Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Thanks In Advance

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The Civil War visited tragedy on every community. One in every four soldiers –some 620,000 in all – never came home. You can imagine the relief and jubilation that swept the nation when the conflict ended. On May 23, 1865, a celebratory “Grand Review” was held in Washington, D.C. “The sight was simply magnificent,” wrote General William Tecumseh Sherman, who had watched his troops march up Pennsylvania Avenue. “The column was compact, and the glittering muskets looked like a solid mass of steel, moving with the regularity of a pendulum. I believe it was the happiest and most satisfactory moment of my life.”

Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.

II Corinthians 2:14

A greater celebration still awaits believers when Christ leads the “triumphal procession.” All of the heartache and disappointment of the past will be over…forever. In the words of the songwriter Esther Kerr Rusthoi, “It will be worth it all / when we see Jesus / life’s trials will seem so small / when we see Christ.”

No matter how you’re feeling today, go ahead and give thanks to God – in advance! As His child, your future triumph is certain. And pray that others in America, including its political leaders, may also live in the knowledge of Christ’s coming victory!

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-13 `

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Know the Source

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Educators, coaches, even military experts all have their formulas for strength. Control what you can, set boundaries, visualize your work, improve your self-talk, be resilient. They uniformly encourage you to draw from your mind, body, emotions and spirit, leveraging each in turn as you get back up when knocked down. Their goal includes building within you sociological protective influences…a social network of support.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful.

I Timothy 1:12

If anyone ever needed strength, it was the apostle Paul. He listed a number of severe challenges he faced in a letter to the Corinthians. Through it all, he knew the true source of his strength – Jesus Christ the Lord – and for that strength, Paul was thankful.

Ahead of you lie the busy seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas when, like most Americans, you will face tests of your endurance…mind, body, emotions and spirit. Gather up your network of support during these tempestuous times, and call upon the Lord to aid you with your priorities that your strength will be maintained. As you look to your own needs, pray also for President Obama and the nation’s leaders to keep their vigor as they deal with the business of government.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 11:21-33

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Deliberate Sharing

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When was the last time you were astonished by an act of kindness? Last March an Ohio teen set out to perform 89 random acts of kindness. She was grieving the loss of her 89-year-old grandmother – and the undertaking was her way of honoring her grandmother’s memory. However, in this age of instant information, she was “outed” in her quest and the project went viral…quickly turning into a full-fledged foundation complete with sponsored scholarships and legal representatives, spawning many other benevolent programs. All of this sprouted from simple kindnesses the 89 original recipients will remember and appreciate time and again.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.

Philippians 1:3

If you are a believer in Christ, you are abundantly blessed with a limitless supply of kindness, forgiveness and love. How are you using these gifts? Is God’s name being praised because you are sharing your gifts, or are you hoarding them all for yourself?

Become the person for whom today’s verse was written. Start by praying for friends, family and the nation. As you pray for others, God will impress upon your heart things to do for them as well. Obey His direction and you’ll change America, one deliberate act at a time.

Recommended Reading: Luke 10:25-37

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Purposeful Gifts

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With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the bend, you may be one of the thousands of people who will consider purchasing a treadmill to shed unwanted pounds. Before adding an exercise apparatus to your shopping list, consider how many buy a treadmill and use it for a short time only. Soon the expensive equipment gathers dust and holds clothes in the corner.

You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.

I Corinthians 14:17

When gifts aren’t used properly, they don’t produce the desired results. In today’s passage, Paul speaks of different kinds of gifts – spiritual ones. He reminds the church in Corinth how to “excel in building up the church” when using their gifts. (I Corinthians 14:12) While one may speak in tongues to give thanks to God, if no one can understand them, the gift is not serving its intended purpose to edify or teach the listener.

Each Christ follower has a special skill to glorify God and draw others to Him. While you may praise God with your words, are your gifts collecting dust in a corner? Ask God to help you use your given talents for His purpose, then pray for Christians in elected offices to use their gifts as they serve in government.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:1-12

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Open Windows

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Daniel was a Jewish prophet who was taken to Babylon and trained for the king’s service. He was known for his courage, integrity, humility and spiritual vision. Most of all, Daniel was known for his unceasing prayerfulness. Although he knew there was a law prohibiting prayer to anyone except the king, Daniel chose to serve the King of Kings! In fact, Daniel always prayed with his windows opened toward Jerusalem.

He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God.

