Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hurrah for Trouble

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In the United States, fire costs billion of dollars. Firefighting takes its toll in lives, about 4,400 each year, 100 being firefighters. But to professional firefighters, fires are mixed blessings. They depend on them for their livelihood.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

James 1:2

Likewise, fiery trials have advantages as well as disadvantages. No one likes to suffer trouble, distress or significant loss, but the two verses after today’s verse affirm, “The testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” And the Apostle Paul declares, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Thank the Father for the good He’s producing out of the problems in your life. Remember that it’s your faith being tested, not God’s love, goodness or faithfulness. By faith, claim the promise of being “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” as you patiently wait on His provision. Then pray that the nation’s citizens and leaders will focus on what would truly please the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:3-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Broken Walls, Broken Hearts

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More than broken walls greeted Nehemiah when he returned to Jerusalem. The people themselves were broken. They despaired at the condition of their beloved city, weeping over its destruction. Through his inspired leadership, each family was charged with rebuilding not only his own home, but the portion of the Jerusalem walls where he lived. Within a year, they had settled in, but something was still missing…the Word of the Lord!

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

For perhaps two generations or more, they’d had no preacher, no one to bring God’s laws to them. So they built a platform for Ezra, who read the Torah from daybreak to midday, making clear God’s message, and the people stood in rapt attention. Aware of their sinful condition, they wept and repented. Ezra proclaimed the day sacred and instructed the people to rejoice – for the Lord had sustained them.

Often today’s churchgoers sit and squirm under half an hour of instruction, and just as frequently leave with the same somber faces they had when they arrived. Where is the joy? Won’t you purpose in your own heart to be strengthened in the joy that knowing Jesus brings? And purpose, too, to intercede for the brokenhearted among the nation’s leadership.

Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Wailing to Song

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No believer in Christ is exempt from trials and correction. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6) As one commentator expressed it, you undergo “home training” so you may have a personal, intimate relationship with God.

I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Psalm 13:5

The Psalmist David was often in distress. Psalm 13 begins as he boldly comes before the Lord asking, “How long…how long?” David was sorrowful, enemies pursued him, and he felt distant from what he determined was an unresponsive God. But the wailing turned to song when he realized that he could not save himself. His deliverer was Almighty God! The apostle Paul struggled as well. “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18) His joy became full when he knew his deliverer was Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25-8:1).

Believer, know that your “Woe is me!” pleases the devil, but your songs of praise grieve him sorely (Martin Luther). Lift your eyes heavenward, trust in God’s steadfast love and rejoice that God is the deliverer of body and soul. Then pray for the people of this nation that they may do the same.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 16

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Now and Later

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In Across the Plains, Robert Louis Stevenson’s travel memoir about his journey as an immigrant from New York to San Francisco, he says, “Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.” Stevenson was a stranger traveling in a foreign land. The conditions were not always ideal, but he knew not to miss the joy.

Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.

Isaiah 35:10

God’s followers have always been on a journey in a foreign land. Because of sin, the conditions are not always perfect, but the Lord promises joy along the way and eternally (John 16:22). In today’s verse, the prophet Isaiah was calling God’s people back to faithfulness. He reminded them they would face judgment, but would also receive restoration. Christians today share this promise through the hope of Christ’s return.

Are you missing the joy? Don’t let your struggles rob you of the joy you are promised in this life or the next. As you pray today, ask for peace and joy (Romans 15:13) and for America and its leaders to return to faithfulness so they might also experience restoration and hope.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 1:3-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Prepare the Way

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Many people stood for hours surrounding Buckingham Palace, while news crews streamed a live feed outside the hospital. When a town crier finally announced the arrival of the newest member of the royal family, Prince George, the people went wild – and kept their vigil, hoping for just a glimpse of the royal family. The birth announcement quickly made world headlines. Everybody celebrated the tiny would-be king.

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:14

Today’s verse also talks about rejoicing at the birth of a child – but this one wasn’t the king. This passage refers to the one who was to “prepare a way” for the King – John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3). While Prince George is not the king, he still has an important role in the royal family. John the Baptist wasn’t the Messiah, but his mother was told “he will be great before the Lord…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:15)

You may not be the one in the limelight, but you do have an important role for God. Ask the Lord to give you joy in preparing the way for others to know Him. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to do the will of God.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Knowing His Love

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The Earth Institute released the World Happiness Report two years ago in time for the United Nation’s Conference on Happiness. According to this report, the world’s happiest countries are all in northern Europe – Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands took up the top four spots, in that order. The United States ranked eleventh. The report stated that happier countries tend to be richer countries. Yet more important for happiness than income are social factors like the strength of social support, the absence of corruption and the degree of personal freedom.

