Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – The Cost of Christ

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For those in the region when Jesus hit town, things always got interesting; stories of miraculous healings and happenings wafted through the crowds, drawing many to Him. Throngs followed Him, but most didn’t follow long.

Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?

Luke 14:28

Those only desiring a quick miracle from Christ were astonished to hear Him say, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate…even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) What? Christ’s gifts were indeed free and full of compassion, but His offer of eternal life was actually an exchange program! It’s as though He was saying, “Bring in your old, stinky life and I will trade it out for a new, glorious one. But you cannot have both. You must choose.”

If you love the things of this world, God’s love is not with you; the desires of this life will pass away, but His will abides forever. Today, pray for those across America counting the cost to follow Christ. You can be sure the Lord knows their names and that Jesus will bring all those who are willing out of the darkness and into the miraculous light of new life in Him.

Recommended Reading: I John 2:15-25

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – No Joke

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Walk up to any American and say, “Knock, knock,” and they will undoubtedly respond with, “Who’s there?” This joke, made popular over a century ago, illustrates something people want to know: who are you?

And Jesus said, “I am.”

Mark 14:62

That’s exactly what the Jewish council wanted to know in the verses surrounding today’s passage. Some heard of Jesus’ miracles and a few were eyewitnesses, but what the high council really wanted to ask Jesus was – who are you? Are you really the Son of God? Jesus’ response was clear. He is the one and only Son of the Almighty. God gave the same response when He compelled Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

Those two short words are powerful and hint at so much more. Jesus says, “I am your Savior. I am your Refuge. I am your Healer. I am your Provider. I AM. Christ is knocking at the door of your heart. Pray and ask God to reveal “who’s there” to both you and the nation’s leaders and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 3:14-22

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Praying His Plan

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James Holmes was once a promising neuroscience graduate student. That is, until Holmes committed one of the worst mass killings in U.S. history in a crowded cinema in Denver. Twelve people tragically died and 70 were injured on July 20, 2012. Holmes’ mother, Arlene, chose to deal with her grief with proactive prayer. After her son was arrested for the shooting, Arlene prayed every day for each victim. She also regularly prays for the mentally ill. “People think he is a monster, but he has a disease that changed his brain. I am praying for good men and women engulfed in psychosis and alone with their disease.”

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Matthew 21:22

When Jesus spoke to His followers about the power of prayer, He was not telling them they would receive anything they want simply by asking and believing. Rather, prayer must be in harmony with the principles of God’s kingdom and with His will.

The Lord’s priority is that each person embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ. So as you intercede for America’s leaders, lay aside any of your personal opinions and focus on God’s plan for their lives. Ask Him to reveal His love and truth to them in a powerful, life-changing way!

Recommended Reading: John 14:12-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Undercover Christians

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When Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America, was captured at the conclusion of the American Civil War, a rumor spread that he had been “disguised in woman’s clothing” in an attempt to evade arrest. It wasn’t true, but was rather someone’s attempt to add just a little more humiliation to a defeated foe by casting him as an abject coward. Soon the northern newspapers began running merciless cartoons of Davis, depicting him in a long skirt and head scarf.

Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.

Luke 12:8

Unless you are employed by the CIA or working in drug enforcement, hiding who you are is generally not an admirable trait. And these days, there are far too many undercover Christians. Are you living an authentic life as a follower of Christ? Has anyone noticed?

Today, ask God for an opportunity to show others who you are – not for your glorification, but for His. As you do this, He will acknowledge you before the angels…and you will point others in America to the Savior. Then focus your prayers on the nation’s leaders – and ask that they will discover the authentic life Christ offers to them.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 10:23-33

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Greatest Commandment

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The world values spirituality – no matter how psychologists, psychiatrists, and scientists try to explain it away. People still seek to nurture their spirit by turning to various gods, peace in nature, art, music, or to the universe. When they do, they experience some solace, perhaps…but they cannot possibly know the fullness of spiritual fulfillment unless they seek the only one who can truly provide it.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Mark 12:30

Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God. He was talking about the Creator of the universe, God of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, the Jews, and Christians. The great commandment is not talking about some generic force. Its meaning is very specific: the three-in-one God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, whom you are to love with your mind, emotions, and physical body…indeed, your very life and breath.