Daniel 6:10

Of course, he prayed not out of rebellion toward the king…but out of his love for God. Even Daniel’s enemies knew he would obey God rather than bow to the king’s edict.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” You obviously cannot spend all your time praying. Yet it is possible to have a continuous, prayerful attitude. So always keep your spiritual windows open towards Heaven. Practice frequent and regular communication with your Creator. Remember also to thank Him for the privilege of praying for your nation’s leaders out of godly love for them.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 92:1-9  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Sing It Out

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After 52 days of hard labor, fighting enemies and dealing with internal problems, the Israelites and their leader Nehemiah finished the temple wall. The wall not only protected them, but it also reestablished Jerusalem as a city of worship. “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Nehemiah 12:27)

I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks.

Nehemiah 12:31

Today, choirs aren’t to entertain and encourage God’s people, though they may do that. Their primary purpose is to lead the congregation in praise and gratitude to the Lord. Worship and giving thanks isn’t just a nice idea. It should be an important part of daily Christian life. God is great and mighty and worthy of all praise and thanksgiving!

And here’s a bonus: if your mind is busy giving thanks, it will spend less time in fear and worry. Today, and every day, give thanks for the nation’s blessings and pray for God’s help and intervention in its troubles.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 100

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Today’s Blessings

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It’s hard to be saved if you’re not first lost. Similarly, it’s difficult to be thankful if you don’t understand the gift that’s been given to you. When you are self-centered, you tend to be oblivious to everyday blessings and focus on the wrong things.

When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body…Do this in remembrance of me.”

I Corinthians 11:24

The apostle Paul reprimanded the Corinthians for abusing the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. They had turned the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice into a potluck dinner where the rich served themselves but left the poor in their congregation hungry and wanting. It was a time to remember what Jesus had done for them…a time for spiritual growth and blessing for all.

Christ came and died for you; it was not His life or His teachings that saved the sinner from sin, but His death and resurrection. In response, the believer should approach the Communion service with an unselfish heart and with great thanksgiving.

The tendency to concentrate on issues that bother you instead of looking to Jesus and seeing today’s blessings – spiritual, physical and material – makes for an ungrateful person. Pray for that not to be true in your life or in the lives of those who lead this nation.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 16

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Strong Strands

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Imagine a strand of wire about as thick as the lead of a pencil. It might be strong enough to support the weight of a few hundred pounds…maybe. Now think about the Brooklyn Bridge. It weighs about 15,000 tons, stretches for more than a mile, and has stood for 130 years. You would consider the wire ordinary and the bridge magnificent. But the Brooklyn Bridge is made mostly of those thin strands of wire, thousands of them intricately laid together. “The strength of the finished cable,” wrote historian David McCollough in The Great Bridge, “would depend on getting each strand into its exact, particular position.”

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Christians often overlook the importance of unity, but believers in Jesus are “called in one body.” You are an integral part of God’s plan to bring people into relationship with Him, and others will be drawn to the Savior through you…but only when you are in the particular position God has for you. Your spiritual strength is maximized when you work with other believers as the Lord intended.

May America’s Christian leaders and citizens not be seen as frayed and splayed, but as one body – united and strong!

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:11-21

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G.- Lifespan Look

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The final chapter of Romans lists special greetings from Paul to people who stood with him as he labored for the Lord. It’s easy in reading the Bible to just skip over passages like this, but each one of these individuals played a part in the development of God’s eternal kingdom. Paul acknowledged them and, across the centuries, their names have remained.

To whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.

Romans 16:4

Look across the span of our own life. Who stood with you? Your fourth-grade teacher, a college professor, the neighbor who brought casseroles when you were ill? Or the Sunday school leader who influenced your decision for Christ, or your church’s pastoral staff who helped you keep your focus on the Lord?

Who have you come alongside in times of joy and sorrow, need and plenty? Maybe its family, friends, missionaries in fields near or far, homes for abused women and children…or even your Prayer Team.

Just as Paul gratefully recalled important people in his ministry, take a moment to give thanksgiving to the Lord for those He placed in your life. Then prayerfully come alongside the men and women who serve in America’s government, an often thankless job.

Recommended Reading: Romans 16:1-15

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Anger Displacement

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Have you ever seen an angry camel? They can be fairly feisty: biting, kicking, trampling or spitting. According to David Taylor, a wild animal expert, camel handlers in Asia avoid confrontation with their animal when it becomes mad by giving it their coat. The camel jumps on it, bites it and tears the coat to pieces. The anger is placed on something else, allowing beast and human to live in harmony again.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away.

Isaiah 12:1

The prophet Isaiah often focused on God’s judgment because of broken harmony between Him and His people due to their rebellion. In today’s verse, however, Isaiah is singing a song of praise and giving thanks because he sees the future where God’s people will be freed from their enemies and their sin.

