Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – The Joy of Recollection

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“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3).

A key to Christian joy is to recall the goodness of others.

Though Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the Philippians, his mind wasn’t bound. Often he reflected on his experiences with the Philippian Christians. As he did, his thoughts turned to prayers of praise and thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done through them.

I’m sure Paul remembered when he preached in Philippi and God opened Lydia’s heart to believe the gospel (Acts 16:13-14). Subsequently everyone in her household was saved (v. 15). Surely her kindness and hospitality were bright spots in an otherwise stormy stay at Philippi.

He must also have remembered the demon-possessed girl whom the Lord delivered from spiritual bondage (v. 18), and the Philippian jailer, who threw Paul and Silas into prison after they had been beaten severely (vv. 23-24). Perhaps the girl became part of the Philippian church—the text doesn’t say. We do know that the jailer and his whole household were saved, after which they showed kindness to Paul and Silas by tending to their wounds and feeding them (vv. 30-34).

The many financial gifts that the Philippians sent to Paul were also fond memories for him because they were given out of love and concern. That was true of their present gift as well, which was delivered by Epaphroditus and went far beyond Paul’s need (Phil. 4:18).

Paul’s gratitude illustrates that Christian joy is enhanced by your ability to recall the goodness of others. A corollary is your ability to forgive shortcomings and unkindnesses. That goes against the grain of our “don’t get mad—get even” society but is perfectly consistent with the compassion and forgiveness God has shown you. Therefore be quick to forgive evil and slow to forget good.

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Take time to reflect on some people who have shown kindness to you and encouraged you in your Christian walk. Thank God for them. If possible, call them or drop them a note of thanks. Assure them of your prayers, as Paul assured the Philippians.
  • If you harbor ill-will toward someone, resolve it quickly and begin to uphold that person in prayer.

For Further Study

Read Matthew 5:23-26; 18:21-35. What were our Lord’s instructions regarding forgiveness and reconciliation?

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Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – God’s Word Gives Joy and Light

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“God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light” (Psalm 19:7,8).

Professor William Lyon Phelps, one of Yale University’s most famous scholars, said, “A knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable than a college education without the Bible.”

Why would he say this? Our verse gives us the answer. The Word of God (1) protects us, (2) makes us wise, (3) gives us joy, and (4) gives us light.

There are many other benefits that come from reading the Word of God. With dividends like these, we are indeed robbing ourselves of untold blessings when we neglect His holy, inspired Word for any reason whatever.

It is my privilege to counsel many thousands of people with just about every kind of problem conceivable – need for salvation, poor self-image, marital problems, financial problems, health problems, loss of loved ones, insecurity, fear, and on and on. One could think of every kind of personal need and problem that man faces, and inevitably there is an answer in the Word of God.

I do not know of any individual who has ever received Christ without some understanding of the Word of God. It is for this reason that I included in The Four Spiritual Laws booklet, which I wrote in the 1950’s, the parenthetical statement on page 2: “References contained in this booklet should be read in context from the Bible wherever possible.”

By 1983, it was estimated that more than a billion copies of The Four Spiritual Laws, which contains the distilled essence of the gospel, had been printed (including translations into every major language) and distributed throughout the world, resulting in many millions of people responding to Christ. Still, it cannot compare with God’s Word, nor can any other piece of Christian or secular literature. There is something unique and powerful about holding the Bible in your hand and reading it with your own eyes, for it speaks with authority and power possessed by no other book ever written.

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: God’s Word is the most important book ever written, and the most important book that I could possibly read. Today I will read it for at least 15 minutes with renewed devotion, dedication and sensitivity to its mighty revolutionary power to transform lives and enable children of God to live supernaturally.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Uplifted Heart

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Franklin Roosevelt’s 1933 Inaugural Address is famous for one of its first lines: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Enduring the Great Depression, the nation was devastated by economic crisis. Roosevelt sought to buoy up the American people.

