Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hang in There

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A famous poster features a cat hanging in a precarious position with the caption, “Hang in there, Friday’s coming!” That poster has been redone in many forms since its debut 40 years ago, using other cute animals from birds to orangutans. Believers in Christ need encouragement at one time or another, too. They need a poster that says, “Hang in there. Jesus is coming!”

Through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

The first part of Romans 15 is a “hang in there” Scripture. Paul says God’s Word and perseverance combine to give you hope. He orders believers to help each other and be more concerned for others than themselves. He advises the church at Rome to accept each other and live in harmony.

The determination with which Christians study the Bible and treat each other with kindness will have a lot to do with how well they can “hang in there.” At this time of the year, you may be thinking of goals. Aim to be more considerate of the people the Lord has put in your life, praying for them – and for the leaders and citizens of this nation as well – to find their hope in God!

Recommended Reading: I John 4:7-19

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The World’s Priests

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Today’s verse says you “ought always to pray.” The word for “ought” appears no less than 100 times in the New Testament. To the Greeks, it meant a forced compulsion defined by the situation. But Jesus’ explanation revealed that the directive has a much greater implication.

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1

It is God’s will that you pray…it is a loving, creative, purposeful will. Its intentions for you promise only hope and a bright future. It is in prayer and in the study of His Word that you are privileged to know Him and His will more.

Charles Spurgeon believed that the Lord’s people are the world’s priests. As such, you can be an intercessor for the needs of those in your midst…the weak who fall into sin or who despair in difficult circumstances, the strong who may grow presumptuous, the sick and the poor. In a world full of idols, wickedness, and people deprived of salvation, the opportunity to pray is constant

Make knowing the Lord your priority in 2014. Study His Word. Intercede for President Obama and the nation’s leaders…that they may know God’s will and do it. Diligently pray and do not lose heart.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:1-6, 12-14 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Witness Preparation

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If you are called to a courtroom as a witness, all you have to do is tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, right? Actually, there’s more to it than that. Good lawyers know to properly prepare their witnesses for trial because, even when speaking sincerely, witnesses can be discredited by opposing counsel. So before entering the courtroom, witnesses are usually educated about the legal process, informed about questions they might be asked, and often engaged in practice sessions.

Prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

I Peter 3:15

How do you defend your faith to those who want to know the reason for your hope? “You ask me how I know He lives,” say the words of a great old hymn, “He lives within my heart.” That’s true, but your testimony must go deeper than that. You must be prepared.

Why not make the commitment today to become a great “defender of the faith” in 2014? Start by setting a goal of reading through the Bible this year. And as you pray for your nation’s leaders, ask God to help them understand that the reason for America’s hope is found in His Holy Word.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:1-12

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – A New Year of Hope

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According to the World Association of Publishers, more than half of the Earth’s adult population read the newspaper. The facts are hard to dismiss: newspapers are pervasive, and their influence is great. They are weavers of the fabric of society. Sadly, what they report seldom lends hope or feelings of security to the reader.

The hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth.

Colossians 1:5

For 2014, how about starting each day not with the newspaper, but with the Word of God? In those pages you’ll find the pathway to hope for the future, and confirmation that you’re on it. As you read, you’ll place yourself in an environment to grow into the person you want to be. What better resolution for the New Year than to spend more time with your Creator and the lover of your soul?

As you place yourself in the center of God’s Word and His will for your life, His reflected love will permeate and influence the lives of those around you, brightening the future. Won’t you also intercede daily for the nation’s leaders to find more time in the Bible for themselves? It is the only true hope for a weary America.

Recommended Reading: I John 3:16-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.-Conscious Reliance

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Each of you is prompted in your life by some distinct principle or passion. It affects how you contend with good things as well as bad. The tendency of each person is to live in themselves, to act in their own strength and to work toward selfish motives.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Colossians 3:17

But Christians can find the holiest and purest motives only in Jesus. Out of love for Him and respect to His authority, selfishness is pushed aside. Jesus provided a noble example of moral excellence in life, obeying His Father’s will even to death. Today’s verse encourages you to recognize Christ in everything…in your work, conversation, public worship, private prayer and in all matters related to your home and family – everything!

To live your life fully is to depend absolutely on Jesus at all times. He is God’s greatest gift to you. Full, conscious reliance on Him helps you be humble in successes, encouraged in perplexities, and uplifted in your grief. Dear one, take His example to heart in the coming year. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they accept God’s gift in 2014 so their motives will not be selfish but Christ-centered.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:5-16  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Long Distance Jubilation

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It happened on April 7, 1927…an almost unimaginable event. “Herbert Hoover made a speech in Washington yesterday afternoon,” wrote a dazzled New York Times reporter. “An audience in New York heard him and saw him. More than 200 miles of space intervening between the speaker and his audience was annihilated by the television apparatus developed by the Bell Laboratories.”