The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

Everyone wants to be happy. However, happiness is often a temporary condition based on circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, comes only from knowing the love of your Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

As you talk to your Lord and read His Word, thank God for the gift of true joy. Read His love letter, the Bible, every day as you grow in your relationship with Him. Intercede for those local and national leaders who don’t personally know Jesus Christ. Pray they would experience the true joy that only comes from a relationship with their Creator.

Recommended Reading: John 16:20-28

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Sowing Secrets

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Knowles Shaw, a nineteenth century preacher, wrote the famous hymn “Bringing in the Sheaves” which is based on today’s Psalm. Reverend Shaw knew something about sowing and reaping, evidenced by the more than 11,400 people who were converted to Christ under his ministry. Author Robert J. Morgan gives an account of Shaw’s final hours aboard a doomed train that would shortly take his life. Just before the crash, a fellow minister had asked him to tell the secret of his success. Shaw said he always “preached Christ; always kept Jesus before the people…and had confidence in the gospel truth as the power of God.”

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

Psalm 126:5

The principle of sowing and reaping is well known, but many people fail to understand that it matters a great deal what you sow. In America today, there is a growing expectation that you should keep your faith to yourself. This is unfortunate. Sowing good works is important, but it won’t reap the eternal benefit others need unless you also “keep Jesus before the people.”

As you pray for the President and America’s leaders today, ask God to bring individuals into their lives who will keep Jesus before them – so they may know Him as Lord.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Him Alone

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When Zechariah prophetically praises the Lord later in Luke 1, he speaks of God’s plan of salvation, which includes his son John preparing the way for the Savior. But when Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit and gives praise, the Magnificat, she focuses on God’s character and the fact that He chooses the weak to humble the exalted and provides for the poor to the chagrin of the rich.

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Luke 1:47

Mary emphasizes that a person’s trust should be in God alone; possessions, prestige and personal power are undependable. Psalm 37:4 puts it this way, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” And Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

If you are poor, look to God to provide. If you are rich, give to the poor. If you are in a place of leadership, help those who are in a weaker position. If you feel you have little power or influence, seek God to turn others to His glory through you. And remember to pray for all in authority, locally to nationally, that you may live a peaceful life (I Timothy 2:1-4).

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Grapes of Joy

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John Steinbeck’s epic novel The Grapes of Wrath focuses on a family forced from their home by drought, economic hardship, climate changes and bank foreclosures – all part of The Great Depression. The Joads family traveled, along with thousands of others, to California in search of jobs, dignity and a future.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:11

Today, many people are living in great depressions of their own. They’re under the pressure of economic hardship. In the last half-dozen years, the nation experienced a plethora of bank foreclosures, and now drought persists in California and climate change threatens everyone. They could easily reap a harvest of wrath. But Jesus says if you abide in Him as branches to a vine, the fruit you bear will include dignity, a future and joy. Imagine being a branch in His vineyard, overladened with abundant grapes of joy!

Draw close to the presence of God in your life today…and every day. Spend time in His Word. Live a life of obedience and prayer. Intercede for others, from the far reaches of government to your nearest neighbor, to find the Source of their own grapes of joy.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Not a Stranger

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Imagine God walking before you, believer, shining a light on your path and spreading seeds of joy in your path? Notice His steady steps as He shepherds you through trials and difficulties, through days of ease and happiness, comforting and blessing as you go. Love Me, He says, and keep my commandments so you can find your way (Matthew 22:37-40).

Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:11

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) Satan entices with temptations for success, wealth, prestige, or anything that makes you seem content. But God sets before you His Word of truth to give you liberty to do what will be most beneficial to you – and bring true contentment and joy in your heart.

Dr. Andrew Davis, Senior Pastor/Elder at First Baptist Church in Durham, NC, says, “Every time we choose to feed our hearts by the Word of God and heavenly meditation rather than to pursue worldly pleasures (even if lawful and not corrupt), we are expanding our capacity for heavenly joy.” Ask the Spirit to help you put sin to death. Discipline yourself for godliness. And pray the same for this nation and its leaders. Then joy will not be a stranger.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 97

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Presidential Prayer Team;  G.C.  – Twins

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Can you name all the twins in the Bible? When you get past Jacob and Esau, and Thomas and his unnamed sibling, also consider looking for spiritual twins. Consider how grace and mercy look similar…and then think about joy and generosity. Many believe generosity and joy are so deeply connected that neither can be understood fully apart from the other. Have you ever authentically given without feeling a quiet sense of joy? Or have you ever experienced great gladness without an element of another’s generosity?