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

Psalm 47:1

Encouraging words are still needed in this country. Satan sets nation against nation and group against group, creating an environment of fear and insecurity. But God is “a very present help in trouble…though the earth gives way…its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble,” the Lord does not forsake those who trust in Him. (Psalm 46:1-3) Today, through your trials, heartaches and the uncertainties of life, He is your refuge and strength. As Jesus calmed the raging waters by saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39), the psalmist says “be still” to those things that Satan sets before you as stumbling blocks (Psalm 46:10). Be still, anxiety and fear; be still, apprehension; be still, impatience.

“Come, behold the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46:8) Rehearse His goodness in your life. Worship with songs of joy. Lift up your prayers for the leaders of this country and the Lord Most High will uplift your heart.

Recommended Reading: Jude 17-25

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Source of Exceptionalism

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In his 1989 farewell address, Ronald Reagan famously described his vision of America as a shining city upon a hill. “In my mind, it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.”

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill.

Psalm 43:3

President Reagan’s words were adapted from “A Model of Christian Charity,” a 1630 sermon by John Winthrop, who first delivered it to immigrants arriving in America. It articulates the idea of “American Exceptionalism.” Its central premise was that the nation would survive only if its citizens were just, merciful, labored and suffered together, and worshiped the God of Israel. But, Winthrop warned, “if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.”

Today, pray that America may be that shining city – illuminated by His light and truth – and also that others may be drawn to Him by your testimony of His exceptional love.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:3-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – From the Heart

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In last month’s trials for the television program American Idol, judge Jennifer Lopez denied one contestant the opportunity to continue, saying that while her voice was lovely, there were “no feelings from the heart” behind it. She explained to the would-be songstress that without that emotion, there was nothing to connect to, only notes coming from her mouth.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God

Psalm 40:3

You might not have the voice of a soloist or even a member of the chorus, but if the song you sing comes from what God has put in your heart, you are a part of that heavenly choir that harmonizes in worship to Him every day. Think about a tune you already know: “There’s Within My Heart a Melody.” Only days before that song was written, Luther Bridges experienced sorrow and tragedy – the death of his wife and children in a fire. But through it all, Bridges found the song God put in his heart.

What keeps you from singing? Don’t let it! Confess it to the Lord and ask Him to give you a new song. Intercede for the far-from-harmonious Congress that they, too, could find the courage to sing by filling their lives with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Romans 15:8-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – His Perfect Way

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For many baby boomers the phrase “Love Hurts” turns on the radio in their mind to that aching Nazareth hit: “Love hurts / love scars / love wounds and mars / any heart not tough or strong enough / to take a lot of pain.” For many today, loving America’s government has become painful. It’s difficult to watch those that reject God clamor for power and have success in passing laws that stifle His presence.

Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful.

Psalm 31:23

Corrie ten Boom speaks to the pain in love, recalling a conversation with her father. One day he said, “Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so it stops hurting. But then, of course, part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel…Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us His perfect way.”

Ask the Lord to help you pray for America with a renewed heart of compassion. Expand your worship of God to include petitions for the nation’s decision makers to know and follow Him.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:1-7

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Added Protection

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In ancient Greece, a hoplite, or citizen-soldier, carried a shield and sword for protection. The shield was considered personal armor used to deflect any weapons of battle. These Greek soldiers carried a type of shield called an aspis. The Spartans used the aspis to create the Greek Phalanx formation, where shields were locked together to create one large barrier – providing protection for comrades on the right and left of the holder.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Psalm 28:7

When David wrote today’s passage, he praised the Lord for being his shield. David knew God was his personal protection. He trusted his Heavenly Father to keep him and the people of Israel safe. God sheltered David, and He will shelter you. He “is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Praise the Lord for the many times He has kept you safe. With your song of praise, give Him thanks. Ask Him for your continued protection, and don’t forget to add in prayer for those citizens on your right and left. Finally, pray for President Obama and his family to recognize God’s protection in their own lives.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Worship = Serving

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Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has been awarded for his on-the-field accomplishments. Yet it is the college football star’s godly character that is most noteworthy. In fact, Marcus’ Oregon teammates nicknamed him “St. Mark” as they watched him make weekly unannounced visits to the Boys and Girls Club and daily stops to pass out food and water to the homeless. Marcus says, “With Christ’s power, we are able to pursue and play for His glory. We want to go out and show the world that Christ lives.”

Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

Psalm 22:30

One of the Greek words for worship is “latreuo.” The root meaning of the word reveals that worship involves service rendered to God. Worship is not merely an attitude. It involves specific acts according to His requirements. It’s more than giving praise. The Lord’s heart is blessed when you lay aside your personal desires and ambitions and serve others with humility and love.

Remember that as you faithfully pray for America’s leaders, you are worshipping God. Thank the Lord each day for the privilege to show the world that Christ lives by praying for those who serve this country.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:1-13

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Underneath: Everlasting Arms

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“The eternal God is your Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrusts out your enemies before you…” (Deuteronomy 33-27, LB).”…with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:8, KJV).

Susan was broken-hearted. She had just lost her first child at birth. The trauma of that experience had affected her relationship with her husband and with everyone else around her. She had become cynical and moody. She blamed God for what had happened and said, “I hate Him. Why would this happen to me? Where was God when I was going through the birth pangs, the excruciating pain of giving birth to a stillborn child? Why didn’t He give me a healthy baby?”

I was reminded of a statement that I had heard in response to a similar anguished plea: “Where was God when I lost my son?”

The answer: “Where He was when His own Son died on the cross for our sins.”

We do not understand the mystery of why God allows tragedy, heartache and sorrow, but we do know that those who trust the eternal God as their refuge will experience the reality of His promise that “underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Sometime later I talked with a godly Christian leader whose son had just taken his own life. Of course this man and his wife were devastated. Their hearts were broken. But what a difference in their reaction. Even through his tears this great Christian was saying, “I know I can trust God. He is a loving God. He is my refuge, and I feel His strength and compassion and care for me and my loved ones. My wife and I and all of our family are rededicating ourselves to Him as an expression of our love and confidence in His trustworthiness.”

Bible Reading: Psalm 91:1-7

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: As an expression of my confidence in God and His love and faithfulness I will make a special effort to visualize those everlasting arms of love spread out beneath me, ready for any fall I may take, like a giant net below a trapeze artist. That will give me courage in the face of every obstacle and assurance despite my weaknesses.

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Truly Good

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Certain words and phrases become fads from time to time. “Spaced out.” “Awesome.” “It is what it is.” And who can forget the confusion of “That’s bad” meaning “good?”

You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.

Psalm 16:2

When you worship, know that God is truly good. He is pure and holy. He is worthy to be praised. He desires and inspires good. You can worship Him at church, but you can also glorify Him by what you think, say and do. Think good thoughts. “Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Say good things. “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into…Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) Do good deeds. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

To see evil, look at the news. To see good, search the Scriptures. In them you will behold God and His goodness. Pray that this nation’s citizens and leaders will turn to the good God and seek to do good – so future headlines might be filled with good news. That would be awesome indeed!

Recommended Reading: James 1:12-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Attitude Change

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Charles Stanley, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, once talked about making a road map of your life – documenting the significant crossroads in your life and seeing how God carried you through and guided your steps.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6

David recognized the Lord’s help and direction, and it gave him the strength to go on. Pursued by King Saul for years, the young shepherd felt he could not endure any further and cried out in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord?” He supposed God to be indifferent to him, but realized that the Lord does not forget His own. David’s lament shifted from despair to a song of praise and confidence that his enemy would be defeated. His circumstance wasn’t changed, but his attitude was. He began to worship the Lord, trusting in God’s steadfast love and rejoicing in His salvation.

Bible commentator E.C. Olsen believes that sorrows in your life train you for future glory. Even more, “the Christian is driven to his knees in order that God may reveal Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him.” Intercede for America’s leaders. God can work wonders through your prayers. Then rejoice – for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:18-30

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Crispi’s Catastrophe

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Francesco Crispi is not a name associated with greatness. Crispi was the Prime Minister of Italy in 1896 and the cause of one of the worst military defeats in history, the long-forgotten Battle of Adwa. Fighting in Africa, an Italian army of 14,500 was facing a force of 100,000 Ethiopians. The sensible thing, Italian military observers advised, was to wait. The Ethiopians had overextended their supply lines and were beginning to starve. Within a few days, they would likely disband and scatter. But Crispi wanted a quick victory for political purposes. Believing his troops were superior in every way – including racially – he ordered his commander to attack at once. The Italians were slaughtered.

