Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – The Best Valentine’s Gift

February 14, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

It’s Valentine’s Day! If you forgot, hopefully you still have time to run out and purchase something for your sweetheart. According to Statistic Brain, $13 billion is spent each year on this “day of love” for gifts such as candy, flowers, cards, jewelry and dining out. What gift will you give this year?

If anyone comes to me and does not hate…even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26

Today’s verse is about love, even though it contains the word hate. It’s about your love for Christ. Jesus taught that no person or thing, not even yourself, should come before your love for Him. All else must be secondary to your devotion to Him. He must come first if you want to be His disciple; and being His disciple is the best gift you can give to your loved one, yourself and Him.

As you consider how to best show love to others, start by loving Christ the most. Follow His command to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37) and love for others will follow. Pray today for God to help you put Him first…and for the country’s leaders to do the same.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Restoration Business

February 13, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The Civil War started out badly for Abraham Lincoln. “We are utterly and disgracefully routed, beaten, whipped,” wrote one Northerner after the disastrous loss at the Battle of Bull Run. And newsman Horace Greeley told Lincoln it was best for the country to “make peace with the rebels, and on their own terms.” But the President, historian James McPherson writes, was “filled with grim determination.” He immediately began making plans for the prosecution of the war – and victory.

The great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him.

Nehemiah 1:5

How do you react to bad news? Nehemiah’s example, like Lincoln’s, is instructive. Upon hearing that Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates destroyed, he “wept and mourned for days,” (Nehemiah 1:4)…and then began to praise the God who would save His people. Even in the worst of times, remember that God is “great and awesome” and ready to do wonderful things.

America’s future looked bleak following Bull Run. Jerusalem was written off after being overrun by its enemies. But the Lord restored them and made them great again, against all odds. Today, pray for the nation’s leaders with the belief – and grim determination – that God is still in the business of restoration…and that you will be a part of it!

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Bottom Line

February 12, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“God, I’m sorry, I wasn’t very loving today.” Well, some days are like that, aren’t they? You don’t accelerate soon enough when the traffic light turns green and a dozen horns honk. The coffee you picked up at the drive-thru was minus the flavored syrup you requested. You get home from the grocery, and the shredded cheese didn’t make it into your bag. And on it goes. You mutter, you complain, your irritations grow. And your evening devotional reminds you to do things in love. Not just some things. Everything!

Let all that you do be done in love.

I Corinthians 16:14

Like the other exhortations in I Corinthians 16, practice and patience come before the bottom-line payoff. When Jesus met with His disciples in the upper room, He reminded them, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) That is your motivator. Then treat your neighbor as you’d treat yourself – rude motorists are forgiven, mistakes happen, and you have no idea what problem might be on the mind of the grocery bagger. A good start is in praying for each person you meet.

People in government have problems, too. It can be difficult when your viewpoints are so opposite from theirs, but pray for them in love. That’s God’s bottom line!

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Do Right, Do Well

February 11, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

There are two ways to think about discipline. The first is punishment when someone does something wrong, to motivate them to do right. The second is self-discipline, doing right despite temptations and distractions to do wrong.

He who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 13:24

Of course, the second is what you aim for. Theodore Roosevelt said, “With self-discipline most anything is possible.” Christian author and speaker Marie Chapian said, “Lack of discipline leads to frustration and self-loathing.” Motivational author and speaker Jim Rohn said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

God disciplines who He loves (Hebrews 12:6). It is the aim for every Christian to someday hear from the Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21). What is it that God wants you to focus on doing well this year? What will it take to have the discipline to carry it out? Let one of your most beloved habits be to pray for the nation. Determine a time and place each day to ask God to compassionately discipline this nation’s people and leaders to correct their behavior and draw them to His love.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Far Greater

February 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

God had brought them “on eagles wings” out of Egypt. If they obeyed His voice and kept His covenant, they would be His treasured possession – a holy nation (Exodus 19:4-6). But the people of Israel instead worshipped a golden calf. God would have destroyed them, but Moses interceded (Exodus 32).

God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

Exodus 34:6

Even so, God almost withdrew His presence from them, but again Moses made a personal request and asked the Lord to show him His ways and show him His glory. It was then that the Lord passed before him declaring His own deity and His own nature: “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6 KJV) With that, Moses bowed his head and worshipped Him.

So should you. God’s rules are to keep you safe and give you freedom from sin. His love for you is far greater than anything you can ever know. Love Him. Live and love His commands for your life that you might experience the good He has for you. Then plead for the leaders of this country who live by their own law, and govern the same, that they may come to the knowledge of God’s truth.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Contain Your Crowing

February 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

November 2, 1948 was a disastrous day for the media. Most of the newspapers had predicted Thomas Dewey would defeat Harry Truman decisively in the presidential election. The Chicago Tribune even went to press with the banner headline “Dewey Defeats Truman.”

