting for the Messiah to rescue them!

As you spend more time in the Lord’s presence, you will naturally fall more in love with Him. Allow His love to flow out of your heart so you become a reflection of God’s face to everyone you encounter. Then look for those opportunities to tell others about His love. Pray also that believers on Capitol Hill have boldness to tell their co-workers about the Messiah.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-17

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Presidential Prayer Team;  J.R. – Old Camel Knees

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James, the brother of Jesus, wrote an epistle. In five chapters, he catalogues the weaknesses afflicting the human condition. These flaws will be familiar to you—some, perhaps, a little too familiar. Among them: a lack of faith, succumbing to temptation, discriminating against others, talking a good game without backing your words up with action, losing your temper, saying things you wish you could take back, impatience, pride, and loving money more than you should.

Who is wise and understanding among you?

James 3:13

After you slog through this list, you might be discouraged about ever living a godly life. But consider this: When James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” he is pointedly highlighting the reality that you can’t attain God’s standards in your own power. The key, James writes, is to seek wisdom from the Lord. And how do you find that? The answer is revealed in James’ nickname—not found in Scripture, but well known among believers in his day. They called him “the man with camel knees.” James, you see, spent so much time in prayer his knees became rough and calloused like a camel’s.

 

Today, be resolved that whatever may happen in your life and in America today, it won’t be because you didn’t pray.

Recommended Reading: James 5:13-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – An Act of Kindness

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Moses’ passion for his suffering people moved him to kill an Egyptian who had been beating an Israelite. Yet Moses had a lot to learn before he could act on behalf of God’s people. He fled to Midian. There he met Jethro’s daughters, fought off their attackers and drew water for their flocks.

And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.

Exodus 2:21

When Jethro heard what had happened, he took Moses in and gave him his daughter Zipporah as a wife, who, in some of the most unusual verses in the Bible (Exodus 4:24-26), returned his kindness by saving him. She interceded, saying, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” and God spared Moses. The Lord had a more complicated plan to save His people than Moses had. Because of Zipporah’s act of compassion, He was able to implement it.

God often uses little acts of kindness in our lives to bring about His plan. Do something nice for someone today, entrusting outcomes to the Lord…and intercede for this nation’s leaders, praying that they will not follow their own passion or reasoning, but instead be submissive to God’s will.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Heart for God

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Today’s verse is part of a message that Moses delivered to the people of Israel. They had just forsaken God to worship the golden calf. Chosen by God, their faithlessness was met by His faithfulness. He used His messenger – an ordinary man – to be a channel through which He accomplished so much.

What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways.

Deuteronomy 10:12

It was by faith that Moses left Egypt only to return under God’s direction to guide Israel out of captivity. It was by faith that he led them to cross the Red Sea. F.B. Meyer, in his book Moses, calls it the marvelous faculty of faith…the capacity of the human heart for God! It is putting self aside so that the Lord can work through you. With no thought about your human qualifications, the attitude of your heart will desire to become an organ through which He can work out His purposes.

Knit your soul to God by sensing your helplessness. Dedicate your whole self to Him. Let Him act through you to accomplish His purposes. Then pray that the leaders of this country would turn to the true God in whom to put their faith.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-11:2

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – A Buttress for Barak

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A buttress is an architectural term referring to a structure built against a wall to support or reinforce. While seemingly insignificant, without it the wall would fall. In the period of the judges in the Old Testament, one might call Deborah a buttress of sorts. The only female judge, Deborah stood out – and stood firm – among her peers.

And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?”

Judges 4:14

She called the commander Barak with a message from God: to gather his troops and head to the river Kishon, where the Lord would deliver his enemy Sisero to him. Even with God’s guarantee of success, Barak wouldn’t go without Deborah. Some people are so full of the Spirit of God, just being around them makes you feel more confident. Deborah obliged Barak and offered the wise counsel of today’s verse.