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalm 8:5

The psalmist wrote that God has granted many wonderful freedoms and privileges to earth’s inhabitants: “glory and honor” is upon man, he said. But there is a limit to what you can do, and pride and arrogance can be lethal shortcomings. If you forget this, God will inevitably find a way to remind you that you are, indeed, a “little lower than the heavenly beings.”

Today, pray that America’s leaders will serve in humility and recognize that greatness belongs to God alone.

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Worship’s Wonder

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Two contradictory attitudes can claim your morning. You can awake and say, “Good morning, Lord,” or you could say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” The choice is yours. The same is true with the way in which you spend your earliest part of the day. In Psalm 5, David knew the importance of beginning his day with intentional worship.

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.

Psalm 5:3

God is worshipped because He is God. Period. When you begin your day acknowledging that, then each action and each thought more readily becomes part of adoring Him the whole day long. You find yourself thankful for each cup of coffee. You sing praise as you drive your car to work or run your errands. You’re awake, alert – yes, alive – to wonders around you. Ongoing communication with the Lord happens without having to think about it. You are chosen, loved and favored by the One who matters most! And you respond, humbled in awe and reverence. That’s worship’s wonder.

Make your commitment to please God, glorify Him, and live devoted to worship – beginning first thing in the morning. Pray for America’s leaders to find that same awesome wonder starting with a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P.- Kid Contribution

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Philosopher and theologian William Temple once said, “The most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child’s home.” Parents who seek and serve the Lord have a rock-solid foundation to build on for their children. Knowing, loving and serving God is of utmost importance; everything thereafter is incidental.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

Adults must be careful to not let the importance of church services and programs for them distract from prioritizing ministry to kids, from nursery to Sunday school, and following this admonition of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) In fact, God places priority on training children (from sunrise to sunset) to seek and serve Him (Deuteronomy 6:7). God desires children as well as adults to worship Him. “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise” (Matthew 21:16)

What are your children and grandchildren learning these days? What can you do to contribute to the godly education of these precious ones? Pray that this nation’s schools or churches will not hinder children from coming to Jesus.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Your Responsibility

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There is a park atop Beachy Head, the tallest chalk cliff on England’s Channel coast, where grazing sheep from various flocks keep the grass mown. When a farmer rolls up in his pick-up truck and gives a whistle, only the sheep that belong to him respond. While some think it curious, Bible readers understand.

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.

Ezekiel 34:11

While Jesus said His sheep know His voice, how many more times did He say, “He who has ears, let him hear?” What’s the difference between knowing His voice and understanding what He says? Hearing God is your responsibility; it requires that you be quiet and ready. It takes time and discipline. His words are found in His Word, so regular Scripture reading is essential. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.” His schedule isn’t always yours.

If you are a good sheep, you will answer when He calls and go where He sends you. Pray for a disciplined New Year for yourself and the Christians who serve in government on local, state and national levels.

Recommended Reading: John 10:7-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Do-Over

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There’s a scene in the movie City Slickers where three friends are discussing how their lives have turned out. One man laments about how he’s messed up his entire life. He lost his wife, his child, his job and his self-respect. “I’ve lost everything,” he concluded. Billy Crystal, the actor portraying one of the friends, tells him it’s not true. He’s actually been handed an opportunity for a fresh start – a do-over.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

Many people get so caught up in yesterday’s mistakes they can’t see what God has planned for tomorrow. God doesn’t want you to focus on your past, but on your future. Today’s verse talks about the new beginning God wants for your life. He says to forget what has happened before. Instead, look to the fresh things He is going to do.

Do you need a do-over in life? Start by realizing you are powerless to make changes yourself. Then pray for God to give you a new start. Pray also for God to intervene to change the hearts of the nation’s leaders and give them a fresh start, too.