I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:10

Live television broadcasts – where events in one place are experienced simultaneously somewhere else – have become commonplace and no longer stir much excitement. But imagine this: a sinner comes to Christ, and jubilation erupts in Heaven! The space between Heaven and Earth is bridged in an instant, the powers of hell annihilated.

As the year draws to a close, you may be reflecting upon some missed opportunities, disappointments, or hurts caused by others. And, certainly, the spiritual trajectory of America has often been discouraging. But as you pray today, ask God to stir within you a newfound excitement and passion about what He might do, through you, in 2014. You can make no greater resolution than to share His love with those around you…and bring joy to the angels in Heaven.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:11-16  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Great Way to Start

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Some 50 years ago, an American president challenged, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” More than 2,000 before, that phrase might have been used by Jesus to His apostles: “Ask not what the Lord can do for you. Ask what you can do for Him!”

You received without paying; give without pay.

Matthew 10:8

It’s easy to feel conflicted with the giving and receiving of this season when you consider Syrian Christians being persecuted in their hometowns, Filipino Christians flooding into makeshift churches to pray for relief after the super-sized typhoon, and fellow Americans in the Midwest sifting through what’s left of their homes after devastating tornadoes. As you look to toward the New Year, consider how you can comfort the suffering and support the needy. A great way to start is to share your knowledge of the immeasurable gift that God has given with a hurting world – one prayer and one word of love at a time. Remember you have freely received; now it is time to be a good steward of that gift.

Offer prayers today for members of Congress and others in government and the Pentagon that, in the last days of this year, they might find Jesus, the only gift worth having.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 10:5-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Identity Check

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In 1880, the Social Security Administration began keeping records of popular baby names in the United States. Many parents use this list and spend months agonizing over what to name their newborn child. Some believe a name has the power to shape a child’s identity and self-esteem, influence how he’s treated by others, and even affect future success.

The name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 1:4

God emphasized the importance of identity when He changed the names of Abram (Genesis 17:5), Jacob (Genesis 32:28) and Simon (John 1:42) to match their destinies. He instructed Joseph to name Mary’s baby Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Names are important to God, and a good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1).

Today’s verse refers to the name above all names – Jesus. The writer reminds the Hebrews Christ is superior to everyone and everything, including the angels. By His name, all can be saved (Acts 4:12). As you pray today for family and friends, call upon the power of the name of Jesus (Acts 4:10). Ask for the message of the Lord to spread and be honored (II Thessalonians 3:1) and for Him to move in the hearts of the nation’s leaders to do what is just, honest and upright.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 21:1-8

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Praise Epidemic

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Now that Christmas has past and all the shopping is over, you might be saying with Peter in today’s verse, “I have no silver and gold.” But notice the next phase, and ask: “What do I have?”

I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.

Acts 3:6

In Christ, you have so much: eternal life (Romans 6:23), forgiveness and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30), grace and peace (Romans 1:7), triumph (II Corinthians 2:14), faith and love (I Timothy 1:14), and knowledge of God’s glory (II Corinthians 4:6). You also have the gift of being a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17), the reality of Christ in you (II Corinthians 13:5) and of being a child of God (Galatians 3:26). You’re given equal social standing (Galatians 3:28) and every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3), closeness to God (Ephesians 2:13) and a holy calling (II Timothy 1:9).

This country needs Jesus. What time, talents and resources can you combine with all you have in Christ to honor God and reach out to others? Write them down and pray about them. Ask God to show you new ways He can use you in the coming year. Then pray, too, for an epidemic of praise to the Heavenly Father as you and fellow Christians reach out in love.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Begin with the End

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Have you ever started a book by reading the last chapter? Some book enthusiasts compulsively read the end of a story first, and then start again at the beginning. Most say knowing the ending helps them appreciate the finer details of the story.

The Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father.

Matthew 16:27

Do you know the end of the Bible? In the last chapter of the last book, Jesus is basically saying “Look, I am coming soon and my reward is with me.” He invites those listening to come partake of His free gifts and spend eternity in bliss with Him. And He warns those rejecting Him they are on the edge of an eternity without God’s wonderful presence.

