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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Down to the Marrow

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You’ve seen them…people with down-turned mouths, the furrowed brows and a distressed look in their eyes. Nothing puts a damper on a gathering more than a gloomy and melancholy person. Unfortunately, this description applies to many Christians – but it shouldn’t.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

God wants you to have a joyful heart. It is a disposition of the mind which affects the health of the body. A joyful heart is at peace with God…having a right relationship with Him. Its peace can be passive – enjoying a sense of freedom from guilt. It is also active, never selfish, springing into action for the Lord by serving others. It is good medicine…lifting the spirits of the helped one as well as its own. Beware of a crushed spirit, burdened by trials or upset by guilt or anger. It exhausts one to the very marrow of his bones.

Put your focus on the Lord. Serve Him with gladness. See His grace in your life at every turn. Then pray for the leaders of this nation. The world offers emptiness; God waits to bestow the best upon those who will turn to Him. After all, He is the One who gives life to dry bones.

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Value the Invisible

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The average cost for a year of college, about $33,000, shows how much people value education. Yet they get degrees, earn money, and acquire possessions that eventually go to storage spaces, yard sales and trash heaps. America’s overrun with stuff.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 16:16

Knowledge doesn’t necessarily result in wisdom, but wisdom for wisdom’s sake is valuable. Wisdom lies in the invisible and the eternal, not in the physical and temporal. The Holy Spirit, love, joy, hope, peace, and faith are all eternal and invisible. Consider the following verses. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:2-3) and “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (I Timothy 1:17)

Pray for the leaders and citizens of the United States of America to value the eternal and not be mesmerized by materialism. As missionary and poet C. T. Studd said, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-3, 12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Rage Regrets

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George S. Patton, perhaps America’s greatest World War II general, did not suffer his greatest disaster on the battlefield, but in a hospital tent. Visiting wounded soldiers on Sicily, he came upon Paul Bennett, an artilleryman suffering from “battle fatigue,” now most often called posttraumatic stress disorder. Enraged, Patton slapped the man, called him a coward and numerous other unprintable names, and then pulled his gun and threatened to shoot the man. Patton didn’t believe battle fatigue was a real illness, but he simply didn’t know what he didn’t know. When word reached his superiors of the outburst, Patton was sidelined.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Anger usually does more damage than good. When you unleash your wrath – on a spouse, a child, a colleague, or that lackadaisical government clerk who doesn’t seem to care – you may feel better for a moment, but the aftermath will be regrettable. Worst of all, you may not really know what’s going on inside of that person’s heart or head, and rage may destroy your opportunity to be the voice or hands of Christ.

Harsh words are abundant today in Washington, your workplace, perhaps even your home. Ask God to help you be a courier of “soft answers.”

Recommended Reading: James 1:12-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – American “Nones”

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A survey conducted by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College revealed the number of Americans calling themselves Christians was down from 86 percent in 1990 to 75 percent in 2009. At the same time, American “Nones” – or people who identify with no religious group – increased from 8.1 percent of the population in 1990 to 15 percent in 2098, an increase of about 20 million people.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34

Many believe America became one of the most powerful, influential nations in the world because of its founding on Christian beliefs. So what does it mean for America if its people are leaving Christianity and turning away from God? Today’s scripture gives insight. Reproach in this verse means public shame or disgrace. When a person or nation becomes unrighteous and begins to ignore where security and salvation come from, disgrace and punishment often follow. Just as Israel and Judah found themselves among the list of nations surrounding them that rejected the Lord and fell from greatness, America may be on the same path.

As you spend time with God today, ask Him to draw America back to Him. Pray righteousness and morality would once again be important to the nation’s citizens and leaders.

Recommended Reading: Amos 2:4-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Bad Listening

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A scoffer is a bad listener – one that will not open his or her ears to wisdom. An unfortunate condition, you might agree; however, there’s a bit more to it. The original word translates as “one who mocks and scorns the belief of another” and also “acts as an ambassador.” More accurately, a scoffer is a person who disagrees and attempts to sway others to adopt his disagreement.

A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:1

In your attempts to bring about God’s best plan for America, remember you will inevitably attract devoted scoffers. Jesus’ disciples had to deal with a loud opposition wherever they worked. Gospel messengers have been thrown out of town and sometimes even into jail since the start.

Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:10) Ultimately, every knee will bow and God’s plans will be accomplished on Earth; in the meantime, continue in your prayer and good work for others and for America. Offer a reasonable explanation for the hope you have in Christ and for the nation. And when you encounter scoffers, take a cue from their example…refuse to listen!