This is the greatest commandment. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move on the people of the United States to turn to Jesus, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Then ask the mighty, triune God to make Himself undeniably real to your national leaders in Washington, D.C.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 22:34-46

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Clouded Truth

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Low barometric pressure, a sign of an oncoming storm, is only one of many variables used to explain and forecast weather. Traffic signs can warn you of impending danger or give good direction for your travel. You can take your cues from the signs given, or you can disregard them to your own fate.

They asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:1

The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day knew God’s Word. But the first group added their own rules, and the second faction discounted doctrines that didn’t suit them. They clouded the truths given by God. The two groups, usually at odds, now joined forces to resist Jesus. They could not give up their own ideas of religion in order to see the signs that the Messiah, foretold in Scripture, stood before them in the person of Christ. Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead to life.

Hold fast to the Word of God. It is your guide to discerning truth. The greatest sign of Jesus’ ministry was His resurrection. Leaders of His day refused to believe in Him. Intercede now for today’s leaders…that they may see the matters of this world in the framework of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Luke 16:5-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Duty or Devotion

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In his book Freedom From the Tyranny of the Urgent, Charles Hummel notes, “Tension and frustrations mount when we are performing the wrong tasks or trying to cram too many activities into a given period. A critical spirit develops and we begin to judge and condemn others for what they do or don’t do.”

But Martha was distracted with much serving.

Luke 10:40

When Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha, each woman reacted differently. Martha, desiring to be a “hostess with the mostest” worked so hard at it – and without help from her sister – that she became embittered. She even chastised Jesus for not instructing her sister to help out. But Mary had a different focus and chose to spend time with the Lord listening to His teaching.

Part of the Christian life is discovering the balance between duty and devotion. It is important to spend time in Bible reading and prayer. Just as vital is finding your place to serve. But sitting without serving is powerless, just as serving without sitting is directionless. As you pray today, ask God to help you maintain the right balance – then intercede for America’s leaders to add devotion to God to the duties to the people they perform.

Recommended Reading: Luke 10:38-42

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Incredible Trust

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Many famous quotes have the words “if you can” in them. Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Henry Ford said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can?’ All things are possible for one who believes.”

Mark 9:23

In Mark 9, Jesus, Peter, James and John left His transfiguration and came upon a crowd. The people were criticizing the disciples because they couldn’t heal a young boy. Jesus questioned the father and he described his boy’s illness. The father said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion and help us.” Today’s verse records the Lord’s response. He wanted them to understand there’s no “if” involved. He can. Period.

Through Him, you can, too. Are you doubting your abilities today? You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Know in your heart and mind He can accomplish anything according to His will. Pray for spiritual strength for yourself, the nation and its leaders to remember how powerful God is…and to trust in Him for the incredible!

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

 

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Who’s Going Thirsty?

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Let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17

The invitation is to “take . . . without price.” Jesus wants no payment or preparation. He seeks no recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no good feelings, but if you are willing, you are invited; therefore come! If you have no belief and no repentance, come to Him, and He will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take without money and without price. He gives Himself to the needy.

In nineteenth-century Britain the drinking fountains at the corners of the streets were valuable institutions; it would have been a strange and foolish sight to see someone standing at the fountain declaring, “I cannot drink because I do not have any money.” However poor an individual may be, there is the fountain, and just as he is, he may drink of it without cost. Thirsty passengers, as they go by, whether they are dressed poorly or expensively, do not look for any authorization to drink; the existence of the fountain is sufficient warrant for taking its water freely. The generosity of some good friends has put in place the refreshing supply, and we take it and ask no questions.

Perhaps the only people who go thirsty through the street where there is a drinking fountain are the fine ladies and gentlemen who are in their carriages. They are very thirsty but cannot think of being so vulgar as to get out to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a common drinking fountain: so they ride by with parched lips.