And day by day…they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

Acts 2:46

The connection between joy and generosity is not only rooted throughout Scripture, it stands as the center piece of the gospel itself. Hebrews 12 describes Jesus as the most lavish gift giver of all time – in that He gave His perfect self to be sacrificed for sin, and He viewed His own generosity as a “joy set before him.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Could you use a bit more joy today? Look around. Discern the places or people in America that need your generosity. Pray for the courage to let go and give of your time and talents to meet the needs of others. Then get ready for a twin sighting, for joy is on its way.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Don’t Lie Down

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Planking has become a popular subject of photos on social media. It’s actually the art of “lying down.” But true planking – holding your body straight while resting on your toes and forearms – is a genuine test of strength. It isn’t easy, but it earned 16-year-old Gabi Ury a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Gabi planked one hour, twenty minutes and five seconds.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

She had a goal of breaking a world record and raising money for the Denver Children’s Hospital where she received treatment for a disease called VATER syndrome (the presence of at least three specific birth defects). She achieved both. When asked how she got through the pain and fatigue, Gabi said being surrounded by positivity and fun helped. She also believed in herself. She had hope.

Today’s verse offers a similar life lesson. Have hope. Hang on and pray. When you want to give up, surround yourself with the positivity of other Christ followers. Don’t “lie down.” Instead, “Encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) As you pray continually, show patience as you wait for the Lord. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to have the same hope in Christ you do.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:11-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Focus on God

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Derek Rabelo’s father prayed that his unborn son would become a professional surfer. Yet when Derek was born blind, that didn’t end the dream. As a teenager, Derek embarked on a three-year journey of rigorous spiritual, physical and mental training. Then 20-year-old Derek surfed some of the world’s most dangerous waves on the Pipeline on Hawaii’s North Shore.

In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

II Corinthians 7:4

Despite his physical blindness, Derek experiences a life of joy through his relationship with Jesus Christ. “If I surf, it’s because He gave me this gift and I’m really grateful.” Derek says. Recently Derek’s story was made into a documentary based on the theme: “We are to live by faith, not by sight.” The Christian band Audio Adrenaline also says their song “Believer” was inspired by Derek’s faith.

James 1:2-3 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” When the waves of life crash around you, focus on the Lord instead of your circumstances. Then you will experience joy knowing that God is working in and through you! Remember also to pray that the nation’s leaders would find their joy in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 1:20-26

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Accidental Announcement

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It was a sad moment…one that was broadcast worldwide: Arizona Congressman Bob Stump solemnly announcing, from the floor of the House of Representatives in June 1998, that the comedian Bob Hope had died. The problem was that it wasn’t true. At the very moment Congressman Stump delivered the awful news, Bob Hope was enjoying a leisurely breakfast at his California home. As it turned out, the Associated Press had accidently posted an “advance obituary” of Mr. Hope on its website, and the message had been delivered to the Congressman.

They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy.

Matthew 28:8

You can imagine the joy experienced by Jesus’ followers when they approached His tomb to discover that He was not dead, but alive. It was a moment that changed them forever, not only because of the miracle of the resurrection, but because the Savior had returned to assign them a task. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” Jesus said, in what would become known as The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

As you pray for America and its leaders today, remember that you are here not just to fill time, but to fulfill His assignment—reaching others everywhere with the joyous news of God’s love. Make today count!

Recommended Reading: Matthew 28:8-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Reasons for Rejoicing

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One repentant sinner brings rejoicing to the streets of Heaven. Why? Surely the angels remember the dawn of creation when all Heaven sang, and perhaps they see in the redemption of that wayward one those first days, and thrill that he is now a new creation. Maybe it is a quieter angelic sigh of relief; because they know the future that would have awaited that one had he failed to turn from his wicked ways. Conceivably, the angels are delightfully gleeful watching that person’s name inscribed into the Lamb’s Book of Life and they anticipate greeting him on his blessed arrival.

There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:10

Whatever their motives, what is your response? The angels of Heaven celebrate, but do you? Rejoicing is easy when you watch a major revival where throngs come to the Lord, but what about when that young man everyone had written off hangs his head in sorrowful repentance and finds salvation in Christ Jesus? Is not God’s mercy just as great?

As you pray today, examine your expressions of joy. Intercede for the members of government who need to find God’s mercy, grace and salvation – so Heaven’s hosts (and you) can rejoice anew.

