Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – God in You

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Most people have had the disconcerting experience of having a child wander off in a store or hide themselves in a closet. Now imagine Mary’s worry when she realized that her twelve-year-old son hadn’t been with their caravan for three days.

And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Luke 2:47

When she and Joseph found Jesus, He had the religious leaders mesmerized by His wisdom and insights. To top it off, He seemed to be surprised that His parents hadn’t figured out where He’d be. It’s hard to understand divinity in a human body. The people who had the most trouble with it were the ones closest to Him – even though they were the ones who had also heard the testimony of angels and prophets.

As you live your daily life, you might think your actions have no significance. Yet if you have trusted Christ as your Savior, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. You are carrying around divinity. Prayer lets divine power manifest in your life and areas of influence. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit inside you…and pray for God’s will to be done in your life and in this country.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:26-37

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Difference Maker

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He had a mission and once He took to it, He did not stop. He met opponents all along the way, but He forged ahead. The record of His life that the Gospel writer Mark presents emphasizes Jesus’ activities more than His message. Christ was a servant to the needy and the lost. The fact that Jesus could attend to both the physical needs as well as spiritual issues sets Him apart from anyone else. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and made the paralyzed walk, but His best gift was the forgiveness of sins He earned for them and you on the cross.

He went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Mark 1:39

The world today is hurting. In 1948, World War II General Omar Bradley stated, “We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount.” But you can make a difference. Seek to follow Jesus’ example and be a servant for His glory. Who can you help today? Show the message of Christ and His love by serving others.

But don’t forget…the Lord renewed His strength through prayer – much prayer. Spend time with God interceding for this nation and especially those near to you who need your help.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:8-19

John MacArthur

John MacArthur –Examining Your Faith

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“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

God wants you to know whether your faith is genuine or not.

Our studies this month center on James 1:19-2:26, which deals with the issue of true faith—a most important consideration indeed. Knowing your faith is genuine is a wonderful assurance, but thinking you’re saved when you’re not is the most frightening deception imaginable. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus speaks of those who call Him Lord and even do miracles in His name, but aren’t redeemed. Second Timothy 3:5 speaks of those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. They’re religious but lost. Sadly, many people today are victims of the same deception. They think they’re Christians, but they’re heading for eternal damnation unless they recognize their true condition and repent.

Deception of that magnitude is a tragedy beyond description, but you need never fall prey to it because James gives a series of tests for true faith. This month we’ll be applying one of those tests: your attitude toward God’s Word. That’s an especially crucial test because the Word is the agency of both your salvation and sanctification. The Holy Spirit empowered it to save you, and He continually works through it to conform you to the image of Christ. That’s why Peter said, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. . . . [Therefore] like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 1:2-2:2).

Jesus Himself characterized believers as those who abide in His Word and obey His commandments. They receive the Word with an attitude of submission and humility. However, unbelievers resist and disobey the Word (John 8:31, 43-45). Psalm 119:155 says, “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Thy statutes.”

As you study this test of true faith, ask yourself, Do I pass the test? I pray that your answer will echo the words of the psalmist: “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end” (Ps. 119:112).

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask God for clarity and confidence about your faith in Christ.

For Further Study

Read the book of James, noting the instructions he gives regarding Christian living.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – A Matter of Identity

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When the Jews of Holland were forced to wear the Star of David, Corrie Ten Boom’s father, Casper, lined up for one. He wore it because he wanted to identify himself with the people he and his family had been praying for and working with for many years. He chose to be completely identified with the Jews, to wear their “sign of shame” and suffer persecution for the people he loved.

And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:17

At the incarnation, Jesus took on humanity, ready to be identified as completely one with mankind. Like Casper Ten Boom, Jesus was ready for the indignities and shame of His human nature. At His baptism, the Father revealed to all assembled on the banks of the Jordan the further identity of Jesus: “my beloved Son.” And in Him, all the fullness of God was made present.

Through Jesus’ redemptive work on Calvary, Christians around the world have a new identity in Him. That more should come to join His family was Jesus’ instruction to His followers – an instruction which remains. Pray for a closer identification with Christ for yourself. Then intercede for those in authority in America to recognize God’s beloved Son for themselves.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:15-23

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – God of the Big Picture

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It’s easy to get in a dither thinking about all of the bad things happening in the world. People do unspeakable things to other people. As a parent it takes faith just to let your children walk out the door.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.

Genesis 50:20

Jacob’s heart was grieved to lose his son Joseph. He thought he was devoured by an animal. That may have actually been easier to handle than the truth; his own sons sold him into slavery to a foreign land. Of course, you know it worked out in the end, with Joseph saving many people from his high position in Egypt. Joseph forgave his brothers by speaking today’s verse, one of the most memorable in Scripture.

