Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Convincing Witness

March 27, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He gave you a book more valuable than any other…one that speaks to every condition of human life. It can cheer your heart, inspire you with hope, comfort you in times of affliction, convict you of sin, assure you of salvation, and prompt you to recall lessons learned in order to meet challenges in the future.

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

Psalms 71:18

It is God’s Word – revealing His character and love for you. Psalm 71 speaks specifically to those advancing in years and experiencing the infirmities of age. But it also teaches you even if you aren’t in that stage of life. Its lesson is that if you live your life as a disciple of Christ, you can have close fellowship with the Lord. He knew you before you were born, and He will continue to be your rock, your fortress and your refuge (Psalm 71:1-3, 5-6).

As Bible commentator W. Graham Scroggins wrote, “Despondency need not go with decrepitude…a many-wintered saint should be a convincing witness for God.” Proclaim God’s goodness to this generation and the next as He works through your experiences of life. Then pray for this nation and its leaders that they may value the Bible and live by it.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Spring Cleaning

March 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

There must be a couple dozen Complete Guides to Spring Cleaning available on the Internet. Most are lists upon lists as they go from room to room, dusting, washing, refreshing, sorting, eliminating, scrubbing, and all the things that both exhaust and exhilarate. Spring cleaning goes deeper and is more intentional than regular day-to-day tidying up. But the renewed sparkle and freshness is reward in itself.

Be renewed in the spirit of your minds.

Ephesians 4:23

Renewing the spirit of your minds is a lot like spring cleaning. You may already have a daily routine in your prayer and Bible-reading times. Your Christian life is tidy. Then ask yourself: When did you last dive deep into a Bible study, letting hours lapse as you engaged your mind with God’s Word? Or when did your last prayer time leave you simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated?

Find a time this season to commit to an intentional time of clearing out the spiritual cobwebs and securing renewal for yourself in the Lord. You’ll be surprised at your own personal sparkle and freshness as a result. Meanwhile, don’t let down your guard as you pray for America’s leaders, many of whom have never acknowledged their own need to renew the spirits of their minds in Christ Jesus.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Eternal Verities

March 25, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Establishing common ground using mutual interests, such as sports or literature, can spark conversations. The Apostle Paul brought new ideas to Athens. Though he was called a “babbler,” the philosophers of the day still wanted to hear about the strange things he was teaching (Acts 17:19-20).

May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

Acts 17:19

It could have proven difficult for Paul. Myriads of idols covered the city, more than in the whole of Greece. But among them all, one stood out with the inscription, “To the unknown god.” (Acts 17:23) It was at that point that Paul began to explain who the true Creator God is – and Jesus His Son who had died and rose again. Sadly, Scripture states that only a few believed. As Paul Kretzmann wrote in his commentary, “The world of letters in our days has changed in appearance, but not in kind. The eternal verities of the Bible are despised…but every new theory of true and false science is…all too often set up as an irrefutable law.”

Share the Good News. It may be a new beginning for one who struggles to know the truth. Then pray for those who lead the nation – that they may open their hearts to the teaching of God’s Word.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Hope with Authority

March 24, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Where would you be without hope? There would be no purpose for living, no word of comfort in time of death. That is why Jesus’ words in today’s verse have so much meaning. “I am the resurrection and the life.” They’re words spoken by the giver of truth; words to be believed!

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

John 11:25

They’re also words given with authority and power, exemplified three times by His raising the dead to life – the young man from Nain, Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus (Luke 7:11-15, Luke 8:49-56, John 11:1-44). More convincing still was His own resurrection, the historical proof of which cannot be overturned. This is the truth upon which His church has been founded. Because you believe, though you will die, yet you shall live…because He lives!

On this Palm Sunday as you enter Holy Week, remember the gravity of your sin and the intense suffering of your Lord. Remember also that Jesus’ resurrection gives you hope for your life.

Intercede now for those who know not this joy and purpose for living – leaders of this nation, neighbors and friends. Then give thanks for the life you have in Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Renewed Hope

March 23, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Hide and Seek was a popular game in the past, and is still a favorite. It’s fun and fascinating to find something hidden, but one thing that shouldn’t be concealed is His Word and His works (Psalm 78:4). The only place you should hide the Word is in your heart (Psalm 119:11).

That the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn.

Psalms 78:6

Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to remember the things He has done for them. Remembering strengthens your faith, helps you keep on serving the Lord and renews your hope. Memorialize what He has done for you by marking it down in some way. Remind your family and friends of all the prayers He answered so they may know God is real and great, worthy to be adored, obeyed and praised.