Have you considered what allows God to live with you in harmony even though He’s angry at your sin? Instead of placing His anger on you, He placed it on Jesus on the cross, making you safe from His wrath. Incredible! As you pray today, thank God for turning His anger from you. Ask that He turn the country’s leader’s hearts toward Him so He might deliver them, too.

Recommended Reading: Hosea 14:1-9

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Constant One

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Change will happen, like it or not. Stick around long enough and everything changes. Political policies change. Families change. Seasons change. Look at the trees. The leaves turn color and fall, but the bare branches won’t be the same this winter as last because of the tree’s constant growth. Even rocks transform as they weather. Can you think of anything in this world that doesn’t change?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

I Chronicles 16:34

Most people resist change – unfortunate, since it’s inevitable. God, however, is unchanging. He “is the same yesterday today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) His love for you is steadfast. It remains for all times. Be assured there are changes coming in the government. Expect them as the House and Senate work together to create a new tomorrow.

Don’t let fear of change cause anxiety. Hold on to the constant one who will not leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He was here during creation and will be here in the end. Ask God to allow you to comprehend His never-ending love and share it with others. Then pray for leaders in Congress to be motivated by love of God and country when working on resolutions for America.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 1:9-18

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Grateful Heart

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D.L. Moody was not well-educated and often spoke with bad grammar. Yet Moody was always passionate about his relationship with God. Many times he was confronted by obstacles that seemed insurmountable. However, Moody knew nothing was too hard for the Lord, and that through prayer anything could be accomplished. A man once said to Moody, “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man wholly committed to Him.” Moody replied, “By the grace of God, I’ll be that man.” As a result, he preached to large crowds throughout America and Europe – and thousands of people invited Jesus Christ into their lives.

Many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

II Corinthians 1:11

The Bible says, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) That doesn’t mean constantly repeating routine phrases in order to get something from God. It’s a continuous communication which comes from your heart so you can experience a deeper intimacy with the Creator of the Universe.

Thank your Heavenly Father every day for the gift and privilege of prayer. As you intercede for America’s leaders, pray they will experience the freedom and joy that comes only from a relationship with Him.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Spiritual Veteran

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President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919, to remember those who died in World War I. In 1945, Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama led the way to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans who served and currently serve in U.S. military. The national holiday of Veterans Day was born.

I thank God whom I serve…with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

II Timothy 1:3

The apostle Paul speaks of an invisible fight. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

As you observe Veterans Day, remember to be a spiritual veteran. Put on the unseen armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and Spirit-led prayer. Pray continually for your leaders, citizens and veterans of this country. Then thank the God whom You serve for the people who help protect you.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Your Defender

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The judgment has been pronounced: Guilty…every one! There is no chance for appeal. The verdict stands. Listen to the very words: “None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:25

The decision of the Supreme Court of the universe is that all have sinned…all have missed the mark and have fallen short of God’s standard. Do not take this lightly! Don’t compare yourself with others. You may not have fallen as short as them, but you are “short” as far as the Lord is concerned.

Thanks be to God that there is a defender…Jesus Christ the Lord! It is He that stands and pleads your case. He has paid the price and set you, the prisoner, free. Take hold of that fact and apply it to your life. Yield your life to Him. It will be the new standard for your life…living to do all to the glory of God. The apostle Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Pray for a new standard in the lives of those who serve as leaders of this country. May they yield to Christ, being thankful to God for His grace.

Recommended Reading: Romans 7:21-8:6

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Dream Team

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If you are really anxious to waste your hard-earned money, you might try hiring a “dream interpretation” service. For a fee, you reveal the details of your dream to a so-called expert, who collects a handsome fee and then tells you what the dream means. While the dream interpretation business has certainly picked up with the advent of the Internet, it’s hardly new. King Nebuchadnezzar had his own personal dream team. Eventually, though, he realized he was being scammed, so he changed the rules. The king demanded they not only interpret the dream, but also tell him what the dream was about. This, of course, they could not do.

To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might.

Daniel 2:23

But Daniel could. God revealed the king’s dreams to Daniel, along with the interpretation, and it happened in such a way so as to glorify God, not anyone else. And Daniel not only recognized that the “wisdom and might” he received was from the Lord, he also made sure others knew their source, too.

As you pray for America’s leaders today, ask God to remind them that true knowledge and power comes only from Him…and remember to direct your own thanks and praise to Whom it is due!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 146:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Liberty Guided by Love

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Author Glen Allport writes that love and freedom intertwine in human life…that each are connected parts of a whole, requiring one another. A lack of love, he says, harms freedom, and without freedom, love withers and dies.