There’s a similar promise in the New Testament. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) No matter what is going on in your life, trust God. He hears your prayers, sees the big picture, and works all things out for the best. Pray, too, that He will move in this nation to turn hearts to Him.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Hope of Repentance

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In today’s verse, Jacob had called his sons together to bless them. Each blessing was a prophecy over their tribe’s future. Jacob’s words conveyed to his sons the impact of their actions and character. His prophecies reminded his children that if they lived godly lives, they would be a blessing to future generations – but if they were godless, their descendants would suffer the consequences.

This is what their father said to them as he blessed…each with the blessing suitable to him.

Genesis 49:28

However, they had hope. If they repented and changed their actions, God would listen to their prayers and relent concerning any calamity He declared He would bring upon them.

Know this…God wants to bless your future. Even if your attitudes and actions are not what they should be right now, prayer and repentance changes things. Intercede today that the American people would repent and turn from evil so negative consequences will not come to pass and the nation’s future will be blessed. Through your faithful prayers, there is still hope for America!

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Standing on the Promises

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Russell Carter was a star athlete and scholar at the military academy. After several years as a teacher, coach, musician, songwriter and pastor, he went to medical school. But at age 30, his health became critical. Nothing could be done. Carter called upon God for help and healing. He mined the Bible for promises of God, claiming them and praying them back to the Lord. After several months, his heart was healed, and he lived another 49 healthy years. His song, “Standing on the Promises,” became an integral part of his life.

God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers.

Genesis 48:21

While dying, the patriarch Jacob blessed his family with the promise of return to the land of God’s covenant with Abraham. It took another 400 years, but the promise was kept. The Bible contains hundreds of promises. Count on them, because when you rely on the promises of God in uncertain times, you can face the future with confidence and an optimistic outlook.

Scripture says the promises of God find their “Yes” in Him (II Corinthians 1:20). Search His Word today and find the promise that meets your need. Pray for America’s leaders to find God’s tender heart and then stand upon the promises He has given.

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Great Grace

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In The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote, “Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.”

The days of the years…are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life.

Genesis 47:9

In Genesis 47, Joseph brought his father Jacob before Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked him how old he was. In his answer in today’s verse, Jacob surely remembers many bad events: his brother Esau wanting to kill him for his trickery; being tricked himself by Laban into serving extra time for his wives; his daughter being raped; his wife Rachel dying and his son Joseph supposedly being killed but sold into slavery. Through all this evil, Jacob trusted God – and because of God’s grace, he was blessed.

Though suffering, sorrow and evil may be great on your life’s journey, know God’s grace is greater. As you pray today, thank Him for His grace, and ask that He would continue to shed His blessings on you and your nation.

Recommended Reading: I John 5:1-5, 13-15

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Boldly Go

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Perhaps there is a place to which you’ve sworn you will never return: a job where you were unappreciated; a relationship that ended in disaster; or a neighborhood in which something tragic happened to you. Maybe you’ve said, “I’ll never go there again.”

God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here am I.”

Genesis 46:2

The Old Testament patriarch Jacob had resolved never to go to Egypt – he was afraid of the place. His grandfather Abraham had gone there, out of necessity in a time of famine, and it proved to be disastrous. God had specifically told Jacob’s father, Isaac, not to go down to Egypt. And on top of all that, Jacob was elderly and feeble, in no condition to make the long trip from his home. But God told him to go, and he said: “Here am I.” The Lord knew all about Jacob’s fears, but told him that He would go with him.

Set aside your fears today and simply tell God, “Here am I.” You will not change your destiny or the future for America by living in a mythical comfort zone – but you can go boldly wherever he may lead with the knowledge that He will always go with you.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Priceless Donation

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When Shance “Rudge” Rudgley went for a routine wellness check, he walked out with a diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure. Rudge started daily three- to four-hour treatments and then home dialysis for about 10 hours each night. His wife Tiffanie did not have a matching blood type, and they were told it would take six to eight years to get a donor and that his chances were about one in 100,000. There were already over one thousand people on the waiting list. Tiffanie and Rudge prayed diligently.

So it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Genesis 45:8

One day a woman named Cheree came to Tiffanie’s Bible study. When it was time for prayer requests, Cheree said, “Please pray I find a recipient; I want to donate my kidney.” Tiffanie sat amazed. Soon they learned that Cheree was a perfect match and Rudge received her kidney one month later. “Our God is faithful,” Rudge said. “He is always on time. He’s there when you need Him the most. If someone told me this story I wouldn’t believe it, but I lived it.”

