Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Out with Stress

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Stress contributes to the six leading causes of death: accidents, cancer, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, lung ailments and suicide. Proverbs 30 begins with something most people have said at one time or another. “I am weary, O God, and worn out.” (30:1) The next verse may sound surprisingly familiar, “Surely I am too stupid to be a man.” (30:2) When people are stressed out, they may feel like they know nothing about life, its purpose, or even how to go about their day.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5

But the Psalmist assures in today’s verse that you can run to God as a refuge from stress. He protects (Psalm 116:6), builds up (Psalm 127:1), and strengthens: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Have you been stressed out lately? Cast your cares on the Lord (I Peter 5:7) and keep your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Pray the nation’s citizens and leaders will turn to the Lord as a refuge in these stressful times.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Pardon Me

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“Do the crime, do the time,” goes the old saying, but a lot of people would rather not. As of mid-year 2014, President Barack Obama had received 14,332 requests for pardons or commutations during his administration. He has granted 62. The chance of the president letting you off the hook, therefore, is not good. Obstacles to a pardon are manifold: you have to jump through hoops at the Justice Department before your request will be forwarded; the process is weighted by political and public relations considerations; and there must be ample evidence you were wrongly convicted or that your sentence is unjust.

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.

Proverbs 29:26

Some will get relief from the White House, but the vast majority will not. Proverbs affirms as much in today’s scripture. But the wonderful news is this: the ultimate Ruler, King Jesus, is ready to hear your petition. Whatever you have done, whoever you may have hurt, however badly you may have squandered your opportunities, He stands ready to pardon you and give you a fresh start.

Today, pray that your nation’s leaders will recognize the divine foundation of all justice: it does not come from Washington, but from the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Malachi 3:13-18

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Presidential Prayer Team;  A.W.- In God We Trust

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“In God We Trust” became America’s official motto when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law in 1956, but the phrase had been inscribed on American coins for almost 90 years prior. Francis Scott Key also used the phrase “In God is our trust” in the Star-Spangled Banner penned in 1814. Trust in God has been a founding principle of America since its beginning. In its third century as a country, however, many seek to remove God’s name from coins, national monuments and buildings, and even the Pledge of Allegiance.

A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

Proverbs 28:25

People and countries with a greedy spirit often cannot bear opposition. They long for wealth and power and are willing to be vengeful to others to fulfill their desires. This stands in stark contrast to those who trust in God for their provision. They flourish, prosper and enjoy peace by living in dependence upon the Lord and His grace. A further reminder of the strength and wisdom of trusting in God is found in today’s verse.

 

Spend time today thanking God for his provision, peace and protection for America. Then pray for its citizens and leaders to remember where those things come from – and return to trust in God as their guiding principle.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 115

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Clear Directives

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As one commentary stated, “After 11 verses describing the terrible state of the fool, [today’s verse] becomes a forceful punch line: even more hopeless than the situation of the fool is the situation of the stubbornly unteachable person, who is wise in his own eyes.” A dire state of mind is this spiritual disease of self-conceit. It is deceiving, sometimes leading to hard-heartedness.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 26:12

The Pharisee in the temple thanked God he was not as other men; he was morally blind, not realizing his spiritual need (Luke 18:11; John 9:41). Conceited ones are often opinionated and dogmatic. Puffed up by what little knowledge they have, they see no need to seek instruction or counsel from others.

Today, lift up your prayers for those in leadership who think they know what is best for this nation without consulting the One who is in control. God’s directives are clear: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:9-21

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Presidential Prayer Team;  P.G. – Feel the Heat?

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The melting point of silver is 1,700 degrees. Once it’s liquid, the refiner can begin his work of removing impurities from the metal. Each time the silversmith stirs the silver, dross comes to the top where it is skimmed off and burned up by the refiner’s fire. The smith does it again and again, until no dross remains and he can see his full reflection in the molten metal.

Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel.

Proverbs 25:4

Just as even the smallest particle can render the silver impure, so a small sin can mar Christ’s reflection in one of His followers. The Lord says He is like a refiner’s fire. Not a forest fire, indiscriminate in its destruction, or an incinerator fire that reduces everything to ashes. When you feel the heat, know His intent is purifying your life, making you a vessel fit for His use.

America used to have silver as a standard for its monetary system and the Bible as its standard for the conduct of life. Silver was finally abandoned in 1963, and the Bible is in present danger of total governmental and public abandonment. Pray today for a return to righteousness through God’s Word, and for His refining fire to cleanse the nation.