If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

I Corinthians 10:30

Corinthian Christians were struggling. Some came from Jewish roots where the law dictated the orders of daily life, including what they ate and drank. Others coming out of paganism couldn’t understand the dietary restrictions being placed on them by their fellow believers. In our modern society, some consider themselves vegetarians, others cling to an “organic only” regime, and there are those who refuse meat from livestock not humanely slaughtered. The Bible says to do what is right for you, but don’t vilify your neighbors if their choices are different. At the same time, you should never intestinally offend their sensibilities.

Bottom line – be thankful for whatever you consume, from your plate or from one lovingly offered to you. Be grateful, too, that America is still bountiful! Do your part to provide for the needy, and intercede for your nation’s leaders…that they would know “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” (I Corinthians 10:26)

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 10:23-33

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Movin’ on Up

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Movin’ on Up! Can you name that tune in three notes? Most Americans can identify the theme song to the 1970’s hit comedy “The Jeffersons” in three notes. Why would this simple ditty resonate so passionately when the show has been out of vogue for years? It probably has something to do with the lyrics. “Well we’re movin’ on up / To the east side / To a deluxe apartment in the sky / Movin’ on up / To the east side / We finally got a piece of the pie.”

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient.

Romans 6:17

For many people enslaved to the trappings of sin – gossip, substance abuse, the love of money, or sexual inappropriateness – the first taste of the forgiveness of Christ is just like “moving on up” to the deluxe life, one previously thought out of reach. For the one set free, the natural response is gratitude and obedience…not born out of obligation, but from thankfulness for being moved out of hopelessness into blessing.

Take a moment today and reflect on the freedoms you have as an American, and the abundant life you have in Christ personally. Soon you, too, will be movin’ on up towards gratitude and obedience.

Recommended Reading: Luke 7:36-48

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Solid Ground

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The foolish man built his house upon the sand (Matthew 7:26). This biblical wisdom has real world practicality. In 2010, Chile had an earthquake registering a magnitude of 8.8. Japan’s 2011 quake/tsunami combo was a whopping 9.0 on the seismic scale.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Hebrews 12:28

As much as architects work to create structures that can endure earthquakes, one of the simplest principles still stands – you must build on a firm foundation. All else is sinking sand. The author of today’s passage knew the difference between things that could be shaken and those that could not. In verse 27, he speaks of how the Almighty Father will shake the heavens and Earth to remove “things that have been made” – cars, houses, money, fame. What remains will be the kingdom of God.

Praise the Lord, for His kingdom cannot be shaken. When national policies change, and you wonder how you will fare when new laws are put into place, take heart. God and His purposes remain unchanged. Pray for stability in America – and wisdom for your leaders – in these uncertain times. Then give thanks for your citizenship in the unshakable kingdom of your Lord.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:24-29

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Total Gift

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Can you imagine life without God’s gift of grace? Unfortunately, many live without it. According to a survey from LifeWay Research, 47 percent of Americans feel the weight of a bad choice from their past, even though a majority believe God gives second chances. Nearly 19 percent believe God gives a second chance when a person depends only on Him, followed closely by when a person makes restitution (18 percent), does enough good (15 percent) or promises not to repeat the mistake (11 percent).

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.

I Corinthians 1:4

Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” The work of salvation is for God’s glory and is not accomplished by human effort. Salvation is fully a gift from God!

Of course, when someone gives you a gift, you say, “Thank you.” So every day thank God for His total gift of grace in your life…and for the second chances He has given you. Thank Him also for the grace He has bestowed on this country. Then pray that the nation’s leaders will discover this priceless gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – People Presents

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November. Christmas plans begin. Visions of bicycles, electronic gizmos and longed-for jeans may be dancing in your head as you think about those perfect gifts you will purchase for friends and family.

I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Romans 1:8

Ah, but first comes Thanksgiving. You put a lot of thought into Christmas gifts for people you care about…but do you realize the people in your life are God’s gift to you? In today’s verse, Paul thanks God for the Christians in Rome and for their world-renowned faith. He prayed that he would be able to visit them so they’d mutually encourage each other.

As thanksgiving approaches, think about all the people the Lord has put into your life – and pray for wisdom to be a blessing to them in some way. Remember to be grateful for your friends and family, your pastor and fellow church members, as well as associates in support groups and professional organizations, and all the people who serve you daily. Finally, thank God for the people who serve your country…whether in leadership, in the armed forces or at menial government jobs. Pray they will get to know God’s greatest “people gift,” Jesus.

Recommended Reading: John 3:16-21