As you thank God for His faithfulness, pray that Christians across America would share His love and truth with others every day!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 71:17-24

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Memorial Day – 2015

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Perfectly Positioned Protector

It is was a big surprise when Terry L. Ferguson, a Syracuse, New York teacher, walked into the Central Technical Vocational Center one morning to find fellow teachers and students immersed in grief. And they were even more than shocked to see Terry walk in…because it was Terry’s death they were grieving. It turns out that another Terry L. Ferguson – who lived nearby and drove the same type of vehicle – had been the victim of a fatal accident the prior evening.

“Surely he has been torn to pieces,” and I have never seen him since.

Genesis 44:28

Joseph’s father Jacob lived for many years with the mistaken belief that his beloved son was dead. Jacob had been led to understand by his other scheming sons that Joseph had been “torn to pieces” by a wild animal. But what a day it was when he learned that Joseph was not only alive and well, but was perfectly positioned to deliver the family from famine and oppression.

Too many Christians live as if Jesus died on the cross and has never been seen since. But He is alive…ready to deliver you, change your future, and restore America. May He hear from you today!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:1-11

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – First Things First

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Many people have said, “When all else fails, pray!” However, a mature Christian knows that in order for all not to fail, prayer must be done first.

May God Almighty grant you mercy.

Genesis 43:14

When Jacob believed his dear son Joseph was dead, he did his best to keep Joseph’s younger brother Benjamin safe. When it boiled down to either sending Benjamin to Egypt or watching his entire family starve to death, Jacob finally put the situation into God’s hands. His son Judah said, “If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” (Genesis 43:10) Seek God’s will and entrust your plans to God before attempting anything else. The Bible says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”(Psalm 37:5)

Each day, bring God all your fears, problems, and ventures. In addition, pray concerning the threats leveled at the United States – and at Christians in particular. Between now and the next election, ask God to raise up leaders in America who will do what is right in His sight. Do not wait until all else fails. Pray now!

Recommended Reading: James 4:7-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – No Compromise

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Islamist militants continue their barbarous rampaging in the Middle East and across North Africa, targeting individuals, including Christians, for torture or worse. They seem to get perverse satisfaction from posting their brutality on social media for the world to see. As for the Christians, they could have paid a high tax to the terrorists or converted to Islam to save their lives – but they chose not to compromise.

Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?

Genesis 41:38

Joseph was an uncompromising man. He was God’s man in slavery, in prosperity, and in the palace of the king. Even in prison, Joseph was God’s man. Through everything he trusted the Lord and Him alone. He prayed…and he knew God listened.

It’s easy to show you possess the Spirit of God within, but openly confessing your faith is a bit more difficult. Are you praying for yourself and others in your circle to have uncompromising and bold Joseph-like faith when the days grow more troubling? Add to your intercessions members of Congress and America’s courts to know Jesus Christ and His Father and find no-compromise courage to stand for God.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 6:3-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Miracles

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Many people were praying for Mark Hall, the lead singer of Christian worship band Casting Crowns, as he underwent surgery to have a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney. After the surgery his wife, Melanie, shared the good news. “The pathology report is in and the news is just as we expected and also an answer to the prayers we have all prayed. The findings of the report confirm that the cancer had not spread to the kidney or anywhere else. Glory Hallelujah!”

Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”

Genesis 40:8

Melanie credited her husband’s healing as a miracle from the Lord. “God was at work in this before we had any idea,” she said. “We are thankful for His mercy and grace. We are thankful that He chose to answer our requests this way.”

When the subject of interpreting dreams came up in Genesis 40, Joseph focused everyone’s attention on God. Rather than using the situation to make himself look good, Joseph turned it into a powerful witness for the Lord. Be faithful to publicly give God all the credit when He answers your prayers in response to your bold service for Him. Pray also that Americans will recognize the Lord’s miraculous work in their own lives.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 10:1-8

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Recipe for Success

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Abolitionist and statesman Fredrick Douglass once said, “Allowing only ordinary ability and opportunity, we may explain success mainly by one word and that word is work!” The term “self-made man” is unquestionably woven into idea of the American Dream – the notion that one can work hard to create success.

The Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.

Genesis 39:23

Joseph worked hard, but today’s verse affirms his success wasn’t a result of his own hands. Sold into slavery, Joseph worked his way to a high position, only to have it taken from him by Potiphar’s conniving wife. But when God makes you prosper, it doesn’t matter where you are. Joseph was taken to prison and rose to success there as well. God listened to the prayers of Joseph’s heart and used him for greatness – even to rescue his own family from famine.

Do you recognize God’s hand in your own life? Ask Him to open your eyes to the ways He has opened doors for you. Pray, too, for your Heavenly Father’s hands to be revealed in the lives of your national leaders.

Recommended Reading: I Samuel 18:6-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Fizzle

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Today’s verse shows Reuben, first born in his family, at his very best. In an act of significant courage, he stood up to his powerful brothers…saving a life. Does this sound like the start to a heroic tale? Unfortunately, Reuben’s story takes a sharp turn.