Recommended Reading: John 15:9-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Don’t Worry, Be Inspiring

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Over four million people will receive treatment for anxiety this year. Statistics also show that 43 percent of all North Americans take mood-altering drugs. Anxiety, by definition, is fear or nervousness about what might happen. Turn on the news and you’ll hear about the energy crisis, unrest in the Middle East, and how many people were robbed in your neck of the woods. No wonder so many people suffer from worry and apprehension.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25

While medicine may be required in many cases, how else can you battle unwarranted concern? Today’s passage offers a suggestion – a good word. Sometimes a word of encouragement can lift even the darkest of moods. The Apostle Paul wrote inspirational letters to the churches he helped launch. Many of those uplifting letters became part of the New Testament. Never underestimate the power of a good word.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) Take the time to write a note of encouragement today to one of your political leaders. Then pray for God to use those words to bring His inspiration to those who receive it.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:7-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Law of the Harvest

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Sowing and reaping, one of God’s basic principles, is found all throughout the Bible. “Ya pick what ya plant,” an old farmer said. Jesus said the same thing, “Figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.” (Luke 6:44) The law of the harvest also promises that you will reap more than you sow. It’s a good thing seeds don’t reproduce one for one, but one seed can produce an abundant crop; one acorn can become a mighty oak bearing thousands of its own acorns. So it is with habits. Good habits bring good results; bad ones can be destructive. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind, says Hosea 8:7.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 11:24

When the people and leaders of this nation abandon values based on the Bible and forget it is God who has given liberty, what they reap is unworthy of the country’s founding. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. (Galatians 6:8)

Pray for Americans to turn from wicked paths and instead walk in God’s righteousness. National repentance can rise from only a few seeds rightly planted.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – What Legacy?

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Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler, Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, Jesus and Judas…names conjure up remembrances of either good or bad. Today’s verse stresses that how you live has a great deal – maybe all – to do with how you will be remembered. Churchill encouraged England to stand under Hitler’s attacks born from a desire for power over an “inferior” people. The good man is referenced with respect while the wicked is mentioned with abhorrence.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Proverbs 10:7

Recall the Apostle Paul and his unstoppable pursuit to share the gospel of Jesus with all people. Demas, on the other hand, though not wicked, will forever be considered as the one who left Paul’s side because of his love for the world (II Timothy 4:10). As a believer, contrast your feelings regarding the emperors of Rome and the fishermen of Galilee. The righteous can be remembered for their example, for their strength of character and nobleness, or for their acts of faith. They are a blessing in life and death.

What will be your legacy? Seek to live God’s fullest desires for your life. Then pray for the nation’s leaders that they will show forth righteousness…giving their best for America.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Three Sillies

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In the old story of The Three Sillies, a man goes on a journey to find three people who are sillier than his fiancé, who worried that an ax hanging on the wall would someday fall and hit their future child on the head. After finding three people who were indeed more foolish than her, he married her.

Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

Proverbs 9:6

Believers aren’t doomed to walk about as “the three sillies.” It is the human condition to regret stupid mistakes, but the good news is that God offers His wisdom like a hostess lays out a rich banquet and calls, “Come and eat!” James invites you to this feast: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Today, ask God for wisdom concerning the issues you face right now. Read the Bible and receive His guidance. Know that wisdom that God gives will be in line with both His Word and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Trust that He answered and act with confidence. Then pray that the nation and its leaders will seek God’s wisdom and follow it wholly.

Recommended Reading: James 3:13-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Brainpower Not Obligatory

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Who was America’s most intelligent president? That’s a matter of conjecture and involves a good deal of personal opinion, but whenever the question is debated, rarely does anyone ever mention Harry Truman. He didn’t attend college, in marked contrast to his predecessor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a Harvard and Columbia prodigy with vast brainpower. Truman was often called “the little man from Missouri,” which was meant to denigrate more than his physical stature. Biographer David McCullough writes that Truman “knew he had no exceptional intellectual prowess,” and recounts him telling a colleague, “I am not a deep thinker as you are.”

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Proverbs 8:5

But Truman, historians now recognize, was tremendously effective. He rose at five a.m. every morning, he didn’t pass the buck, he made the difficult decisions, and never pretended to be someone he wasn’t.