As the end of another year approaches, are you prepared for Christ’s return? If you were to suddenly hear heavenly beings announce the approach of the King of kings, would your heart leap in anticipation of your Savior’s presence, or would fear drive you to dread and retreat? Make no mistake…when the end comes, every nation and every person will confess Jesus Christ as Lord! Pray for America and its leaders – and personally prepare yourself: the end of the book is the beginning of eternity.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 22:12-21

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Christmas Easter Connection

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Today, you may be celebrating Christmas with your family, exchanging gifts, and eating a traditional meal. Perhaps you’re in an occupation that requires you to work. Maybe you’re in the middle of a severe trial of some kind. Regardless of your circumstances, remember why God sent His Son…and how Christmas is really about Easter.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!

Psalm 148:1

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17) “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) “ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Praise Him for this incredible gift. Pray for the nation, its leaders and troops to see Christ in Christmas. Find joy in expressing Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – They Still Seek Him

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Josephus and other writers of ancient times expressed an expectation that God would soon bring a person on the scene who would deliver men from their bondage. When the wise men arrived at Herod’s doorstep inquiring, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2), there was much agitation…Herod in anger and Israel in anticipation.

They saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

These travelers from the east, Gentiles and strangers, were convinced that the Lord was marking the entry of a great king into the world by a brilliant star. They embarked on a long and arduous journey, inspired to complete it. When the star finally led them directly to Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus lived, today’s verse confirms they knew they’d found the One they sought! They fell down before the small child and gave Him treasures fit for a king.

You have much to give Him as well: riches, wisdom and honor – your all. Lay everything at His feet in complete surrender on this precious Christmas Eve. Wise men still seek Jesus. Pray that the people of this nation will look for Him and find Him…then joyfully adore Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 22:23-31

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Golden Hour

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Perhaps you are old enough to remember vintage ambulances from the 1950s. They were little more than station wagons equipped with sirens and emergency lights and served only one purpose: to get patients to the hospital where they could be treated. Since then, medical professionals have learned about the “Golden Hour,” which refers to the brief period following a traumatic injury during which there is the highest likelihood of saving the patient. Modern ambulances are stocked with all sorts of sophisticated life-saving equipment. They are like rolling emergency rooms…because it’s now recognized that immediate response is essential to save patient’s lives.

Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.

Luke 2:15

Consider the shepherds who were told of Christ’s birth. For them, it was the “golden hour” that required an instant response. They left straightaway for Bethlehem to meet their Savior. The apostle Paul speaks of the spiritual Golden Hour in II Corinthians 6:2: “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

As you celebrate Christ’s birth this week, pray for new relationships with others who need to meet the Savior. And may America’s citizens and leaders “see this thing that has happened” in Bethlehem – and recognize their need for Him while there’s still time to respond.

Recommended Reading: James 4:13-17

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G.- Knowing Him

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Earlier this year, England’s Prince William and his wife Catherine bore a new royal offspring. They faced the selection of a name for the babe. They were influenced in their choices by family, friends and British tradition, and spent much effort discerning the meanings of the names they ultimately chose: George Alexander Louis.

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:21

Mary and Joseph were also influenced in the name of their firstborn. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not only what to name the boy, but why: Jesus, the angel prescribed, for He shall save His people from their sins. (J-E)These are the first letters in Jehovah. The name “Jesus” identifies this child with His people and, more, it identifies Him with the Father, the only true God. (S-U-S) Some consider this the abbreviated form of “Savior.” This is the express purpose of the Son of God: His mission, His future.

It’s not enough to just know the name of the Living Son of God. You must know Him – Jesus – as your own personal Savior. Do that today if you never have. Then pray that America’s leaders will find their identity with the Father and His Son.

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:8-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Longingly Looking

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If you asked average Americans what they are watching – the answer is likely to be everything! According to current statistics from YouTube, 100 hours of video is uploaded to their website every hour, and six billion hours of video is viewed each month. That’s almost an hour for every person on Earth.

There were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:8

In contrast to those frantic video viewing habits, the Bible paints a different picture of “watching.” In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, shepherds were on guard keeping their flock of sleeping sheep safe when they saw a great gift from God…a visit by angels in the starry heavens. In Matthew, another story is told about virgin brides preparing themselves, watching and eagerly waiting for their bridegroom, determined not to miss their own wedding.

What are you watching today? Are you numbly in step with much of the world, filling your time with mindless entertainment, or are you longingly looking for God’s great gifts, anticipating their appearance on the horizon? Don’t miss what the Lord is doing in your life and in America. Like the faithful shepherds, keep your watch by day and by night.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Song of Commitment

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What is your favorite Christmas carol? O Holy Night ranks as many Americans’ favorite song, according to a recent study. It surpassed White Christmas and even The Christmas Song. O Holy Night is a song of worship about the glorious birth of God’s only Son. Whether they all realize it or not, Americans praise God when they sing this wonderful carol.