But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.”

Genesis 37:21

Reuben’s problem was pride: he listened to no one and demanded his own way. In one infamous act of disrespect, Reuben slept with his father’s wife in full view of the entire tribe. Like many in the public eye today, Reuben’s reckless actions seemed to go generally unchecked. However, for Reuben we have the rest of the story. At the time of his father’s death, it was not Reuben who became leader and heir to the kingdom, but his brother Judah. Over time, Reuben’s tribe became small and of little influence, fizzling away. To this day, no judges, rulers, or princes of Reuben’s linage have been named to lead Israel.

Don’t be discouraged when you see those of questionable character seeking power in America. Remember Reuben: not every leader with a seemingly shining moment will successfully build a lasting legacy. Do your part to faithfully pray – and God will hear your intercessions.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 16:18-25

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Mysterious and Miraculous

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By all indications, it would be their last night on Earth. John G. Paton and his wife, both legendary nineteenth-century missionaries to the New Hebrides Islands, were surrounded by hostile natives who were about to burn them out of their mission compound and kill them. All night long, Paton and his wife prayed. The attack, mysteriously, never came.

A terror from God fell upon the cities…so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.

Genesis 35:5

It was a year later when the chief of the hostile tribe was converted to Jesus Christ. Remembering the terror of that night, Paton asked the chief why they had not attacked. “Who were all those men you had with you there?” he asked. The chief reported that he and his tribe had seen hundreds of men standing guard, wearing shining garments and wielding swords. Paton realized he and his wife had been protected, miraculously, by angels.

A similar account is found in Genesis 35 when a “terror from God” fell upon men seeking to harm God’s people. Are you living in fear today? God will hear your prayers – for your own protection and for the future of America – when you trust Him for the mysterious and the miraculous!

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 41:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Press In

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In Dr. James Dobson’s article “The Target of Sibling Rivalry is You,” Dobson says that siblings often fight to manipulate their parents’ behavior. This seems to be the case for biblical brothers Jacob and Esau. Through the years, Esau won his dad’s favor and Jacob won his mom’s, pitting one parent against the other.

Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him.

Genesis 32:11

Jacob and his mother Rebekah got what they wanted – Jacob acquired Esau’s birthright and blessing – but at a great cost. Jacob had to flee for his life from his brother. While away, he endured trials at the hands of his father-in-law, but God blessed him through it all. Though God told Jacob to return to his homeland and that He would bless him, Jacob feared his brother. That’s when he uttered today’s verse. God not only heard him but had already dealt with the problem before Jacob prayed. Both men had matured over the years and were able to love and forgive each other.

You can trust God’s promises, regardless how things appear or what has happened in the past. Prayerfully and boldly press in and claim God’s promises for your loved ones and this nation.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 4:11-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – His Commitment

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Donna Douglas, the curly blonde actress, played Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” During one of her last public appearances, Douglas said, “When I come before people I never know what I’m going to say. And I don’t bring it in a can. The Word says He who raised Christ from the dead lives in you and lives in me. So He knows what your needs are. I don’t have to. But I do trust the Holy Spirit. More and more as we trust, God knows your needs. My God shall supply all your needs. I don’t do it; He does it.”

“This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he named it Galeed.

Genesis 31:48

In biblical days, monuments were often used to mark agreements or historic events. The people would set up stones to commemorate God’s miracles on their behalf and as a physical reminder of His commitment to them.

Thank your Heavenly Father every day that He provided Jesus as the physical promise of His love and commitment to you. As you do, remember the Lord always knows what you need and your provision always comes from Him. Pray also that America’s leaders would trust in God for all their spiritual and physical needs.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:8-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Topsy-turvy Tensions

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Dysfunctional families – do you know any? You don’t have to look far to find homes in turmoil: divorces, absentee parents, sins of all kinds. American homes are in a mess, and that mess carries into communities, municipalities, and states. Even the current Congress has been called one of the most dysfunctional in history. Their relationship with the president is no better. High levels of tension result.

Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her.

Genesis 30:22

The patriarch Jacob’s home shows that dysfunction was present even (and often) among biblical heroes. His original sister-wives were envious of one another, each considering that Jacob cared more for her, and each wondering if God cared…or if He even listened to their prayers. Tension reigned supreme. Someone has said that God’s delay is not God’s denial. You see from today’s verse that God did hear; moreover, He acted.

When you come before the Lord today, pray for the families you know where lives are topsy-turvy to the point of dysfunction. Intercede as well for local and state governments where tensions permeate. Then call upon God on behalf of the United States Congress and for President Obama, knowing that God listens, cares, and acts in His perfect timing.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 102:1-12