Recommended Reading: Malachi 3:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Purposely Follow

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The Founding Fathers of the United States understood the intense responsibility they had in establishing a government for a new nation. Faith in God and His leading determined their actions. Thomas Jefferson penned these words within the Declaration of Independence: “With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.

Proverbs 24:3

Even before convening with the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin wrote an essay in 1757 in which he advised, “Do not depend too much upon your own industry and frugality…for they may all be blasted without the blessing of Heaven.” In his autobiography, Franklin wrote that his daily prayers began with these words: “Bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! Increase in me that wisdom.” For many of the Founders, Bible reading was a part of their daily lives. They stood in awe of the Lord. They purposefully followed His guidelines to establish the best government for a free people.

Be encouraged in these difficult times to study Scripture. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Intercede for government leaders that they might know the One who guides. Then they will understand what is God’s best for this country.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:11-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Tiny Termites

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Most termites aren’t even a half inch long, insignificant individually; but in colonies they destroy about 600,000 U.S. homes each year. Likewise, a lie may seem innocuous in and of itself. People lie because often fibs have the desired effect of avoiding some type of loss. But in the long run, lies damage lives like tiny termites chewing on a big house. A lie leads to an infestation of lies. Once someone is caught in a lie, how can people trust that person to tell the truth?

Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:23

In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira sold land, gave some of the money to the church and kept some for themselves (Acts 5:1-11). This wasn’t wrong in itself. But they lied about it. They said they gave the church the whole amount. They “sold the truth” to look good in the eyes of their peers – and they paid for it with their lives.

Examine your heart. Are you honest with God, others and yourself? Next time you are tempted to lie, ask yourself what kind of price tag you’re putting on your own integrity? Pray for a resurgence of honesty in Americans, from small children to the political leaders of the United States.

Recommended Reading: John 8:39-47

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Debt Destruction

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If you owe someone money, it becomes more difficult to pay them back if you are incarcerated. This rather obvious truth was lost on judges in the early years of the United States, when citizens were routinely thrown into jail for unpaid bills. And once you were behind bars, the prisons – which offered truly wretched and cruel conditions – piled on the misery by charging for food and water. This was the fate of Founder James Wilson, coauthor and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He died a broken man at the age of 56 after a series of bad financial decisions which landed him in several debtor prisons. He once described to a friend how he was being “hunted like a wild beast” by creditors.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Under modern law an unpaid bill won’t land you in jail or turn you into an indentured servant, but in a very real sense the borrower is still slave to the lender. Debt will steal your peace and may destroy your future. America’s national debt, if it continues to expand, will lead to financial catastrophe.

As you pray today, ask God to help you and your nation’s leaders to be responsible and wise stewards.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – God Reigns

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In Solomon’s day, kings possessed absolute authority and were often considered to be like gods. However, this verse in Proverbs 21 affirms that God, not earthy rulers, has ultimate authority over world politics. Although they may not have realized it, the Earth’s most powerful kings have always been under God’s control.

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Proverbs 21:1

David, himself a king, said, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (Psalm 24:10) The throne of an earthly king, or the title of a political leader, cannot compare to the glories of God. The Lord’s purposes in government can be puzzling. However, you always can have the assurance that God is on His throne and all is working for His glory.

As you read His Word, thank God that His hand of authority reigns over all people and events. Remember your privilege and responsibility to pray for your local and national leaders each day. Ask your Heavenly Father to turn their hearts and their minds toward Him for every personal and professional decision.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 24

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – The Deepest Dump

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Where would you put nuclear waste? At one time the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the world’s oceans, was the chosen site. Scientists believed nothing could live in that depth and darkness. However, before anything was dumped, two brave explorers figured out how to perform a manned expedition and went down to take a look. What they discovered surprised everybody…exotic marine life, and lots of it! Although very risky, deep water exploration saved an important part of the Earth’s ecosystem from becoming a toxic dump.

The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Proverbs 20:5

Sadly, many people have chosen to bury life’s difficulties and disappointment’s in the deepest recesses of their heart. Dumping bitterness and anger into the place created for God’s presence only leaves one in pain and without hope.