It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

I Corinthians 13:6

Later, in a good-natured mea culpa, the Washington Press Corp invited Truman to a “Crow Banquet,” in which all of the media representatives would be served crow en gl⣥ while Truman received turkey. In response, the President wrote back that he had “no desire to crow over anybody or see anybody eat crow figuratively or otherwise. We should all get together now and make a country in which everybody can eat turkey whenever he pleases.”

To be a loving Christian as Scripture requires, you must not rejoice in the wrongs of others – even when their wrongdoing is a personal affront to you. Love, Corinthians says, “bears all things.” Today, instead of crowing over your successes, acknowledge that they are really God’s…not yours. And as for those who were wrong and wronged you, recognize your priceless opportunity to reflect the grace and forgiveness of the Savior. America and her leaders need this type of example more than ever before!

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – A Danger to Society

February 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

You hear it or read it: the popular call for tolerance. In the ever-secularized America, it no longer means you can “agree to disagree and still respect others.” No, the message now has become, “Christian! You and your kind are dangerous. Keep your God and your beliefs away from us.”

Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.

Psalm 26:3

What do you do with these accusations? David knew how to respond. He began by praying for God to stand up for him. He also knew he had to face the challenge of aligning his heart with the character and purpose of God. He came away from his time with the Lord praising and finding God’s firm ground.

When faced with hostility from others, the first step is to pray, and then to find God’s reassurance that you are on His path, walking in faithfulness. As you kneel before Him today, remember, too, the members of the legislature that are a part of the Congressional Prayer Caucus; and those who are striving not to let secular culture press them into its mold. They need your upholding intercession. Then pray for those leaders who do not yet know the Lord, that they may discover His compassion and truth.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Identify

February 7, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Several years ago Christina FourHorn was preparing to pick up her daughter from school when three Denver police cars pulled into her front yard. The officers had a warrant for her arrest in relation to a robbery and swiftly put her in handcuffs and took her to jail. Christina was held for five days, all the while insisting they had the wrong person. And they did…but there were enough similarities between her and the real criminal they could not tell them apart until she was officially identified with state records.

There is no God like you…showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you.

I Kings 8:23

The Bible says there is no one like God. He has the power to create anything with merely a spoken word. He is the sustainer of life and the defeater of death. And He gladly offers a magnificent love to resurrect broken human lives, turning them into cherished beauty.

Can people quickly identify you as part of God’s work in America today? Are you an active force for hope and restoration in your community and in the lives of others? Pray that God-followers across the land will represent His love so well, others won’t require an official identification to know they work for Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Give and Keep It

February 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

What is one thing you can give away and still keep? Sounds like a riddle, but the answer is from an old quote of unknown origin – your word! In current times, it’s increasingly rare to find someone who keeps his word. It has become the exception, not the norm.

Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.

I John 2:5

Now consider some of the Bible’s greatest stories. What if the Israelite spies hadn’t kept their word to save Rahab and her family? Imagine if Boaz hadn’t kept his word to become Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer. What if Joseph hadn’t kept his word to take Mary to become his wife? God is the ultimate keeper of His word. John shares in today’s verse how keeping your word shows others how God’s love is in you.

“I swear…” can easily roll off the tongue, but do you truly appreciate what it means? Take notice of when you make promises. If others can’t trust your word is true, how will they believe when you share your faith in God? Ask the Lord to give you the integrity to keep your word. Then pray for that same integrity for your nation’s leaders.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Start Digging

February 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Treasure. Whether it is a high-tech underwater expedition or one person combing the beach with a metal detector, people have been seeking it for years. One treasure hunter discovered a huge stash of 52,000 Roman coins buried in a field in southwest England. These ancient silver and bronze coins dated from the third century A.D. are valued at $5 million!

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

Job 23:12

It’s easy to dream about finding similar riches. However, Psalm 119:162 says, “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” The Bible is God’s treasure chest. As you earnestly pursue His wisdom, you will find precious truths worth more than any silver or gold. As you discover the hidden gems of God’s Word, you will find the presence, power and peace of Jesus Christ.

Ask the Lord to give you a hunger for His Word that’ll keep you wanting more, and start digging for His treasure as you spend time reading your Bible. As you do, you will fall more in love with the One who loves you unconditionally. Pray also for your nation’s leaders – that they will discover the truths stored in God’s Word and apply them daily to their lives.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Keep from Crashing

February 4, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Rules. All nations have them. They can differ from place to place, time to time. Some are fair, others are outright criminal. But civilization needs them. Can you imagine trying to drive in a city without traffic laws? Likewise, obeying God’s rules for living will keep you from the crashes in life.

