Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Promised Change

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At a time when Babylon was laying siege on Jerusalem, God called Jeremiah to purchase land in the city. Seemingly without hesitation, Jeremiah trusted God’s word. He bought the field, “signed the deed, sealed it, got witnesses,” and paid his money. He called his disciple to put the deed in an earthenware vessel and keep it safe for what would be many years (Jeremiah 32:9-15).

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah was preaching to the deaf ears of Israel and Judah’s kings. They didn’t listen and imprisoned him for speaking truth. But even through that, Jeremiah spoke of the restoration of the nation after their 70 years of captivity. He told of God’s great might…that nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

If there ever was a promise that could change your life, it’s today’s verse. The promise was to Jeremiah, but you must know that in the deepest times of sorrow or need, you can call on the One who can handle anything. Believing in Him will open the doors of understanding for you in His Word. Do not hesitate. Stay in Scripture. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders and people…that all deaf ears will hear and many will return to the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 33:1-9

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Son Revolution

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The Earth is approximately 93 million miles from the sun. It travels in a path around the sun once every 365.265 days. This orbit creates the seasons as the planet travels in an ellipse both toward and away from the center of the solar system.

We always pray for you…that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.

II Thessalonians 1:11-12

While the Earth revolves around the sun, you are to model your prayers around the Son. In today’s passage, Paul prays for the church in Thessalonica to be worthy of His calling and for Him to be glorified. In other words, Paul prays for the Thessalonians’ lives to revolve around Jesus. This is good advice, too, for modern day believers.

Are you the center of all your appeals to the Lord? If you want God to hear your prayers and be moved to action, make Christ the focal point of your requests. Ask for His purposes to be carried out through you and for God to be glorified through you. Seek to have His mindset and to be sensitive to His Spirit. Then pray for His will be done in the lives of all Americans, especially those in government offices.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:1-11

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Heart Full

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Do you stand in awe of the Lord and kneel before Him? An attitude of worship and reverence – holding God in the highest regard – should cause you to bow in prayer, whether physically or as a matter of the heart. Paul’s requests for the Ephesians, which apply to you as well, involve a deepening of the relationship of the believer with God the Father. According to commentator Dr. Warren Wiersbe, yielding to the Holy Spirit and letting Him control your inner man will bring a more intimate experience between you and Christ.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father.

Ephesians 3:14

Feeding on the Bible will cause your spiritual roots to go deeper for nourishment and stability so you will be grounded in your faith. The foundation on which you build your life and understand your purpose will be strong and sure. You will be able to comprehend the words of Scripture, grasp its meaning, and apply it to your life. Christ working in you will make your heart full with thanksgiving and reverence.

Mature in your faith by consuming the Word of God. Intercede for this nation’s leaders to come to faith in Jesus. Ask for all Americans to ultimately know the holy joy of bowing in awe before the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1-6

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Protective Hand

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Ezra was a priest sent by King Artaxerxes to help rebuild Jerusalem after the Jewish exile. The king gave him a letter stating that any Jews could return to their homeland with the priest. Ezra had spoken highly of the Lord to King Artaxerxes, who wasn’t a believer.

So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

Ezra 8:23

Before heading over the river, Ezra stopped to fast and ask the Lord for safety. “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.’” (Ezra 8:22) His prayer came from a desire to glorify the name of the great I Am.

When your prayers grow from a yearning to make the name of God great, He’s moved to answer. Pray for the Lord to be glorified in this nation. Ask Him to protect Christians as they lift Him up in their homes and communities. Intercede, too, for America and its national leaders to recognize the hand of protection from your Heavenly Father and glorify Him accordingly.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 5:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Last Call

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Suppose a friend approaches you for advice on a particular matter. They seek you out because you have experience, knowledge or some special insight. You provide the advice, but they fail to take it. The issue persists…they return for more advice. Again you offer it, and the advice is ignored. A third time you are approached. At this point, you’re likely going to suggest to your friend that there is little point in offering advice if it’s not going to be followed.

O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.