If you want the best for America, start by taking a good look inside your own heart. Invite God’s healing into the deepest recesses of your soul. Honestly ask Him today to reveal sin and give you an understanding of His purposes for you. Also pray for America’s elected leaders to have the opportunity and courage to do the same.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

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Presidential Prayer Team;  P.G. – When Tragedy Strikes

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ppt_seal01The story is told of a young man who went to college in London, became a teacher, met a young woman, fell in love and planned to settle down. Two days before the wedding, his fiancé drowned. Stricken with grief, he moved to Canada, began a new life and, once again, fell in love. Mere weeks before the wedding, his bride-to-be was suddenly sickened and died shortly thereafter. He took a vow of poverty and became a woodcutter, working only for the infirm and destitute. Some years later, he received word his mother was gravely ill; but having no means to go home, he instead wrote a short verse for her. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” came from the pen of Joseph Scriven that day.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Tragedies strike everyone sooner or later. What the Lord wants, even expects, is that you not wait until a tragedy comes. His desire is for you to have an abiding relationship with Him every day. Abide in my love, He says. Pray today for America’s leaders to discover anew God’s love for them, to accept that free gift of grace, and then learn what it is to be His intimate friend.

Recommended Reading: John 15:4-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Down to the Marrow

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You’ve seen them…people with down-turned mouths, the furrowed brows and a distressed look in their eyes. Nothing puts a damper on a gathering more than a gloomy and melancholy person. Unfortunately, this description applies to many Christians – but it shouldn’t.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

God wants you to have a joyful heart. It is a disposition of the mind which affects the health of the body. A joyful heart is at peace with God…having a right relationship with Him. Its peace can be passive – enjoying a sense of freedom from guilt. It is also active, never selfish, springing into action for the Lord by serving others. It is good medicine…lifting the spirits of the helped one as well as its own. Beware of a crushed spirit, burdened by trials or upset by guilt or anger. It exhausts one to the very marrow of his bones.

Put your focus on the Lord. Serve Him with gladness. See His grace in your life at every turn. Then pray for the leaders of this nation. The world offers emptiness; God waits to bestow the best upon those who will turn to Him. After all, He is the One who gives life to dry bones.

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Value the Invisible

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The average cost for a year of college, about $33,000, shows how much people value education. Yet they get degrees, earn money, and acquire possessions that eventually go to storage spaces, yard sales and trash heaps. America’s overrun with stuff.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 16:16

Knowledge doesn’t necessarily result in wisdom, but wisdom for wisdom’s sake is valuable. Wisdom lies in the invisible and the eternal, not in the physical and temporal. The Holy Spirit, love, joy, hope, peace, and faith are all eternal and invisible. Consider the following verses. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:2-3) and “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (I Timothy 1:17)

Pray for the leaders and citizens of the United States of America to value the eternal and not be mesmerized by materialism. As missionary and poet C. T. Studd said, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-3, 12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Rage Regrets

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George S. Patton, perhaps America’s greatest World War II general, did not suffer his greatest disaster on the battlefield, but in a hospital tent. Visiting wounded soldiers on Sicily, he came upon Paul Bennett, an artilleryman suffering from “battle fatigue,” now most often called posttraumatic stress disorder. Enraged, Patton slapped the man, called him a coward and numerous other unprintable names, and then pulled his gun and threatened to shoot the man. Patton didn’t believe battle fatigue was a real illness, but he simply didn’t know what he didn’t know. When word reached his superiors of the outburst, Patton was sidelined.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Anger usually does more damage than good. When you unleash your wrath – on a spouse, a child, a colleague, or that lackadaisical government clerk who doesn’t seem to care – you may feel better for a moment, but the aftermath will be regrettable. Worst of all, you may not really know what’s going on inside of that person’s heart or head, and rage may destroy your opportunity to be the voice or hands of Christ.

Harsh words are abundant today in Washington, your workplace, perhaps even your home. Ask God to help you be a courier of “soft answers.”

Recommended Reading: James 1:12-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – American “Nones”

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A survey conducted by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College revealed the number of Americans calling themselves Christians was down from 86 percent in 1990 to 75 percent in 2009. At the same time, American “Nones” – or people who identify with no religious group – increased from 8.1 percent of the population in 1990 to 15 percent in 2098, an increase of about 20 million people.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34

Many believe America became one of the most powerful, influential nations in the world because of its founding on Christian beliefs. So what does it mean for America if its people are leaving Christianity and turning away from God? Today’s scripture gives insight. Reproach in this verse means public shame or disgrace. When a person or nation becomes unrighteous and begins to ignore where security and salvation come from, disgrace and punishment often follow. Just as Israel and Judah found themselves among the list of nations surrounding them that rejected the Lord and fell from greatness, America may be on the same path.