Because you listen to these rules…the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant.

Deuteronomy 7:12

Take, for example, the Ten Commandments. They enable you to take life’s journey in confidence and with peace of mind. Love God; don’t love idols; honor His name; keep the Sabbath; obey your parents; don’t murder; be faithful to your spouse; don’t steal, don’t lie, and be content with what you have. Wouldn’t the nation be transformed if everyone dedicated their lives to following these rules?

Jesus boiled the Ten Commandments down to only two. Love God and love others (Mark 12:29-31). Begin by listing practical things you can do this year to obey these two basic commands. Perhaps you could start a “pay it forward project” by doing random acts of kindness. Then pray for this nation that there will be a revival of loving and obeying the Lord among its people and their leaders.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Zero Chance

February 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The “failure rate” is an engineering term which describes how often a system or component fails. Manufacturers perform extensive calculations to determine product reliability, and what the financial fallout will be from a failure. In 1970, Ford Motor Company executives discovered a flaw in the design their new model, the Pinto. The fix to the problem would cost $113 million, but managers chose to do nothing after calculating the failure rate – in this case, a situation involving an exploding fuel tank – would only cost $50 million in damage claims. But the callous decision to do nothing ignored the real toll in human suffering, and when it was uncovered, an avalanche of lawsuits followed.

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

Psalm 119:140

Everything orchestrated by human hands has a failure rate. Not so with the things of the Lord. And though you may be just one of six billion people on the planet, to God you are so much more than a statistic. His promises are for you – for you! – and they have been “well tried” through the ages by countless other believers. Failure rate? Zero!

Today, trust in God that He will still do great things through your prayers for America and its leaders, and entrust yourself completely to His promises.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Happy in Jesus

February 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

John Sammis gave up his life as a businessman and part-time YMCA worker to study for the ministry. In 1880, he was ordained and pastored several churches. In his later years, Sammis taught at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. Together with Daniel Towner, he wrote more than 100 hymns. One of his most well-known pieces is still sung today in congregations around the world. In it, Sammis wrote: “Trust and obey / for there’s no other way / to be happy in Jesus / but to trust and obey.”

Showing steadfast love to…those who love me and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:6

When God’s own finger engraved the Ten Commandments into stone, He indicated in the midst of them that those who love Him will keep His commandments. Yet it seems many nowadays have renounced God’s laws, no longer even calling them the “Ten Suggestions.” Who among you can say you’ve kept all of His commandments? While obedience may be lacking, the Sammis lyrics remind you that trusting is the other half of happiness in Jesus; trusting Him to forgive you, lead you, inspire you, and love you forever.

When you intercede for America’s leaders today, pray that they will find and know Jesus through both trust and obedience…and therefore experience His steadfast love.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – An Everlasting Presence

January 31, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The Old Testament people of God could approach Him in the temple or the tabernacle. But the New Testament emphasis shifts from God dwelling with His people to His dwelling in them.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Colossians 3:16

Two Greek words are used to convey this thought. The first tells that God settles down in the hearts of His people. It is now the personality of the believer that is the residence filled with His living presence. The second word communicates the establishment of permanent residence. Not an occasional visit; God’s is an everlasting presence. This ideal condition involves letting the Word of Christ dwell in you…not just His sayings, but the entire book of Scripture. Studying it daily will provide a guide to wisdom and a life filled with abundant comfort and strength. God’s Word will help you fully know the wonderful Savior that abides in you. Your heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving for all Christ has done for you.

Allow the Lord to speak to you each day of the year through the words of the Bible. Then intercede for the people and leaders of this nation that they will not reject God’s Word, but will come to know its wisdom and truth.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Authentic Living

January 30, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

One veteran televangelist promises healing if you just place your hand on the television screen. Another says the Lord revealed a miracle involving the numbers two, seven and three…and therefore you must send him $273 in the next eight minutes to receive a financial windfall. Others guarantee your “seed” offering will produce double or triple favor from God. When you add it all up, it comes to $34 billion annually in religious financial fraud, according to research from the International Bulletin of Missionary Research. That’s more than is given to Christians to support global missions.

We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word.

II Corinthians 4:2

Sadly, the many slick-suited charlatans who “tamper” with God’s Word turn off many by falsely preaching that financial prosperity and boundless good health are always just a donation away. But if you want your loved ones, friends and co-workers to know Christ, you must be humble, guileless and an example of unimpeachable integrity.

