Dr. Mitch Land and his wife were on their way to the airport to pick up his son’s family joining them at their home for a delayed Christmas celebration. Suddenly he got a startling text from his daughter back at the house. It read, “Tornadoes have taken our house.” A terrible feeling gripped Land’s heart, similar to the one he had several years earlier when his son was killed by a drunk driver. Over 20 family members were waiting at the house, including his 82-year-old mother. The tornado ripped off part of the roof and shattered windows while four generations of family crammed themselves into a 15-foot-long hallway between the kitchen and the garage.

Hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 131:3

“Driving in the car I didn’t know how many were going to be alive, or how many were going to be dead or injured,” Land said. “When we got to the house, we wept with joy that God had spared them.”

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Take Hold →

When working in politics, entertainment or the business world, some people take all the credit for their success and feel they’re better than others. In Acts, Herod accepted the praise of the people that he was a god and did not acknowledge the true God. The Lord punished him on the spot. Herod was eaten by worms.

O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115:1

A Christian is aware that all good things come from God. The Lord does not frown on someone taking pride in personal accomplishments (Galatians 6:4), but He does not like superior attitudes or to be disregarded Himself. When complimented on a performance, some people, in their fear of taking too much credit, say, “It wasn’t me. It was God.” Really? Was it that good?

It’s polite to say “thank you” when someone gives you credit, but it’s always best to keep personal pride in proper perspective. God is the one who gives you gifts, talents and resources. Take a few minutes now to praise Him for His love and faithfulness – then pray that the presidential candidates will do the same in humility and reverence.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:1-13

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A witness, according to Merriam-Webster’s definition, is a person who sees an event take place and could make a statement about it. Ever hear someone ask, “Can I get a witness?” They are asking, “Has anyone experienced something like this?” They want an individual with a similar experience who’s willing to testify as such.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.

Psalm 107:2

While it’s a modern, urban phrase, today’s psalmist may as well have asked, “Can I get a witness?” He begins the psalm with praise. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1) Confirming his declaration, he then says the words of today’s verse…essentially asking for a witness to the greatness of God.

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; C.H.  – Speak Up →

“If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton,” said George Bernard Shaw humorously, “you may as well make it dance.” A modern expression of that idea is the unabashed acceptance showered upon even the most broken parts of people’s lives rather than encouraging help. Think about the carnival of interpersonal conflict still engulfing transgendered television personality Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner). Modern psychology says to embrace the change rather than question the craving. But even a sex change hasn’t brought Jenner peace from family strife or likely addressed his innermost wounds.

Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm 103:4

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; G.C.- Skeletons →

Lori “Lolo” Jones is an American track and field and bobsled athlete who specializes in the 60- and 100-meter hurdles. Jones has won both United States and World Championships in hurdle events and competed at the 2008, 2012, and 2014 Olympic Games. Jones continually seeks to trust God despite the personal hurdles she faces. When the 33-year-old athlete had to have hip surgery, she set goals for her recovery and chose to “praise Him in advance” for whatever lay ahead in her rehabilitation.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart.

Psalm 86:12

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Advance Praise →

The national debt is over $18 trillion, but there is an even greater deficit incurred by the nation – the debt of praise and thanksgiving. The Lord has blessed America, but the number of people in it who are faithful to give Him honor has been dwindling. Is it even ten percent?

Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.

Psalm 65:1

One day, as Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, ten lepers approached Him, begging for mercy. He healed them and told them to show themselves to the priest. On their way, they became well. Only one man turned around, praised God, fell at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him. Jesus wondered why only one of the ten remembered to honor the Lord (Luke 17:11-19).

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Decrease the Deficit →

Fantasia Barrino Taylor sang her way to win the third season of American Idol in 2004. Now Fantasia has a new goal for 2016. She wants to focus on God and use her profession to glorify Him. “Bringing in my New Year with worship was everything to me,” said Fantasia. “When Yahweh, which is God, who sits high and looks low, speaks, I listen. What I’ve come to realize is my ministry is right there on that stage.”

My tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

Psalm 51:14

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Sing His Praise →

You may not be entirely happy with the slate of presidential candidates making the rounds in the United States this year, but any of them would be better than the thug leading the people of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe has been the Prime Minister there since 1980, stubbornly holding on to power now at the age of 92 after several fixed elections. He has been responsible for many grotesque human rights violations and an unbelievable assortment of outrages. Of great intrigue in Zimbabwe – as much of the nation eagerly awaits Mugabe’s passing – is the state of his health. The Prime Minister has taken several mysterious flights to Asian countries for medical treatment of unknown ailments.

Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life.

Psalm 49:7

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; J.R.- A Matter of Time →

On October 14, 1987, Jessica McClure became America’s baby when, at 18 months old, she fell into a well behind her aunt’s Midland, Texas home. When her rescue made national news, President Ronald Reagan said all of America became Jessica’s godmothers and godfathers. Due to the nature of the small pipe in which Jessica was stuck and the rock surrounding it, rescue was complicated…but after 58 hours, the little girl was set free.

He drew me up…and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

Psalm 40:2

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Out of the Pit →

What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen? Many Boomers will say The Exorcist, a despicable tale of a young girl possessed by a demon and the ensuing battle between the evil spirit and a priest. While the story is fiction, in reality there are dark forces active on Earth, and though a demon cannot possess a child of God, Satan’s minions delight in wreaking havoc through circumstances.

In you our father’s trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.

Psalm 22:4

In the Bible, Jesus encounters a man under demonic control. People described him as running wild in the hills, screaming madly, cutting himself, and breaking any chain they used to bind him. Jesus commanded the evil spirit to leave the man – and soon he was seen clothed and in his right mind. Jesus told the man to go and tell everyone what God had done for him.

Continue reading Presidential Prayer Team; G.C.- Set Free →