As you spend time with God today, ask Him to draw America back to Him. Pray righteousness and morality would once again be important to the nation’s citizens and leaders.

Recommended Reading: Amos 2:4-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Bad Listening

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A scoffer is a bad listener – one that will not open his or her ears to wisdom. An unfortunate condition, you might agree; however, there’s a bit more to it. The original word translates as “one who mocks and scorns the belief of another” and also “acts as an ambassador.” More accurately, a scoffer is a person who disagrees and attempts to sway others to adopt his disagreement.

A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:1

In your attempts to bring about God’s best plan for America, remember you will inevitably attract devoted scoffers. Jesus’ disciples had to deal with a loud opposition wherever they worked. Gospel messengers have been thrown out of town and sometimes even into jail since the start.

Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:10) Ultimately, every knee will bow and God’s plans will be accomplished on Earth; in the meantime, continue in your prayer and good work for others and for America. Offer a reasonable explanation for the hope you have in Christ and for the nation. And when you encounter scoffers, take a cue from their example…refuse to listen!

Recommended Reading: John 15:9-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Don’t Worry, Be Inspiring

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Over four million people will receive treatment for anxiety this year. Statistics also show that 43 percent of all North Americans take mood-altering drugs. Anxiety, by definition, is fear or nervousness about what might happen. Turn on the news and you’ll hear about the energy crisis, unrest in the Middle East, and how many people were robbed in your neck of the woods. No wonder so many people suffer from worry and apprehension.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25

While medicine may be required in many cases, how else can you battle unwarranted concern? Today’s passage offers a suggestion – a good word. Sometimes a word of encouragement can lift even the darkest of moods. The Apostle Paul wrote inspirational letters to the churches he helped launch. Many of those uplifting letters became part of the New Testament. Never underestimate the power of a good word.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) Take the time to write a note of encouragement today to one of your political leaders. Then pray for God to use those words to bring His inspiration to those who receive it.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:7-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Law of the Harvest

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Sowing and reaping, one of God’s basic principles, is found all throughout the Bible. “Ya pick what ya plant,” an old farmer said. Jesus said the same thing, “Figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.” (Luke 6:44) The law of the harvest also promises that you will reap more than you sow. It’s a good thing seeds don’t reproduce one for one, but one seed can produce an abundant crop; one acorn can become a mighty oak bearing thousands of its own acorns. So it is with habits. Good habits bring good results; bad ones can be destructive. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind, says Hosea 8:7.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 11:24

When the people and leaders of this nation abandon values based on the Bible and forget it is God who has given liberty, what they reap is unworthy of the country’s founding. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. (Galatians 6:8)

Pray for Americans to turn from wicked paths and instead walk in God’s righteousness. National repentance can rise from only a few seeds rightly planted.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – What Legacy?

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Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler, Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, Jesus and Judas…names conjure up remembrances of either good or bad. Today’s verse stresses that how you live has a great deal – maybe all – to do with how you will be remembered. Churchill encouraged England to stand under Hitler’s attacks born from a desire for power over an “inferior” people. The good man is referenced with respect while the wicked is mentioned with abhorrence.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Proverbs 10:7

Recall the Apostle Paul and his unstoppable pursuit to share the gospel of Jesus with all people. Demas, on the other hand, though not wicked, will forever be considered as the one who left Paul’s side because of his love for the world (II Timothy 4:10). As a believer, contrast your feelings regarding the emperors of Rome and the fishermen of Galilee. The righteous can be remembered for their example, for their strength of character and nobleness, or for their acts of faith. They are a blessing in life and death.

What will be your legacy? Seek to live God’s fullest desires for your life. Then pray for the nation’s leaders that they will show forth righteousness…giving their best for America.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Three Sillies

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In the old story of The Three Sillies, a man goes on a journey to find three people who are sillier than his fiancé, who worried that an ax hanging on the wall would someday fall and hit their future child on the head. After finding three people who were indeed more foolish than her, he married her.

Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

Proverbs 9:6

Believers aren’t doomed to walk about as “the three sillies.” It is the human condition to regret stupid mistakes, but the good news is that God offers His wisdom like a hostess lays out a rich banquet and calls, “Come and eat!” James invites you to this feast: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Today, ask God for wisdom concerning the issues you face right now. Read the Bible and receive His guidance. Know that wisdom that God gives will be in line with both His Word and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Trust that He answered and act with confidence. Then pray that the nation and its leaders will seek God’s wisdom and follow it wholly.

Recommended Reading: James 3:13-18