How many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! “I will not be saved,” they say, “in the same way as the prostitute or the blasphemer.” What! Go to heaven in the same way as a chimney sweep? Is there no pathway to glory but the path that led the dying thief there? I will not be saved that way. Such proud boasters must remain without the living water; but “Let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – A Season of Preparation

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Winter is a dormant season. It’s a time when trees become bare and most of the grass, plants and flowers die off. But winter is also a time of preparation—as roots and tree saps respond to soil and temperature changes to prepare for growth that comes in the spring.

In much the same way, you and I go through spiritually dormant seasons. These are the seasons when God seems silent…when our dreams and visions for the future seem lifeless. But although we may not see or feel anything exciting, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening. A lot has to happen on the inside of us before we are ready to handle the future God has for us.

Just as winter prepares plants and trees for warmer weather, a spiritually dormant season is a time of preparation—when our inner character is developed and strengthened. Strong character is essential for withstanding storms that will come during seasons of growth and harvest. I find there are a lot of people who have the gifts and talents to take them somewhere exciting, but if they don’t have strong, Christlike character, all the talent in the world won’t keep them there.

God has something planned for you, and if you’re not living in the fulfillment of His plan for you, then now is the season of preparation. Rest assured, you’re not alone. We all go through times like this. The Bible tells us that even Jesus needed time to grow and increase in wisdom, stature and in years before He was ready to make a global impact through His three-year ministry (Luke 2:52).

Here are three insights I’ve learned that can help you make progress toward your goals, plans and visions during dormant seasons.

Examine your motives.

When God first called me to teach His Word, I wasn’t doing it just because I had a deep desire to help people. I wanted to be somebody. I had problems from my past and was unaware of how insecure I was. I didn’t realize how much I got my sense of worth and value out of what I did. And because of it, my motives were way out of line with how God wanted me to be.

It seems that many people don’t really know themselves and understand why they do what they do. Self-deception is easy to fall into, and one of the hardest things to face. But when we are willing to face the truth about ourselves and examine our motives, God will help us change for the better and get on track with His will for our lives.

Get out of your comfort zone.

Before we can move forward into a new thing, we usually have to let go of something we’ve been doing awhile. God nudges us outside of our comfort zones toward unfamiliar experiences to encourage us to rely on Him. And all too often, we try to hang on to what is familiar before we have confidence that the new thing is right for us. We wrestle with ourselves, wondering if we really heard from God or if we can really trust Him.

If you keep one foot where you are while the other foot stretches toward someplace new, you will eventually lose your footing and fall over. God wants us to trust Him by doing what He wants us to do and going where He wants us to go. We must learn to let go of what we have before we take hold of something new, and learn to rely on God to meet all our needs.

Embrace discipline.

The Bible tells us that “no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 AMP). Discipline isn’t fun, but it is essential for our character development.

Self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit that requires time to develop properly. Self-discipline is developed when we do the right thing consistently, over and over again for a long time. It may include paying off debts, not over-spending, getting proper nutrition and exercise, changing the way you speak about yourself and others, and spending quality time with God and in His Word every day. As you become disciplined in every area of your life, you will be better equipped to handle bigger responsibilities in the future.

God has amazing plans for your life! He wants you to fulfill your dreams and live a life of blessing, hope and promise. I hope you’re encouraged today. You will get there—as long as you are willing to do your part and trust God to do His part. And the more you lean on and trust in Him through that process, the sooner you’ll be ready for whatever He has prepared for you.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Overcomer

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“What goes up must come down.” Sir Isaac Newton’s popular quote is in reference to the law of gravity. The Earth operates through scientific laws put into practice by God Himself. Even the most powerful rulers are still subject to these laws.

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.

Matthew 14:25

Jesus, however, is ruler over all. He is “the head of all rule and authority.” (Colossians 2:10) Even the laws of nature must obey Jesus. He proved this when, late one night, He walked on the water to join His disciples in their boat. Not fully understanding who Jesus was, His followers were frightened. Jesus truly is the King of all kings.

