Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – A home mission sermon

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“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Suggested Further Reading: Luke 22:24-27

George Washington, the commander-in-chief, was going around among his soldiers. They were hard at work, lifting a heavy piece of timber at some fortification. There stood the corporal of the regiment calling out to his men, “Heave there, heave ahoy!” and giving them all kinds of directions. As large as possible the good corporal was. So Washington, alighting from his horse, said to him, “What is the good of your calling out to those men, why don’t you help them yourself and do part of the work.” The corporal drew himself up and said, “Perhaps you are not aware to whom you are speaking, sir; I am a corporal.” “I beg your pardon,” said Washington; “you are a corporal are you; I am sorry I should have insulted you.” So he took off his own coat and waistcoat and set to work to help the men build the fortification. When he had done he said, “Mr Corporal, I am sorry I insulted you, but when you have any more fortifications to get up, and your men won’t help you, send for George Washington, the commander-in-chief, and I will come and help them.” The corporal slunk away perfectly ashamed of himself. And so Christ Jesus might say to us, “Oh, you don’t like teaching the poor; it is beneath your dignity; then let your commander-in-chief do it; he can teach the poor, he can wash the feet of the saints, he can visit the sick and afflicted—he came down from heaven to do this, and he will set you the example.” Surely we should each be ashamed of ourselves, and declare from this time forward whatever it is, be it great or little, if it comes to our hand, and if God will but give us help and give us grace, we will do it with all our might.

For meditation: Our Master knew how to be humble (Philippians 2:6-9); he also knows how to deal with people who are proud or humble (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Sermon no. 259

26 June (1859)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Joyful Givers

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Close to half of the world’s population live on less than the equivalent of $2.00 a day. It’s a sadly incredible fact to remember as you consider the simple declaration of today’s verse, followed by the next one: “A righteous man knows the rights of the poor.” (Proverbs 29:7) In other words, if you help the poor, don’t be surprised to find yourself singing and rejoicing. Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it this way, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

A righteous man sings and rejoices.

Proverbs 29:6

There are nearly 200 Scripture passages that speak of the Heavenly Father’s care for the poor, how He blesses those who are compassionate to the needy, and how He considers oppressing the poor an abomination. “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5) “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.” (Psalm 41:1)

Today, pray for the nation and, in particular, that the Lord will meet the needs of the poor through His people.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 8:1-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Mourning in America

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During the Civil War, you would have found many – and in some areas most – of the citizens draped in black. In those times, there was an established convention for mourning, as author Drew Gilpin Faust explains: “a mother mourned for a child for a year, a child for a parent the same, a sister six months for a brother…a widow mourned for two and a half years, moving through prescribed stages of accoutrements of heavy, full and half mourning, with gradually loosening requirements of dress and deportment.”

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.

Psalm 30:11

There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) Everyone will meet with sadness – some more than others, some sooner. But because of Christ, you have the promise of a future where there will be no need for the “accoutrements” of mourning.

You may be frustrated and even angry with your leaders, who sometimes seem bent on steering America away from God’s providence. But remember that they may be living in a world of spiritual death…utterly without hope. Today, compassionately pray they may know the One who forever casts off the accoutrements of mourning and offers a blessed and bright eternity.

Recommended Reading: II Peter 3:8-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – From Pain to Glory

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People are shocked by such cases as Saeed Abedini, an American pastor who has been suffering in an Iranian prison for 20 months, and Miriam Ibrahim, a young mother and wife of an American who is sentenced to death in Sudan for her Christian faith. Her small son and infant girl suffer imprisonment with her. It’s undeniably tragic, but today’s verse assures God’s glory will someday be revealed in them.

Share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

I Peter 4:13

In Acts 12, Peter was in a similar situation – in jail condemned to die. But believers gathered together, prayed and fasted for him. An angel miraculously released him. But about 33 years later, Peter was martyred. Peter encouraged, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (I Peter 4:19)

You’re likely not being persecuted for your faith, but you can share in Christ’s suffering by fasting and praying for Miriam and Saeed and others who are. You can also give to organizations that fight for their release. Finally, you can pray that God would move on national leaders to stand against religious persecution.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:18-25

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Consider the Ocotillo

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The Great Sonoran Desert of the Southwest has cacti and succulents seen nowhere else on Earth. Among them are ocotillo – tall, spiny bunches of sticks bearing sharp thorns. Most of the time, ocotillo look more dead than alive. But the slightest rainfall brings out tiny oval leaves which can remain for weeks. Bright crimson clusters of flowers appear at the tips of the stems after rainfall in the spring, adding brilliance and beauty to the deserts.

To give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning.

Isaiah 61:3

Do you sometimes feel spiritually dry and brittle…possibly more dead than alive to the things of God? Are you, like Job, sitting in grief upon the proverbial pile of ashes? Don’t you know that the Lord doesn’t want you there? His desire is to replace dryness with the fruits of His spirit, and place a beautiful coronet of His grace and joy upon your head.