It doesn’t require a genius to follow the guidance of the Proverbs. Prudence, good sense, caution, honesty, and hard work are traits available to anyone, including you. The Lord will effectively use whatever you have. On Truman’s first day in office, he started by asking Americans to pray for him. As you lift up your modern-day leaders, pray they, too, will recognize what – and Who – is essential to success.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:7-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – America’s Treasure

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A Northern California couple was walking their dog when they stumbled across some rare gold coins buried in the shadow of a tree. Nearly all of the 1,427 coins, dating from 1847 to 1894, were in uncirculated, mint condition. Coin experts estimated their worth at ten million dollars. “I don’t like to say once-in-a-lifetime for anything, but you don’t get an opportunity to handle this kind of material, a treasure like this, ever,” said a veteran coin dealer who is representing the finders. “It’s like they found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Treasure up my commandments with you.

Proverbs 7:1

Isaiah 33:6 says, “And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” A nation’s wealth is not in gold, silver, real estate or weapons. Its treasure is in the people who fear the Lord. People who are Christ followers. People who read God’s Word. People who pray for their family, friends, neighbors and leaders.

Ask God to keep you accountable as one of those people. Remember, it’s your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a significant difference in America.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 19:23-30

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Next and Best

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Next time you’re enjoying a picnic at the local park, silently count the little kiddo’s zooming around in the play area. According to current research, 2.7 million children in the United States have an incarcerated parent. In other words, one-in-28 American children have a parent convicted of a crime and serving time. Just 25 years ago, the number was one-in-125…not a particularly encouraging trend.

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.

Proverbs 6:20

Only Jesus had a perfect father: everyone else has human Moms and Dads that struggle with brokenness and failure. Likewise, most of you that have become parents are painfully aware of your own faults and foibles, yet the Bible is clear: you are to train your children to follow your example. It may sound like a hopeless cycle of inadequacy, but it’s not. Jesus’ power over death bought you power over the chains of generational calamity.

What can you do? First, be careful to model a compassionate devotion in faith. Then pray that God will stop the succession of sin and intervene in this nation’s future: understand that tomorrow’s leaders are charting their course today. Most importantly, believe that, with God’s blessing, it is possible for America’s next generation to become America’s best generation.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 3:13-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Make it Golden

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“To have and hold from this day forward as long as we both shall live.” Most people can quote this vow by heart. But knowing it and living it are two different things. Marriages in America are under attack. One statistic says only five percent of couples will actually reach their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Perhaps you’re one of the many people who have been hurt by the pain of divorce.

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 5:18

Why do marriages fail? Financial problems, lack of communication and infidelity are just a few of the reasons. Marriage is hard work. But anything worth having is worth the effort. Today’s proverb is a reminder to wedded couples to rejoice in their spouse – to let husband or wife know how much they are appreciated, to take time to enjoy each other’s company…even when doing nothing else but being together.

Marriage is the foundation of families and a holy union. If you’re single, pray for your married friends. If you are married, invest in yours. Write your spouse a love note and deliver it with a kiss. Thank God today for your spouse and ask Him to strengthen your marriage and the marriages of both the president and the vice-president.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:4-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The War for Dependence

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What a glorious day of remembrance – Independence Day. The colonialists declared they were no longer dependent upon England or its King. The war to gain that independence ended in February 1783, when England officially declared an end to hostilities, and recognized America’s sovereignty.

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.

Proverbs 4:26

Celebrate with picnics and fireworks, but also have a prayerful recognition that there is another war going on: a war for your dependence; a spiritual tug of war in your mind and heart! God asks that you ponder the steps you are taking; in other words, watch where you’re going…for slippery slopes abound. The Lord says He is sovereign and you are to depend on Him and on His Word. He has offered you every protection and the Holy Spirit to guide and direct. But Satan works to deceive, saying “go this way” or “go that way,” all the while making the temptation to do it your own way ever so enticing.

Pray today for America’s citizens and leaders to ponder the wrong ways they may be taking themselves or this nation, and to declare their dependence on God and look to Him for their every choice – so they may overcome deception and go His way!

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

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

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For decades, TV programs have shown “man on the street” segments – interviews with regular people on the city sidewalks of America. At times they provoke laughter. But more recently, the responses invoke a sense of discouragement and disappointment, especially when the questions relate to the federal government and its duties. Most U.S. citizens on the street know little and understand even less.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.

Proverbs 3:1

So it is with some Christians. Professing to be religious, their perception of God’s Word and His desires for them falls far short. Proverbs 3 offers persuading arguments for following the will of God…all of them to make you both blessed and a blessing. The first verse underscores the need for you to acquaint yourself with His Word – memorizing portions of it so it will come to mind when needed. More importantly, prepare your heart to follow the Lord’s commandments. The result will be an intimate, personal, loving relationship with Him…one that produces devotion to His will.