When praying and thinking about your problems, remember Christ can do anything. All men and all of nature must obey the Son of God. If He can command those things, He can handle whatever life throws at you. Ask God to give this nation’s people and leaders the same peace He gives His followers in the face of difficulty: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Recommended Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Share His Name

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Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao started fighting at age 12 and quickly rose through the ranks to win 10 world titles. But Manny strayed from the church as his fame increased. “I went to church on Sunday, but from Monday through Saturday I was in the bar drinking,” Manny said. “I was gambling. Careless words came out of my mouth. I committed adultery. I didn’t care.”

Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.

Luke 8:39

Then Manny had a powerful dream and eventually started reading the Bible. Soon he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. “Christ said unless we are born again we cannot enter the kingdom of God…I think it’s time to proclaim His name, not mine. This is my life’s work, to spread the Word.”

In Luke 8, Jesus healed a man from demons and specifically told him to stay in his community and testify about what God had done – and so should you. When the Lord changes your life, remember to faithfully share the news! Ask God to create or reveal opportunities for you to witness. Then pray that local and national Christian leaders publicly share their life-changing stories with boldness and clarity.

Recommended Reading: Luke 8:32-39

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Trivial Traditions

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Silly traditions are not always harmless. Take, for example, the “Gatorade bath,” a ritual started by the New York Giants. It involves sneaking up behind a coach at the conclusion of a football game and pouring an industrial-sized cooler of ice-cold liquid over his head. It used to be reserved for momentous events like the Super Bowl, but eventually expanded to games of questionable importance. On a cold November day in 1990, legendary coach George Allen received a Gatorade shower from his players after his team, Long Beach State, beat Nevada-Las Vegas to attain a season record of six wins and five losses. The elderly Allen became ill after the dousing…and died a month later.

You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!

Mark 7:9

The Pharisees were preoccupied with ceremonial traditions – and attacked Jesus’ disciples for ignoring those traditions – even while people all around were in desperate need of help and compassion. In today’s verse, the Lord had sharp words for those with this obsession of majoring on the minors.

As you lift up America’s leaders, pray that God may direct them to follow His commandments and receive His wisdom for addressing the great needs of this nation.

Recommended Reading: Acts 5:27-39

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – One Way

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A popular notion nowadays is that God can be approached many ways. It’s all good, except for those who dare say there is only one way to God. That’s when religion becomes unacceptable for those who believe in the generic approach to God.

No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Matthew 11:27

Jesus said forthrightly, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) He also said that if He was persecuted, His followers would be, too (Matthew 10:25). America has had a history of seeking the Lord, or at least of not persecuting Christians, but that is changing rapidly. Jesus taught His disciples to minister to those in need and preach the gospel despite persecution.

No matter how bad things get in America, do not let it change your faith. Continue to practice kindness, give to those in need, and intercede for others. Pray for the eyes of your national leaders to be opened and they will turn to Him…and ask God to give victory to those who are being targeted for persecution by special interest groups.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Intense Gratitude

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Everything contrary to human thought comes as a command from the Lord Jesus in today’s verses. It is possible to love the unlovable – but you must have a confident trust in the sovereignty of God and His care and direction in the events, and people, of your life.

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Luke 6:27-28

Many years ago, Jackie DeShannon sang, “Think of your fellow man / lend him a helping hand / Put a little love in your heart…And the world will be a better place.” It is shallow theology, for many humanitarians can help people in need. But your faith in the saving work of God’s Son on the cross should instill in you an intense gratitude for Christ’s love, causing you to serve Him with all your heart, soul and strength. Then you can be nice – bless, pray, and do good – to those who are not.

Spread a little Sonshine in your part of the world today. Testify to God’s goodness to you. Intercede for those who lead this country…that they may love as Jesus loved.

Recommended Reading: Luke 6:27-36

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Presidential Prayer Team; – Practicality Speaking

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A century ago, Spanish Influenza hit the small Ohio town when Richard was still a toddler, sickening the child. The doctor pronounced little hope and instructed his parents to put him in a back room, not feed him, and wait for his inevitable death. Hearing Richard’s heartrending cries, each of them snuck into the room with water and food, and the boy recovered. He lived to the age of 88.

And he…told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5:43

When Jesus came to the house of the Roman ruler, He took compassion on the parents of a girl who had died. Christ spoke to her and she lived. Her parents and others were so overcome with relief and amazement that Jesus had to remind them to give the girl something to eat.