Judges 16:28

God certainly knows about this human tendency to do the wrong thing. Consider Samson – captured by his enemies, chained, blinded, and made a laughingstock…directly because of his repeated failure to follow God’s advice. But in his final moments, today’s verse records that he called out one more time, for one more victory – and God was there to answer.

Pray for America’s leaders today, even though they often ignore God’s wisdom. No doubt you have at times…everyone has. But God isn’t keeping score and there is still hope. There is wonderful power in Samson’s – and anyone’s – last call.

Recommended Reading: Luke 23:39-43

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Unheard Prayers

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In September 2011, The Huffington Post published a series of “prayers” in remembrance of 9/11. Their hope was “these sacred words…might provide comfort to those who grieve; compassion to those alienated; and inspiration to all who seek an end to violence and hate in our world.” The prayers included a Baha’i prayer, a Buddhist reflection, a secular reflection, a Hindu prayer, a Jewish prayer, a Muslim prayer, a Sikh prayer, a pagan blessing…and a Christian prayer.

And this is the confidence that we have…if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

I John 5:14

Today’s verse says God does indeed hear prayers if they are asked according to His will. However, the verse starts with “and,” linking it to the prior verse that says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God.” Only the prayers spoken by believers in the name of Jesus Christ will be heard.

What a privilege you have as a Christian…and what a responsibility! The Creator of Heaven and Earth will listen exclusively to your prayers – but you have to speak them first. Ask God for His purposes to be performed for yourself, your loved ones and the nation…and as you do, remember that a prayer of forgiveness is always in His will.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:5-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Descendant Remembrance

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Social activists often plea, “Remember the children! What kind of planet are we going to leave them?”

Oh restore me to health and make me live!

Isaiah 38:16

When King Hezekiah was on his deathbed, today’s verse shows how he prayed for healing. The Lord heard his pleas and added fifteen years to his life (Isaiah 38:5). However, Isaiah prophesied that in the future all that Hezekiah had inherited would be taken away, and his descendants would be carried off to Babylon as servants. Interestingly, Hezekiah responded, “‘The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.’ For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my days.’” (Isaiah 39:5-8) It seems odd that the man who prayed so desperately for his own health didn’t pray as desperately for his descendants.

Don’t make that same misjudgment. Pray today for the nation’s children in the midst of a culture that champions ungodly lifestyles, families that are often broken instead of unified, and leaders who turn against God. Intercede with determined persistence that they will know God, walk with Him and someday raise their own children to love and serve Christ. Remember the children – for they are precious in His sight.

Recommended Reading: Luke 18:1-8, 15-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Out of the Haze

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Fire engineers read smoke. Its behavior and its color provide clues about the emanating blaze. In today’s verse, Zechariah the priest is going about his duties burning incense before the altar of God. Out of the smoke he’s startled to see someone standing with him – the angel Gabriel, who speaks to Zechariah the comforting words of today’s verse.

Do not be afraid, Zechariah: for your prayer has been heard.

Luke 1:13

That particular day, Zechariah’s duty was to bring an offering covering the sins of an entire nation, yet the prayer God promised to answer was personal. Zechariah wanted a son. He and his wife were old and well past a reasonable expectation for bearing children. One would imagine that improbable prayer might have been tucked away years earlier. Then, literally out of the haze, God gives an answer…the desired answer. “Yes, you may have a son.”

Are you struggling to understand what God is doing in your life or for America’s future? Remember Zechariah. The smoke clouding his vision was coming from his faithful service, but be assured God can read that smoke! He understands the silent cry of your heart as well as the needs of the nation. In His timing, He will attend to both.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 20:2-7

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – All of You

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Actress Candace Cameron Bure, known best for playing D.J. in the television series Full House, has never tried to hide her faith in Hollywood. “For me, my faith is who I am and I carry that with me wherever I go,” she says. “I don’t think of it in terms of ‘I have to live it out, or act this way or that.’ I’m just myself.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.