Pray now that your heart will be ready to know God’s Word and His love for you. Then intercede for the leaders of this country – that they may understand God’s will for this nation and choose the best for America.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:9-16

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Go to the Source

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When a disease shows up, investigators immediately set about their detective work to find the source. Until then, everything else they learn about the disease is secondary. This is the information age. Do you have a question? Google it. An incredible amount of knowledge is at people’s fingertips. But for true insight, you must still first find the source.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

Today’s verse says God is the source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Consider these verses. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (II Timothy 2:7)

When you have a question about life, before Googling, read the Bible and pray. God’s wisdom surpasses human knowledge. Pray for Americans to return to the source of all understanding. Pray, too, for the leaders who still cling to the Bible, that they will stand strong to the Lord’s glory.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:3-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Copter Conundrum

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Igor Sikorsky was the brilliant engineer credited with inventing the helicopter. For decades, others had failed to perfect a rotor-driven flying machine, unable to solve a basic problem: the twisting force created by the top rotor rendered prototypes uncontrollable, and they spun violently into the ground. Sikorsky ingeniously figured out that a tail rotor would counterbalance the torque.

To understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Proverbs 1:6

But that’s not to say he didn’t have help. From a young age, Sikorsky feverishly studied the work of the Wright brothers, Count Zeppelin, and many other pioneers. He built upon their collected wisdom and experiences to solve the aeronautical riddle of the helicopter.

To understand God’s plan for your life, you must diligently study the works and words of the wise. There is no better place to begin than His Holy Word and Proverbs. On this first day of the month, make a commitment to read this book of indispensable wisdom – one chapter a day. Ask the Lord to apply the lessons of Proverbs to your heart and to the vexing “riddles” that may have your life in a spin. And as you pray for America, ask God to point her leaders to the understanding and truth of the Scriptures.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:1-7

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Greater Expectations

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Youthful dreams and hopes were all that young Pip possessed. An orphan in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the lad takes the reader through poverty, prisons, twisted society, and through his psychological and moral development until he reaches maturity. Along the way, Pip finds power in forgiveness, and the fulfillment of some of what he sought.

We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:2

Pip’s life is not unlike that of many Christians…impoverished of spirit, imprisoned by sin, and caught in the ever-changing twistedness of today’s society. Once freed of those things through repentance and salvation in Christ, you are empowered to press toward the goals that God sets for you. Yours becomes a life of growing in the Lord and becoming spiritually mature. But that’s not the end! Your expectations are far greater. Hope in seeing the glory of God face to face is yours! Rejoice!

Won’t you intercede today for the “Pips” in the nation’s government? Pray for Senators and Congressmen whose spirits are impoverished, for members of the Obama administration held hostage by sin, and for Supreme Court Justices dealing with the twistedness of America’s path. Pray that they, like you, can find even greater expectations for the future than they have ever known.

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Directives

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Salvation is the beginning of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If He is your Savior, you can have joy that is founded on realities that are unaffected by conditions around you. But there is more.

You believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

I Peter 1:8

Tried and tested by fire, the genuineness of your faith may result in praise, honor and glory. Peter assures his readers that they and you have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” (I Peter 1:3-4) If you know Christ, you have hope, and if you have hope, you can walk in holiness and harmony with the Lord.

Follow these directives: Love Christ – get to know Him better through God’s Word. Trust Christ – believe that all things work together for good even if you don’t see how (Romans 8:28). Rejoice in Christ – center your heart and mind on Him in all circumstances. You will learn something new and wonderful about your Savior. And your joy will be inexpressible, no matter the circumstance. Then intercede for those who lead this nation to follow Jesus and have hope and joy in Him.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:13-4:1

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Choose Joy

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Fannie Crosby, an American songwriter and poet, composed over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime. Despite becoming blind at six weeks old, she never let her disability affect her joyful attitude. Even as a child she expressed contentment through her words. At age eight, she wrote, “Oh what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see! I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t, to weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t.”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Fanny Crosby followed the instruction of today’s verse; she rejoiced in the Lord always. “Rejoice” in this scripture is from the Greek “chairo” meaning joy that comes from an active choice – no matter what adverse circumstances one faces. The world defines joy as an emotion brought by success or good fortune, but Christians know true joy doesn’t come from a situation, but from a Savior.

Are you facing difficult circumstances? Choose joy as Fannie did! As you pray today, ask for joy from the Lord that no one can take away. Pray also for the country to return to its spiritual heritage influenced by the joy of Christ seen in His followers.

Recommended Reading: John 16:17-28