God is looking for authenticity, and Americans are, too. And it’s not too late or too hopeless to pray for your nation’s leaders! May they fulfill the hope of President John Adams, who wrote: “May none but honest and wise men ever rule.”

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Your New Song

January 29, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The story has been told of Nicolo Paganini, the great violinist, whose Will gave his famous violin to the city of his birth, Genoa, Italy…on condition that it never be played. It’s the nature of violins to become seasoned, lustrous and lovely as long as they are handled; but as soon as they are put away, they decay and become worthless.

You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Romans 15:14

Consider that you are an instrument in the hands of a loving God who has filled you with gifts and abilities. Over time spent in His Word and prayer, you become seasoned, lustrous and spiritually lovely, knowledgeable and able to instruct one another as today’s verse says. In Ephesians 5:19, it says you will speak to one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.”

Are you using the gifts God has given you? Are you ready to instruct someone else? Submit yourself to the hands of your loving Creator. He will guide you through His Word and give you a new song. Pray, too, that the halls of government might one day fill with psalms and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:1-12 Click to Read or Listen

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – First Priority

January 28, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

George Mueller, a Christian evangelist, devoted his life to the care of over 10,000 orphans. He built several homes and established 117 schools, yet he never went into debt. How did he do this? He relied on God and prayed first for all of the needs of his ministry. On one occasion, 300 children were ready for their day, but there was no food for breakfast. Mr. Mueller had the children sit at the table to pray. As they finished, a baker knocked at the door and provided bread. Then a milkman whose cart had broken down knocked and provided fresh milk because it was going to spoil. Mueller was a true example of praying first to have a successful ministry.

We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4

In today’s scripture, the apostles committed to make prayer their first priority. They knew nothing they attempted would be successful without dependence upon God.

As you work towards whatever ministry you are called to, don’t do it in your own strength. Pray first so the power of God might be manifested in your actions. Then intercede for the nation’s leaders to genuinely commit themselves to prayer as they lead the country.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Dig Deeper

January 27, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Almost everyone loves a good story. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing has capitalized on that fact. To date, the Chicken Soup series of over 200 titles has sold more than 112 million copies, some translated into more than 40 languages. These true stories, written by everyday people, aim to inspire, encourage and provide hope.

And he began to speak to them in parables.

Mark 12:1

Jesus knew the advantages of telling stories. Stories entertain, stimulate deep thinking and incite decisions. Christ teaching with parables also fulfilled prophecy (Matthew 13:35). And by the Savior sidestepping straightforward speech, it made it more difficult for the Jewish religious leaders of the day to accuse him. What could they charge Him of when He talked about wineskins, finding pearls and building houses?

Are you willing to dig deeper into the parables and what they mean to you? Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15) Take a fresh look at the Lord’s parables. What do they say to you for how you want to live out this New Year? Then pray for the leaders and citizens of this country to have “ears to hear” what the Spirit is speaking to them.

Presidential Prayer Team Way Follower

January 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A large billboard advertisement in Texas says, “Don’t believe everything you think!” And if you want further confirmation of that wisdom, take a moment and reflect back on a big mistake you’ve made. Did it really seem like such a wrong turn at first? Of course not, or you wouldn’t have gone that way!

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.

I Timothy 4:16

In the Bible, the author of Psalms repeatedly asks God, “Teach me your ways.” The underlying principle is that God’s ways are different from your ways. Everything He does is perfect, loving, and merciful…yet at times even believers get confused by what is seen in the nation today. Anyone can be tempted to misunderstand. Many erroneously interpret God’s actions as disinterested or even harsh and unloving.

Do you want to understand God’s ways today? Begin by studying His Word, reading the Bible and praying regularly. Don’t blindly follow the interpretations of others; even good people can be wrong. Get to know Him for yourself. Ask Him to translate the words in His Book into thoughtful truths living in your heart and mind. Then pray for the Lord to show His ways to America’s leaders, and for as many as possible to follow Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – A Personal Display

January 25, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A continual battle is taking place in America concerning freedom of speech and religion; in particular, placing the Ten Commandments at governmental locations. In 2009, Oklahoma approved a monument of the Ten Commandments at the State Capitol. Now Satanists insist their edicts should be displayed as well.

Observe all that I have commanded you.

Matthew 28:20

That’s all good and well – but when Jesus was here on Earth, He also gave commands. What did He say? “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) The apostle John reiterates, “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” (I John 3:21) More important than posting God’s commands in public places is to display them in your life.

As you consider your annual goals, make it your aim to study and practice what Jesus preached. Pray this year for believers in the United States to progress in becoming living examples of Christ’s teachings. Also pray the Lord will grant the nation’s leaders wisdom as they handle issues of freedom of speech and religion.

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