Romans 15:13

When Bure appeared on Dancing with the Stars, she found parallels between performing on the show and her faith. Bure’s partner, Mark Ballas, asked her to give 100 percent all of the time, even during rehearsals. For an actress who was used to doing that only when the camera was filming, the request proved a challenge. Bure said, “I thought, ‘Wow, isn’t that like our Christian walk?’ It’s so easy to say, ‘God, I’m giving you 50 to 80 percent,’ and that’s pretty good. But the Bible says God wants all of you, 100 percent of the time – the good stuff and bad stuff, too.”

As you spend time with the Lord, remember to thank Him for those who are shining lights for Him in American culture. Pray also for boldness and courage for those Christian leaders serving in Washington D.C.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:1-8

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; – Old Barefoot

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Was it a test to see how many of them they could keep, or was it to be a standard by which they were to live? Though they may have been both, the Ten Commandments certainly revealed man’s true condition. His “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9) The laws were not Israel’s savior; they condemned the people. There needed to be something or someone else.

Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance.”

Ruth 4:6

The story of Ruth tells of a man called “redeemer,” but he didn’t measure up to the name. In fact, Bible teacher Dr. J. Vernon McGee thought he should be called “Old Barefoot,” for he made a deal with Boaz to give up land and a marriage to Ruth, sealing the deal by giving up a sandal (Ruth 4:8). Boaz acted on Ruth’s behalf to be her kinsman-redeemer so she could have a blessed life.

 

It is the same for you, dear one. Jesus came on your behalf, bearing your sin on the cross so that, in believing, you can look forward to life eternal in Heaven. Pray today for all people still needing a redeemer – especially those in political leadership – that their hearts will be changed and that they will be saved and blessed.

Recommended Reading: Ruth 4:7-13, 16-17

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Old Barefoot

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Was it a test to see how many of them they could keep, or was it to be a standard by which they were to live? Though they may have been both, the Ten Commandments certainly revealed man’s true condition. His “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9) The laws were not Israel’s savior; they condemned the people. There needed to be something or someone else.

Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance.”

Ruth 4:6

The story of Ruth tells of a man called “redeemer,” but he didn’t measure up to the name. In fact, Bible teacher Dr. J. Vernon McGee thought he should be called “Old Barefoot,” for he made a deal with Boaz to give up land and a marriage to Ruth, sealing the deal by giving up a sandal (Ruth 4:8). Boaz acted on Ruth’s behalf to be her kinsman-redeemer so she could have a blessed life.

It is the same for you, dear one. Jesus came on your behalf, bearing your sin on the cross so that, in believing, you can look forward to life eternal in Heaven. Pray today for all people still needing a redeemer – especially those in political leadership – that their hearts will be changed and that they will be saved and blessed.

Recommended Reading: Ruth 4:7-13, 16-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Ceding Your Earnings

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Bernard “Bernie” Cheriff practiced law for 50 years in New York City. After half a century working a dog-eat-dog career in America’s toughest metropolis, Bernie was due a well-deserved retirement. Only that’s not what he did. At the age of 78, Bernie joined the Peace Corp – the volunteer organization founded by President Kennedy that was really designed for, well, younger volunteers. No matter. Bernie went to the Ukraine where he taught English, developed business plans and accounting systems for schools, and helped local orphanages.

They cast their crowns before the throne.

Revelation 4:10

John the Revelator had a vision of Heaven in which worshippers cast their crowns before the throne of God. What sense does it make to work your whole life to earn crowns…and then promptly give them away? Bernie would understand this concept which was plainly and clearly communicated by Jesus: It is better to give than to receive.

Do you truly understand this, or are you holding tightly to the things you’ve “earned.” In Heaven one day, you will gladly proclaim, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.” (Revelation 4:11) But don’t wait until then to worship Him. As you lift up America today, make this praise your prayer.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 9:19-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Scepter Extended

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Imagine approaching your boss to request a raise. It may cross your mind that you could be fired instead. Now picture Queen Esther going before the king knowing she could die – but that if she didn’t approach him, her people would surely die. What a grand illustration it is when the king favors Esther by extending his royal scepter, inviting her to come to him without fear.