It’s easy to pick up a newspaper or read online news and despair about the country’s condition. But don’t forget, the Lord still answers prayers, rescues, heals and performs miracles today. Take hope in God about the most concerning needs in your life and family, and then seek His face for this country, its leaders, troops and citizens.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Priority Transformation

March 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

President Ronald Reagan’s diary entries during the week of March 23, 1981 contain some rather pedestrian entries recording typical duties of a Chief Executive. Reagan held meetings to discuss a grain embargo, the political situation in Namibia, the possible resignation of a key aide, and he hosted representatives of the March of Dimes. But on the following Monday, March 30, the President was on the receiving end of an assassin’s bullet. In his diary entry for that day – presumably penned a few days later – Reagan writes about how fortunate he was to be alive, closing with this: “Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve Him in every way I can.”

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:3

In your life as a follower of Christ, there must be a moment when you realize that your purpose on Earth is not to be self-serving. Perhaps it came in one shattering moment, as it did with Reagan. Maybe it came with the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps it will be today that you begin living with the knowledge that you owe your life to God.

As you intercede for America’s leaders, pray that serving the Lord will be their highest priority.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Belieeeeve

March 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

How big is your God? It’s difficult for people on Earth to grasp the width, depth, complexity or immensity of any part of God’s nature. But four-year-old Colton Burpo is an exception.

Though you do not now see him, you believe in him.

I Peter 1:8

Colton was rushed into emergency surgery due to a ruptured appendix. The infection still raged, requiring another surgery. Four days after the second surgery, the Burpos’ church gathered to pray for Colton. The doctor was speechless. Within 12 hours, Colton was skipping down the hall of the hospital. One nurse said, “There has to be a God because this is a miracle!”

Soon Colton revealed that during the surgery he went to Heaven and sat in Jesus’ lap. In Heaven, Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom he was never told about, and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before he was born. One day, Colton told his dad, “God is the biggest one there is. And He really, really loves us, Dad, you can’t belieeeeve how much He loves us!”

The Creator of the Universe wants you to know Him intimately. Spend time daily reading God’s Word and meditating on His incredible love for you. Pray also for the nation’s leaders to discover God’s limitless love for them.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Easy Questions

March 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Do you ever feel sorry for game show contestants when they are asked a super easy question and just can’t come up with the right answer? Everybody feels bad when they walk away disappointed and with no prizes.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.

I John 5:1

Jesus, in His life on Earth, was a master at asking easy questions that were hard to answer. In fact, the world is still trying to answer the question He asked 2,000 years ago when He looked at His disciples and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Unlike in the game show, there is much more at stake with that question than a few dollars and a trip to Hawaii. The consequences are so high that Jesus not only asked the question, He also answered it! “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Today, pray for men and women at every level of public service in America. Pray they will carefully consider Jesus of Nazareth and many will come to know Him as the Christ, the Messiah, and the Good News from God. They’ll not be disappointed.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Best Sandwich Ever

March 19, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Have you ever missed a meal? After a while, your stomach aches with hunger. Pangs of emptiness are all you can think about. Your mouth waters in anticipation of something good to eat. And when you finally taste that first bite of food, you think, “This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had.”

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

Psalms 40:3

Waiting for things we desire often makes getting them seem even better. In the verses leading up to today’s passage, David cried out to the Lord in his despair, then “waited patiently” (Psalm 40:1). God pulled him out of a pit and onto solid ground, which filled David with a song of praise. One could say it was David’s “best sandwich” moment.

America is in need of rescue. While many Christians have become discouraged, this psalm brings a message of hope. God didn’t leave David in the pit. He didn’t leave Jesus in the grave, and He won’t leave America in despair. Call to Him for help. Pray for Him to come to the aid of your national leaders, as well as all Americans. The Creator of all things will put a new song in your mouth – the best one ever.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Not Just Covered

March 18, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

There are products on the market today that promise to bring new life to your leather upholstery or the faded condition of your car. Just wipe it on and dullness will disappear and scratches will no longer be visible. Everything will look like new. In the long run, though, the imperfections may reappear…they are merely covered for a time.

Alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:5

Now look at yourself. Are there any flaws or failings? The condition of man – of you – falls way short of God’s measure. No one is sinless or righteous, not one (Romans 3:10). But God tells of the love He has for you. Once dead spiritually, when you believe in Jesus, you become “alive together” with Him. By His grace – undeserved, unmerited favor to you – your sins aren’t just covered, they are taken away, never to return. Dead to your sin, He made you alive and gave you new life (II Timothy 1:10).