She reminded him that God had already given him victory and had gone before him into battle. Remember the faithfulness of Deborah and consider who might need your encouragement today. Ask God to point out people who need to hear how He has gone before them. Then pray for Christians who hold political offices to be encouraged as well.

Recommended Reading: Romans 1:8-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Dis the Distraction

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Don’t think about blue elephants.

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia…The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Acts 16:14

Now you’re imagining a blue elephant, right? The human brain is a complex biochemical machine with a limited capacity for attention and a high capacity for suggestibility. In the world today, there is an entire industry bent on capturing your attention and guiding your thoughts…and some days it works! How many hours per week is your mind absorbed with what you see and hear in popular media?

According to the Bible, one of the first people in Europe to enter into relationship with Jesus was a businesswoman named Lydia. The scripture specifically says God opened Lydia’s heart to receive the message Paul was speaking. She had only to open her ears.

God has already done His part in preparing hearts to hear His message. Pray right now for your fellow citizens – particularly those working in government and leadership positions – to escape the media maze and attend to the needs of their soul. With prepared hearts and open ears, an entire American generation can quit being distracted by the blue elephants and start being transformed by the love of Christ.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 44:1-8

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Triumph Over Tragedy

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Nine-year-old Wesley Jones broke his neck after falling from his tree house. Paralyzed from the neck down, Wesley grew up, launched a televised hunting show and founded the Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation – all from his wheelchair. Wesley and his brother, Reggie, work tirelessly to help those with neck injuries add lifts and ramps to their homes and provide hospital counseling. Wesley’s favorite saying is, “With hard work and God’s help, anything is possible.”

You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50:20

Jacob’s favored son, Joseph, also experienced tragedy at a young age. Discarded by his brothers, Joseph could have resigned to a life of sorrow. Instead, he grew in wisdom wherever God placed him. A true man of character, Joseph showed mercy when placed in a position of authority over his siblings. God used tragedy to refine Joseph, He used it to refine Wesley…and He can use it to refine you.

What heartaches has your family experienced? Pray for your Heavenly Father to reveal His power in your life. Pray also for the families of your nation’s leaders as they experience rough times in their personal lives.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 37:18-28

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Greatest Promise

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Hannah made God a promise. Although she was unable to get pregnant, Hannah told the Lord that if she bore a son, she would give him back for His service. As Hannah persistently prayed, she focused on His provision and faithfulness instead of dwelling on her circumstances.

Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.

I Samuel 1:28

Eventually Hannah gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, which means “God hears.” After weaning him, Hannah fulfilled her vow and handed her baby over to Eli for training as a priest. Then the Lord blessed Hannah’s legacy with the Greatest Promise in history. Samuel later anointed David as the next king of the lineage from which Jesus Christ was born. Hannah’s faithfulness has a legacy that remains truly world-changing!

As you thank your Heavenly Father for His daily provision, remember to dedicate it all back to Him. Pour out your time, talents and treasures to be a blessing to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and the nation. Pray also that America’s leaders would honor God as they make personal and public promises to others.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:12-19

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Stranger to Suffering

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Suppose an arsonist starts a fire in your neighborhood. It soon roars across the city, destroying everything in its path, turning millions of dollars of property into ash and killing hundreds. The next morning, the mayor holds a press conference to announce he will be recommending the death penalty for the person responsible…whom he says is you. You and your Christian friends.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.

I Peter 1:6

Such a scenario confronted Peter when he wrote about the expectation of “various trials.” The Emperor Nero had just blamed Christians for the fiery destruction of Rome, even though many historians believe it was Nero himself who started the blaze.

Some Christians believe God has promised mountainous monetary riches and permanent good health on this Earth. Just trust Him and give sacrificially, they claim, and you will be a stranger to suffering. The Bible teaches otherwise. God promises perfect bliss, but not in this life. Will Christians be blamed for America’s problems? In some respects, it’s already beginning. But as you pray for your leaders and fellow citizens today, remember that many of them are sadly missing something you have: the assurance that the hardships of today are only “for a little while.”