One of the things God calls believers in Him to do is to be practical: feed the hungry, care for the sick and ailing, and watch over widows and orphans. These are jobs given to people in Christian churches, but too often, they have been abdicated to the government. As you pray today, consider what the Lord wants you to do – practicably speaking. Then pray for Congress as it wrestles with government entitlement programs.

Recommended Reading: James 1:16-27

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Incredible Quandary

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According to the National Weather Service, approximately 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any given time across the globe. Most last about 30 minutes, refreshing the Earth with rain. Some, however, are terrible outbursts with lightning strikes and flash flooding. Summer storms can either nourish or destroy depending on just a few crucial details.

The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew…but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:25

The Bible reveals a God of love, gentle and reaching towards His creation – but it also warns of a holy Creator chastening a rebellious race. To understand the apparent contradiction, many adopt the cliché, “God hates the sin and loves the sinner,” but the phrase does not adequately define a God so desperately in love with His creation that He would die for them.

Do you want a clear picture of the love of God? Look at the cross of Christ. Do you want a pure picture of the wrath of God? Look at the cross of Christ. God’s love and wrath reside in Jesus. Pray for leaders across America to encounter the holy God in Jesus Christ – and discover the incredible quandary of loving and fearing Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 86:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – More Than Words

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God created the Earth and the sky with His words. When creating light, again He used words. He created the plants, the animals, and even man and woman – all with words.

They were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.

Luke 4:32

Jesus, so like His Father, also had words that possessed authority. When He spoke, people listened. In the story surrounding today’s passage, the Son of God commanded a demon to leave the body of a man – and it obeyed. In John 4, Jesus spoke and healed an official’s son who was gravely ill, even though the boy was far away. When the disciples in their boat experienced a storm on the sea, Jesus “rebuked the wind and said…‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

In Jesus’ time, people were astonished at the authority of His words. In modern times, many will marvel when His words come true. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3) Ask God for your fellow citizens to acknowledge the authority of Christ and His words. Pray for all people, including your national leaders, to be ready for His return.

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- People Planters

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In biblical days, seed was sown by hand. As the farmer walked across the field, he threw handfuls of seed onto the ground from a large bag slung across his shoulders. The plants did not grow in neat rows as accomplished by today’s modern machinery. The farmer tossed the tiny seeds liberally and enough fell on fertile ground to ensure the harvest. However, that meant some scattered among the rocks and thorns or were carried off by the wind.

The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.

Mark 4:26

Like seed, God’s kingdom contains within itself the power to grow. Yet Jesus used a parable in the Bible to illustrate that the Creator of the universe chooses to use people to do the planting. That means each believer has life-changing opportunities to sow spiritual seeds of God’s Word and the Lord is faithful to do the rest.

Prayer is a powerful way to produce fertile soil in the lives of others. Thank Him for the privilege to intercede for your nation. Ask God to surround local and national leaders with believers who will lead them to His love with their words and their actions. Pray for a mighty harvest in America!

Recommended Reading: Matthew 13:10-23

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Misremember the Alamo

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President Lyndon Johnson loved to tell stories – and sometimes they spun out of control. Once, while giving an emotional address to U.S. troops, he claimed his great-great-grandfather had died at the Alamo. Johnson’s aides knew the story wasn’t true, and worryingly the speech had been taped by a reporter. They pressed him for a retraction. For days, Johnson refused. “I don’t care what you heard,” he said. “I didn’t say it.”

Let your light shine before others, so that they may…give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Finally, with the anecdote threatening to become a scandal, Johnson engineered this creative explanation: “You all didn’t let me finish…it was the Alamo Bar and Grill in Eagle Pass, Texas.”

If you are fixated on polishing your life or legacy, you will be prone to embellishments, exaggerations and even outright lies. The greatest tragedy, though, will be that in shining the light on yourself you are claiming glory that belongs only to God. As you pray today for America, its leaders, and your own friends and loved ones, ask Him to make you an honest light to genuinely illuminate His truth and His love.

Recommended Reading: John 8:12-20