Recommended Reading: Luke 15:1-10

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Filled With Joy

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Godliness is rarely mentioned today, but it should be the goal of every believer. Matthew records Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to give you steps for that journey (Matthew 5:2-12). Acknowledge your sin and spiritual deficiency – be poor in spirit. Grieve over them – mourn and long for God’s forgiveness. Trust Him in every circumstance – show meekness. Long to do right – hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God. Endeavor to do good – show mercy. Desire inward cleansing – seek to be pure in heart. Actively promote peace – be a peacemaker.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Matthew 5:12

What reward shall come to you? It may be persecution. “Oh, joy!” you say. And it should be! David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) suffered greatly, but in the midst of every calamity, he recounted his joy in the Lord. God’s mighty works in his life encouraged David to trust in the One who had always saved him. Joy filled his heart.

Take his attitude to heart, dear one. The June devotionals will remind you that joy is expected of you. Let your testimony and your prayers for yourself and this nation be filled with it.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 55:6-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. –  Hope That Grows

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On secular college campuses around the nation, students are bombarded with anti-God sentiment. In the workplace, intolerance for Christian ideals has become more obvious. Stand behind a religious principle and reap a backlash.

Born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I Peter 1:3

Jesus warned His disciples, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:17) Peter wrote his letter to Christians who would endure fiery trials and persecutions. But his message was “Be Hopeful!” For the believer, it is a living hope – its foundation is the Word of God, and the One who has secured it is the living Son of God who rose from the dead.

Warren Wiersbe wrote that this “living hope is one that has life in it and therefore can give life to us. Because it has life, it grows and becomes greater and more beautiful as time goes on. Time destroys most hopes; they fade and then die. But the passing of time only makes a Christian’s hope that much more glorious.”;

Don’t be a compromising Christian. God’s promises never fail; His grace will keep you when the going gets tough. Rely on Him. Be a strong witness for Christ in a nation that needs your prayers.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

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Presidential Prayer Team;  J.R. – Never Fear

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Mordecai Ham was a fearless evangelist. Upon arrival in town prior to his big tent revival services, he would seek out the most notorious citizens – often mafia leaders or influential atheists – and proceed to pray for them and plead with them until they surrendered to Christ. Ham’s meetings were so spiritually effective that he regularly received death threats. Yet nothing would deter him. Good thing, too…one of his converts was a teenager named Billy Graham.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

God, through His Holy Spirit, will give you the boldness necessary to declare the truth in love to others. The key is to dismiss your fear. II Timothy 1:7 says “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” It’s tough to speak out for biblical values in society today. Few people will listen, and many who do may disregard or even ridicule you. But America’s leaders need to hear the voices of those whom God has called.

Who does the Lord want you to pray and plead for? Is it for a notorious work colleague, a troublesome family member, or even a politician with whom you disagree? As He leads, speak with confidence…and never fear! He’ll be with you.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 24:14-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – From Here to Eternity

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A glass half empty or half full? Pessimist or optimist? You can glance across your life and see hurts, hardships, disappointments, even betrayals. Or, you can do as the Apostle Paul, acknowledging his circumstances, but focusing on what was ahead for him.

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored.

Philippians 1:20

One problem with being a half-empty pessimist is that it becomes difficult to approach the future with any enthusiasm. If you are always a victim, you have little consciousness of the good things God has done for you. The optimist, on the other hand, looks forward with anticipating to seeing Him do even better things in their future. Just check today: Are you living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? Are you loving with His love? Are you forgiving as you’ve been forgiven? Are you expectant about the future? Your today is the gateway to your tomorrows.

Pray that God will help you release past hurts and disappointments, and fix your eyes on how He’s at work right now – and will be from here to eternity. Pray, too, for America, and know God is in control…no matter what happens.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 1:12-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Upgrade on Life

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Arriving at the airport, a newlywed couple was disappointed to find their honeymoon flight seats changed and no longer beside each other. A steward discovered they were just married, and he asked them to get their things and follow him. He led them to first class, informed them they had been upgraded and wished them a happy honeymoon. During the flight, they enjoyed comfortable seats, chilled champagne and an endless supply of food and drinks. They didn’t pay more or get to their destination quicker, but the trip was sure more enjoyable.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

Jesus came to Earth so those who believe in Him could have an upgrade on life. When you live life in your own power, it often becomes a monotonous, dull routine – just the time spent between birth and death. However, a life lived through the power of the Spirit enjoys an abundance of peace, love and grace.

Do you feel stuck in the economy section? Jesus has already paid for your upgrade. As you pray today, thank God that He gives an abundant, “first class” life. Pray as well for the nation and its leaders to seek and value life.

Recommended Reading: I John 5:3-15