Recommended Reading: Acts 14:19-28

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Divine Romance

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Among the greatest tales of love, it’s difficult to find one as romantic as the true story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible.

And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”

Ruth 3:9

Beautiful in form and character, Ruth was a person whose concern was for her mother-in-law and who spent all day picking the leftovers from Boaz’s field so they could survive. Enter the dashing hero, whose heart is drawn to this young woman. Boaz asks about her and in his kindness makes sure she has more than enough for the harvest. Later, he’s surprised to wake up and find Ruth lying at his feet. As a “redeemer” he can take her into his household, but there is someone else with more rights. Boaz not only redeems Ruth – he marries her.

Does this sound familiar? Christ, by dying on the cross with outstretched arms, spreads His wings over the ones who are at His feet. By Jesus’ sacrifice, redemption was sealed, and believers now are a part of the bride of Christ. Today, be thankful and rejoice in your heroic redeemer…then pray for leaders and citizens of this nation to yield to the Divine Romance.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 3:10-14; 23-26

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The Only Source

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This time of year many gardens flourish…blooming flowers, ripening tomatoes, maturing fruit on the tree. But storms have taken their toll in some areas of the country. Floods causing roots to rot, winds stripping corn stalks of their leaves and pulling trees up to expose roots to the sun are examples of plants being taken away from their life source.

The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.

Genesis 2:7

That’s what happened to Adam. He was in the presence of God, his life source, until sin pulled him away from the beautiful relationship he had with His Creator. The Holy One had provided all that he and Eve would ever have needed, but Satan craftily enticed Eve into wanting more…and Adam consciously disobeyed the Lord’s only command. The consequences of God’s judgment, long-reaching and ongoing, have plagued mankind ever since.

Sin drives you from the presence of your life source. But just as the Lord cared for Adam and Eve as they were turned from the garden, He will secure your presence with Him forever if you believe in Christ as Savior. Pray now that the people of this nation will turn back to God – the only source of life.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 139:7-14, 23-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Take a Risk

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Esther’s exquisite beauty and character distinguished her in the eyes of Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, who chose her as his queen. Yet it was Esther’s courage that was most notable in the life of this Jewish woman.

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.

Esther 4:16

When Esther learned that the chief court favorite, Haman, planned to massacre the Jews, she asked her people to fast and pray for three days. Then Esther risked her life by preparing a surprise visit to the king to tell him of Haman’s plans. On the day the Jews were to be slaughtered, Haman was instead executed and Esther’s position as queen was strengthened. It was evident that the Lord was the source of her security.

God has not placed you in your present position for your own benefit. He put you there to serve Him. At times this might require great courage and involve risk. Yet the Lord is always with you and He is faithfully at work. So decide to do what your Heavenly Father wants and trust Him for the outcome. Pray also that America’s leaders will put their security in Jesus Christ instead of possessions, position or reputation.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 1:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Defend the Voiceless

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Nick Vujicic was born with no arms and no legs. As a child, Nick was bullied to the point where he attempted suicide at age ten. Now as the president and founder of the nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs, Nick travels the world sharing his faith in God and encouraging others to overcome physical limitations and bullying.

Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:9

“I always talk about faith, love and hope. The greatest hope is knowing that I’m not going to die; I’m going to live forever and my arms and legs are up there (Heaven),” Nick says. Recently, Nick hosted a hugging campaign in New York City for the release of his new book Stand Strong. Admirers from as far away as Chile and Australia lined up in Times Square for hugs and photos with him.

Jesus demonstrated great compassion for those who could not defend themselves. As His follower, God has given you the privilege of helping people who need an advocate. Ask Him to lead you to those you can help in Jesus’ name. Pray also that your local and national leaders would serve to defend the voiceless in this nation.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 82