(The king) held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.

Esther 5:2

Jesus has won His people favor before God. In Christ, God’s scepter is extended, allowing you to approach Him in prayer, bold and unafraid. As Esther put on the royal robes to go before the king, believers wear the royal robes of Christ’s righteousness to go before the Lord Almighty. It’s why Hebrews 4:16 declares that Christians can “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Don’t refuse this precious invitation to pray for your family, your loved ones, and for the citizens and leaders of this country. Fearlessly and humbly ask for help, spiritual revival, wise politicians, and protection for your fellow believers in America. Intercede as though their very lives are at stake.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 1:26-31

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Warrior Benefits

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Recently, doctors have sought to discover if there’s really a link between prayer and physical and mental well-being. Dr. Harold Koenig, director at Duke University’s Center for Spirituality and Health, believes it’s been proven. “The benefits of devout religious practice, particularly involvement in a faith community and religious commitment, are that people cope better,” he said. “In general, they cope with stress better, they experience greater well-being because they have more hope, they’re more optimistic, they experience less depression, less anxiety, and they commit suicide less often. They have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and better cardiovascular functioning.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer…let your requests be made known.

Philippians 4:6

This isn’t news to those who practice today’s verse. Paul instructed Christians not to worry, but to instead pray with determination and gratitude. The outcome? Your heart and mind is guarded by Christ’s peace – a peace that non-believers simply can’t understand.

Take time to be thankful, knowing that as a prayer warrior you enjoy the benefits of His strength and comfort even in the most difficult of circumstances. Then pray that the nation’s leaders will discover the Lord and His peace for themselves.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – The List

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According to Forbes Magazine, one of the biggest mistakes a person can make in business is to release control of their “to do” list because “you will never accomplish your goals by doing what others want done.” Think about it. Do you take that philosophy into your prayer life?

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain.

James 5:17

It’s easy to assume God has a list of things He needs accomplished today – but He doesn’t! According to the Bible, God’s plan is already completed. Elijah asked God to do something audacious and allow a three-and-a-half year drought throughout the entire land…and it happened, not because Elijah reminded God what needed to be done, but because it was already the Lord’s desire to answer that prayer. Why? To bring glory to Himself and draw unbelievers to His presence.

Before you pray the mega “to do” list for God, spend time asking Him what your part is in fulfilling His already-completed plan. Pray for America’s role in that design as well. Then actively move in obedience, letting “the list” take care of itself.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:3-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Vision of Love

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Shaun Shaunfield decided at age 18 that God didn’t exist. His career as a computer scientist only reinforced his views. His wife, Barbara, faithfully drove an hour to church and Shaun always stayed home. One Sunday morning on her commute to the worship service, their truck blew a tire. Barbara sat on the side of the road, frightened and praying for assistance. Help finally came, and when she returned home she told Shaun, “I’m going to start over at the Methodist church nearby, but I’m not going alone. You have to go with me.”

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”

Exodus 33:18

After a few weeks in church, Shaun took an objective look at his unbelief. He read Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Faith, which dealt with many of his objections. Then one sleepless night Shaun realized he had more belief than doubt – and accepted Jesus as his Savior.

In the book of Exodus, Moses’ prayer was to see the manifest glory of God. Yet the Lord did not show Moses His presence by depicting His power and majesty, but rather by showing His goodness, mercy and love (Exodus 33:19-23). As you seek God each day, pray also that America’s leaders would see His love in an intimate way and receive Him as Lord.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — In the Garden

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Read: Matthew 26:36-42

Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

My Father, . . . may your will be done. —Matthew 26:42

My forefathers were pioneers in Michigan. They cleared the land, planted crops, and cultivated gardens to raise food for their families. This agrarian bent has been passed down through the generations. My dad grew up on a Michigan farm and loved gardening, which may explain why I love gardening and the smell of fertile soil. Cultivating plants that bear beautiful flowers and tending roses that fragrantly grace our yard with beauty are enjoyable pastimes for me. If it weren’t for the weeds it would be wonderful!