God has reshaped you from within, and given you a new beginning. Don’t take this relationship lightly. Trust in Christ and be daily transformed into His likeness. Then intercede for those who lead this country…that they may see where they fall short and need God’s forgiveness and guidance.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Wanted: Dead AND Alive

March 17, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The worn sepia-toned handbill nailed to fence posts and trees in Western movies sought the return of the pictured fugitive – dead or alive. In Romans 6, God has posted a new notice. He wants believers dead AND alive. On its face, this is a vexing problem! But as with many aspects of the Christian life, dying and living require choice.

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.

Romans 6:10

People don’t talk much about sin these days. It’s much too uncomfortable. But its power within you has influenced your entire life. When you accepted the death of Christ as sin’s payment, that power was replaced with new life.

Does that mean you’ll never sin again? No. That capacity remains. But you are to live as dead to sin but alive to God. You can check how alive you are by taking your spiritual pulse. Are you immersed in His Word…reading, studying, applying? Are you praising and praying…improving your communication with God? Do you keep a record of His faithfulness?

As you focus on drawing closer to Him, intercede for the men and women of America’s government to find their own new life in Christ.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Faith Perspective

March 16, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A new creation. That sounds good—a chance to start all over. But sometimes, where the Lord leads seems like the wrong direction: like Joseph in slavery, the Israelites in the wilderness, Daniel in the lion den, Mary in pre-marital pregnancy, Paul in prison. And as soon as Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him to the wilderness to be tempted.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

II Corinthians 5:17

God loves you and wants you to be successful in your Christian life, walk in His power, and carry His presence and glory. He graces you to overcome and be victorious, express Him in all you do and help others do the same. He is your greatest fan cheering you on. He wants you to walk as a new creation.

When you see the Heavenly Father as good and loving, your source, no matter what you’re going through; when you are yielded to Jesus in a loving relationship and your comfort is secondary; when you walk in faith and not by sight – you are behaving as a new creation. Today, pray God will strengthen your faith. And pray He will perform His purpose in this nation, no matter how it appears to the natural eye.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Handel’s Renaissance

March 15, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Imagine you are a musician of such immense talent and fame that the President of the United States regularly invites you to perform concerts in the East Room of the White House. Then imagine that your music goes stale, your popularity wanes, and your wealth evaporates. The president still mentions your name…but only to describe you as washed up. Something very much like that happened to George Frederic Handel. He composed the greatest music of his age and performed before royalty throughout Europe. Then he hit a creative wall. Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, said that “Handel’s great days are over…his inspiration is exhausted.”

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

Psalms 33:3

Only it wasn’t. Bankrupt, in poor health, and all but forgotten, Handel ensconced himself in a small room for three to four weeks, writing from morning to night. The result was Messiah – a musical masterpiece that even Mozart said could never be improved.

Despite how you might feel about the course of your life or the discouraging trajectory of America, never doubt that God is ready to give you a new song! As you pray today, do so with expectancy that great days…for you and your nation’s leaders…are not behind, but just ahead!

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Reminder Calls

March 14, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A little boy walked to his friend’s house to play. His dad instructed him to call home when he arrived, but the boy got distracted and forgot to call. The father knew punishment might be necessary to teach his son a lesson, but first he decided to call the friend’s home, let the phone ring once, and then hang up. Moments later, his son called. “What took so long?” the father asked. “I started playing and forgot to call,” replied the boy. “But when I heard the ring, I remembered.”

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Revelation 3:19

How often does God, not wanting to punish His children, send reminder calls? In today’s verse, John was “calling” the church at Laodicea, warning discipline would come if they didn’t change their behavior and repent. Jesus, in His love for them, wasn’t willing to overlook their sin. He would chastise so they’d see their mistakes and correct ungodly behavior.

Are you listening for reminders from God – warnings you may need to correct some behaviors? Know it’s because of His great love for you that the Lord disciplines you. Pray today, too, for God to send reminders to America’s leaders to see their errors, repent and become zealous for God.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Next Step

March 13, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Now that it’s March, you may notice your New Year’s resolutions falling by the wayside. Remember that January 1 is just one day after December 31. The beginning of the year is not the time to completely overhaul your life, but an opportunity for a readjustment to know your next steps are the right ones.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.

John 13:34

For three years, Jesus taught His disciples about the kingdom of God, how to love one another and how to meet needs. The night before His crucifixion, He washed their feet and told them to serve each other. He then told them of the “new commandment” to love one another, and it wasn’t the first time He told them to love others…but loving and serving in such a way that people around them would take notice was the next step.