He was manifested in the flesh…seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations.

I Timothy 3:16

The practice of singing praises has been around for thousands of years. In early churches of the Bible and in worship services today, there’s a tradition of singing a hymn at the end of the service. These songs allow the congregation to affirm their acceptance of the message and commitment to do God’s will. Today’s passage is a portion of such a hymn. The author, Paul, describes how church leaders should behave and ends with a song, therefore leading the reader into acceptance of the message.

Take time today to read Paul’s message in its entirety, then focus on the hymn of worship. Reflect on the gift of Christ’s coming to the world. Ask God to help you live a life above reproach. Request the same for the leaders of this nation. Then sing a song of praise to signal your commitment to do so.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 3:1-15 

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Priceless Gift

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Imagine if you tried to calculate the cost of all the elaborate gifts named in the classic Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Turtledoves, golden rings, lords-a-leaping…it would probably total thousands of dollars!

Mary…who was with child.

Luke 2:5

God’s gift to you, however, came in simple and rustic wrappings. He was not born surrounded by gold. Instead, the Almighty Creator of the Universe chose to come to Earth as a baby born of humble parents in a nondescript village. Jesus Christ took His first breath in a place where animals were kept, clothed with rags and laid in a feeding trough. There’s nothing elaborate about that.

Yet God went to utmost measures to demonstrate His unconditional love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus was born so He could suffer and die on a cross for your sins. Take a moment each day to thank Him for the gift of salvation. Pray also that Americans and the nation’s leaders will understand that this season is not about expensive gifts wrapped with paper and ribbon. It’s about the priceless gift of a Savior.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Adore Him

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“Sing choirs of angels / Sing in exaltation / Sing all ye citizens of Heaven above / Glory to God, glory in the highest / O come, let us adore Him.” It’s easy to sing this beloved Christmas carol and miss the awesomeness of it. A whole, thick book can be written about angels, as evangelist Billy Graham demonstrated.

When he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God‘s angels worship him.”

Hebrews 1:6

Angels are amazing: supernatural, fearless and strong. When humans encounter these holy beings, they fall trembling before them, yet angels worship Jesus – who was both human and God. The entirety of Hebrews 1 points out Christ’s deity. The Heavenly Father gave this divine gift in human packaging that people might believe and receive eternal life.

Worship Him, as the angels do, and thank the Savior for leaving the glory of Heaven to express God to all people. And pray the nation’s leaders and citizens alike will receive revelation of who Jesus is…like Peter did, “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’” (Matthew 16:16-17)

Recommended Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Perfect Gift

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Jesus was fully human and fully divine. The power of the Most High overshadowed Mary, she conceived in her womb, and she bore a son who would “be called holy – the Son of God.” ((Luke 1:35) God, in His wisdom, ordained the combination of human and divine influence so Jesus’ full humanity would be evident in the fact of His ordinary birth, and His full deity evident through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.

Luke 1:31

How calmly Mary accepted her commission from God! “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) It proved she had immersed herself in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. She knew the promise God had made to His people in Isaiah 7:14 and firmly believed He would fulfill them.

The virgin birth is an unmistakable reminder that salvation can only come from the Lord, never from human effort. The sinless Lamb came to Earth to redeem you. Pray that you, the people of this nation, and America’s leaders will understand the awesomeness of God’s perfect gift…the Savior, Christ the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Luke 1:46-55  Click to Read or Listen

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Distraction Disasters

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If you are maneuvering a ship around perilous reefs, and if that ship is filled with 55 million gallons of crude oil, you should be extremely focused. It would be an inappropriate time for carelessness, multitasking or consuming alcoholic beverages. But on March 24, 1989, Captain Joseph Hazelwood and his negligent crew wrecked the mammoth Exxon Valdez tanker on the Alaskan shore, creating one of the biggest environmental disasters to date. The cleanup has gone on for decades and cost billions of dollars.

Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

I Peter 1:13

In this hustle and bustle society, distractions are an ever-present detriment and danger…and they can leave you shipwrecked. Do you know what it means to “set your hope fully” on God’s grace, or is it just some vague notion on the periphery of your attention?

Today, ask God to help you make Him the center of your universe. Whatever is troubling you – financial issues, family struggles, health woes, the plight of the nation’s leaders, or even America’s spiritual decline – strive to invest “looking to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) into your everyday routine. He will help you navigate life’s reefs, restore your hope, and secure your passage!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 12:1-12