Recommended Reading: Acts 3:19-26

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Adoption Opportunity

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Eddie the Terrible needs a new home. The two-year old Chihuahua is known for being bad with kids and awful with other dogs. It is noted he has mood swings and can go from “zero to Cujo” in 0.5 seconds. Does all this make Eddie unadoptable? Absolutely not, according to the Humane Society in Silicon Valley, and they are giving him a second chance. They contend, “Somewhere out there is someone whose life will be better with Eddie in it.”

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Who are the “Terrible Eddie’s” in your life? You know – those people with inflated opinions and awful social skills that irritate and annoy you? Wouldn’t it be great if you could run an advertisement and adopt them right into someone else’s life?

America will be blessed as God’s people invite His presence into their messy everyday relationships. Today, pray for a new beginning in His mercy, and ask for the grace to forgive those that snarl and bite at you. Humbly acknowledge that you were once the recipient of Christ’s forgiveness, without reservation. As you dispense grace, God will make a provision for both you and America, even if the Terrible Eddie’s are still barking.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Blessings of Liberty

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After fleeing communist Poland to make a new beginning in America, an immigrant named Janina Atkins wrote to the New York Times: “I came to this country with $2.60 in my purse, some clothes, a few books, a bundled of old letters,” she wrote. “There is something in the air of American that filled my soul with a feeling of independence, and independence begot strength.”

Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor.

Zechariah 7:9-10

She continued, “I love America because I do not have to stand in line for hours to buy a piece of tough, fat meat…or pay a day’s earnings for a small chicken. There is no one here to lead you by the hand, but also no one to order you about…what luck and joy it is to live in a free country.”

Today, take a break from all the bad news and critics to thank God for the wonderful place He has allowed you to live. America has problems, yes, but it is also a country which has worked to fulfill the Lord’s command in today’s scripture, perhaps more than any other nation in history.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Fanning

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A well-known speaker recently defined flattery as “something said to a man’s face you would never say behind his back.” Many top schools of management actually endorse well-placed flattery to get yourself ahead. For example, they suggest complimenting your manager to people you know will pass it along to her, or intentionally expressing values similar to your manager’s in a meeting she is sure to attend.

The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

James 3:5

So when does fanning your flame for success turn into deception? Proverbs 20 warns that bread obtained by falsehood is sweet at first, but will eventually turn to gravel. Psalm 36 says deceitful words are a plot for trouble. If you buy into the popular idea that doing whatever it takes to get ahead isn’t so bad, think again. Among those uninvited into God’s presence in Revelation are people practicing fraud, but Proverbs 12 says truthful lips and those who deal faithfully are God’s delight.

Today, pray for citizens and leaders alike across America to embrace a new beginning: walking in God’s truth. Be confident! Hope for the future, both America’s and yours, is still firmly grounded in the Truth, Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:9-15

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Quiet Rest

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I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. —Psalm 4:8

Read: Mark 6:30-32; | Bible in a Year: Exodus 12-13; Matthew 16

Some years ago my son Brian and I agreed to haul some equipment into an isolated Idaho backcountry ranch for a friend. There are no roads into the area, at least none that my truck could negotiate. So Ralph, the young ranch manager, arranged to meet us at road’s end with a small wagon hitched to a pair of mules.

On the way into the ranch, Ralph and I started chatting and I learned that he lived on the property year-round. “What do you do in the winter?” I asked, knowing that winters in the high country were long and bitter and that the ranch had no electricity or telephone service, only a satellite radio. “How do you endure it?”

“Actually,” he drawled, “I find it right peaceable.”

In the midst of our pressure-filled days, we sometimes crave peace and quiet. There is too much noise in the air; there are too many people around. We want to “come aside . . . and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Can we find a place to do this?

Yes, there is such a place. When we take a few moments to reflect on God’s love and mercy and cast our burdens on Him, we will find in that quiet God-filled space the peace that the world has taken away.

There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God,

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God. —McAfee

Spending quiet time with God will bring quiet rest.

INSIGHT: Jesus is concerned with our physical health. He showed this when He invited the disciples to come away and rest because “they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). Rest from work and time to refresh our minds and bodies is important. Jesus is also concerned for our spiritual health and invites all those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matt. 11:28).