When it comes down to specifics, sometimes knowing what God wants is confusing. During those times, ask yourself, “What is the best way to love God and others, especially in the body of Christ?” Pray that Christians will love and serve each other in such a way that unbelievers in this country will be drawn to the Lord.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Disciplined and Decent

March 12, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

George Washington’s father died before the future president was a teenager, and because many of the family responsibilities fell upon young George, there was little time or money for a formal education. Washington learned social graces from a guidebook entitled The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, and some of its maxims sound almost comical to the modern ear. “Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls,” says one directive. Another says “Bedew no man’s face with your spittle by approaching too near him when you speak.”

It yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

Even without a father, Washington learned the importance of discipline – from his mother, from mentors and, yes, from books. And the greatest guidebook, the Bible, notes that Godly discipline “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Today’s society, from Hollywood to the District of Columbia, is characterized by a lack of restraint…and the fruit of permissiveness will be bitter.

As you pray for the restoration of American and her leaders today, ask God to make you a shining example of a spiritually disciplined and decent follower of Christ.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 9:19-27

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Country in Need

March 11, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

So many people think of God only in times of extreme need or distress. Some have said that the musicians on the sinking Titanic played hymns to help calm the passengers. Those who are estranged from God might not be affected by such music, as their hearts tend to be self-centered and their lives focused away from Him.

You give them drink from the river of your delights.

Psalm 36:8

However, you who believe in the Lord understand His steadfast love, His mercy, and His faithfulness which extend “to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5) You can run to Him in time of need and enjoy Him in times of abundance. Jesus desires your fellowship. He ate with sinners…not to condone their actions, but to fortify a relationship with them and guide them into right thinking and right living. He desires that of you.

God will give you abundant life – both physical and spiritual. He is “the fountain of life,” the source of it (Psalm 36:9). Study His Word. Pray that you might have a closer relationship with Him. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders that they might enjoy fellowship with the One who would delight in helping them lead a country and its people in right thinking and right living.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Not Automatic

March 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Cardiologists in London have ascertained that the human body begins its deterioration process at roughly age 20. The 100 billion nerve cells begin to die off, and by age 40 you could be losing up to 10,000 per day. Everything is impacted – memory, coordination, and the many functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The Apostle Paul was right: the outer nature is wasting away.

Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

II Corinthians 4:16

Diet and exercise fight decay’s ravages. Lifelong-learning centers strive to decelerate cognitive impairment with all manner of academic and experiential opportunities. But the nourishment of body and mind is ultimately a losing battle.

Decay of your inner nature, though, does not need to be automatic with the passage of time. It’s necessary to jettison anger, worry and pride, filling those newly-emptied spaces with the joy of the Lord, allowing Him to heal your hurts. Be renewed in your spirit with humble service in His name, and by passing on the love He has so freely bestowed on you. Dive deeply into the Scriptures and pray with gratitude. Let your intercessions include President Obama, members of Congress, the nation’s judiciary, and the men and women of the military.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:7-18

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Power and Influence

March 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Just about anything can be posted on the Internet – and with programs like Photoshop, a picture’s worth a thousand lies. Many websites such as Snopes are dedicated to pointing out the fakes. In the days of Christ, Scribes and Pharisees talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk. They thought they had power and authority, but did they?

What is this? A new teaching with authority!

Mark 1:27

Jesus said the Scribes and Pharisees lay burdens on others that they themselves wouldn’t lift a finger to move (Matthew 23:4). Jesus healed the sick. The Pharisees and Scribes accused Him of healing by Satanic power (Matthew 12:24). Today’s verse shows the common people recognized the difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of the Scribes and Pharisees…which had no real power and authority.

If you want power in your life, pray. If you want God’s authority, read the Bible, receive God’s grace and yield to His Holy Spirit. If you want to do God’s will and make a difference in the world, walk in love. Back up what you believe with loving action. Pray that leaders and citizens of this nation will know Christians by their love (John 13:35) and turn to Jesus for salvation.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Long Term Project

March 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

One of the most beautiful buildings in America is the Washington National Cathedral. The building has hosted the funeral of Ronald Reagan, the 9/11 remembrance service and many other important events. But it was the longest-running construction project in Washington, D.C. history. Major Pierre L’Enfant, who designed the city, first proposed it in 1791. The work began in 1907 and wasn’t completed until 1990. At times, there was doubt whether it would ever be done, and no one who started the project was around to see its dedication.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Ephesians 2:10

God is making you into the person He designed you to be, but it’s a process that will continue for a lifetime. The biggest mistake you can make is to believe the fallacy that you’ll be equipped for good works only after you become a finished product. He wants you to serve today, where you are, with whatever resources He’s given you. At the very least, God has given you the power of prayer.

Today, make your heart a cathedral and lift up your nation’s leaders in prayer, asking God to guide them and draw them to the truth of His Holy Word. Finished or not, He has created you for this moment!

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