When I have to wrestle with the weeds, I am reminded of the garden of Eden; it was a perfect garden until Adam and Eve disobeyed God and thorns and thistles became a reality for them and every gardener since then (Gen. 3:17-18).

The Bible also mentions another garden—the garden of Gethsemane where Christ, in deep distress, pleaded with His Father to find another way to reverse sin’s consequences that were born in Eden. In Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered to His Father by uttering words of full obedience in the face of great pain: “Your will be done” (Matt. 26:42).

Because Jesus surrendered in that garden, we now harvest the benefits of His amazing grace. May this lead us to surrender to His weeding of sin from our lives. —Joe Stowell

Lord, thank You for the amazing price You paid to free me from sin. May the reality of the victory You won encourage me to reject the sin that entangles my ability to be fruitful for You.

Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated.

INSIGHT: While Gethsemane is usually referred to as a “garden,” it was in reality more like an orchard of olive trees. A portion of that orchard still remains today at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just across the Brook Kidron from the old city of Jerusalem and the temple mount. From Gethsemane, you have a clear view of the Eastern Gate where it is believed the Messiah will enter Jerusalem when He returns to earth at His second coming. Imagine: In the shadow of the place where Jesus will be greatly honored as the arriving King is the garden where His sufferings began. Bill Crowder

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Meaningful Privilege

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It’s hard work, this business of prayer! But the example was set. No matter how long of a day Jesus had, He arose in the morning while it was still dark and went to a quiet place to pray. You know the story. Today, Blessed One, this is your call to prayer…not the ten-minute ritual or the “gimme” prayer, but an actual sit-down-take-the-time-to-listen-to-God-thanksgiving-and-supplication prayer. Are you ready to commit to that?

While it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Prayer takes time, energy and concentration, but the results can be amazing. Jesus gave His disciples the power to heal and cast out demons, and when they failed He told them it was because they had neglected prayer (Mark 9:29).

The need for the Christian to be dedicated to meaningful prayer cannot be overemphasized. Start today – the anniversary of a great tragedy in these United States. Make time to pray for your family, for the unsaved, for those suffering from illness or sorrow, and for this nation and its leaders who falter in making right decisions. It is your duty. It is your privilege…and it is for your joy and benefit.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:9-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Big Requests

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“Give an inch, they’ll take a mile,” is an idiom meaning, “Do something for someone, they’ll often ask for more.” An actual inch is one-twelfth of a foot, and there are 5,280 feet in a mile – so a person who requests that much is quite bold.

“Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”

Genesis 18:32

Abraham used that level of boldness to request mercy for Sodom when God planned to destroy it. He pleaded, “What if there are fifty righteous people there?” God agreed to withhold judgment for fifty. Abraham was persistent. “Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” (Genesis 18:28) As God agreed to spare them, Abraham continued dropping the number until he got to ten.

God wants us to be bold in our prayers. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Take your big requests to God, for yourself and especially for the rescue and salvation of others. Then boldly pray for President Obama to be courageous in his own prayer life.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 18:22-33

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Communication Clarity

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A recent annual report for a large mutual fund included this helpful information: “In industrial metals, we are overweight nickel which is a tight market with promising demand characteristics. Finally, we believe location and time spreads in energy and agriculture as well as relative value positions in base metals can provide us with opportunities to generate value.” What? Aside from the poor writing, what does the report say? Is this fund good or bad? Not surprisingly, the fund lost nearly 27 percent in a single year.

That I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:4

The apostle Paul would not have been good at writing annual investment reports – he was much too honest and forthright. But he also understood the importance of clarity. In fact, he asked his friends to pray for him that he might make the Gospel clear to those around him. What’s all the more remarkable is that he made this request while he was in prison…for preaching the Gospel. His thoughts were not on the miserable predicament his Christianity had caused him. Instead, they were, “How can I say this more plainly so that more people will know Jesus?”

May that be your prayer today as you pray and share His love with others. Make it clear!

Recommended Reading: Galatians 1:10-16