As you prayerfully seek your own spiritual renewal, call upon the Lord to also rain down His Holy Spirit on members of Congress, the Supreme Court Justices, and President Obama and his administration – that the whole desert of government might blossom with a renewed presence of God!

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 61:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Joy Overflowing

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For most growing children, teen years are difficult; Mom and Dad don’t understand and only want control over them…or so they think. But aren’t people of any age who don’t know Jesus as Savior guilty of that same attitude toward God? They sense He is their judge and become hostile. Reconciliation seems impossible.

Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:11

In most cases with parents, and always with God, it is love that governs their actions. Children may eventually appreciate the reasoning behind the rules. The believer, however, can actually experience a psychological and spiritual change as they come to know the Father’s saving grace. As one commentator wrote, “Only in Christian faith does God take the initiative to win, at terrible cost, the affection of those who have wounded him by their sins.” Believing means you are restored to a harmonious relationship with Him. Reconciled by Jesus’ death, but as Paul writes, “much more…[you are] saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

Rejoice in God, believer, for He is the One who provided the way through Christ. Let the joy in your heart be overflowing! Then boldly pray for the leaders of this nation that they may know the joy found only in the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Well Done

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When a passerby snapped a photo of a man mowing the National Mall lawn in Washington D.C. during the government shutdown, the picture went viral on social media. The man, later identified as South Carolinian Chris Cox, insisted he wasn’t making a political statement; he just wanted the mall to look nice for the Million Vet March and saw a way to make his state proud and help out the government in its time of need.

Enter into the joy of your master.

Matthew 25:21

Cox didn’t just mow the grass one day. He stayed 16 days, emptying trashcans, cutting down limbs and raking leaves. He used the talents he was given and made America proud. Today’s passage is taken from the parable of the talents, which teaches how using your God-given gifts makes Him proud. Those who use their talents wisely will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Are you using your talents for the Lord? What gifts could you utilize to do His will? Ask God to open your eyes for ways you can be used. Perhaps you need to mow the grass and rake some leaves – or maybe bake a cake or clean a house. Then pray for God to raise up more American citizens and national leaders like Chris Cox.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:7-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Overflowing with Joy

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When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, she did not expect Him to speak to her – much less ask for a cup of water. The Lord spoke frankly about her past and present living situation and showed her that water from the well would never be a source of satisfaction. Then Jesus poured His living water over her as He offered salvation, reconciliation and fulfillment. The Samaritan woman’s immediate response was to run and tell others about her spiritual freedom. As a result of the joy flowing from her, many people became Christ-followers.

Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?

John 4:29

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) When you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your life, God’s character will flow out through your words and actions. As a result, others will notice this fruit.

Continually drink deeply from the wellsprings of God’s love through prayer and reading the Bible. As you are refreshed with that living water, pour some onto dry, thirsty people around you. Pray also that God will bring Christ-followers into the paths of our nation’s leaders who will do the same.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:14-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Madison’s Mercy

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William Hull is the only American general ever sentenced to death. Hull surrendered Fort Detroit during the War of 1812 without a fight and was charged with treason, cowardice, and neglect of duty. One can only imagine General Hull’s reaction as he read the judgment: “The Court, in consequence of their determination respecting the second and third charges, and specification under those charges, exhibited against the said Brig. General Wm. Hull, and after due consideration, do sentence him to be shot to death.”

Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.

Jeremiah 15:16

But the words of the next sentence offered surprising hope: “The court in consideration of brigadier general Hull’s revolutionary services, and his advanced age, earnestly recommend him to the mercy of the president of the U.S.” President James Madison signed the pardon, sparing General Hull’s life.

The words of joy found in Scripture, and spoken of by the Prophet Jeremiah, are much the same. You were guilty and condemned…but recommended to the mercy of God by your Savior, Jesus Christ. How will you express your gratitude today for your pardon and new lease on life? As you pray for your nation and its leaders today, ask God to make you an example of His love and surprising mercy.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 103:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hurrah for Trouble

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In the United States, fire costs billion of dollars. Firefighting takes its toll in lives, about 4,400 each year, 100 being firefighters. But to professional firefighters, fires are mixed blessings. They depend on them for their livelihood.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

James 1:2

Likewise, fiery trials have advantages as well as disadvantages. No one likes to suffer trouble, distress or significant loss, but the two verses after today’s verse affirm, “The testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” And the Apostle Paul declares, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Thank the Father for the good He’s producing out of the problems in your life. Remember that it’s your faith being tested, not God’s love, goodness or faithfulness. By faith, claim the promise of being “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” as you patiently wait on His provision. Then pray that the nation’s citizens and leaders will focus on what would truly please the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:3-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Broken Walls, Broken Hearts

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More than broken walls greeted Nehemiah when he returned to Jerusalem. The people themselves were broken. They despaired at the condition of their beloved city, weeping over its destruction. Through his inspired leadership, each family was charged with rebuilding not only his own home, but the portion of the Jerusalem walls where he lived. Within a year, they had settled in, but something was still missing…the Word of the Lord!

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

For perhaps two generations or more, they’d had no preacher, no one to bring God’s laws to them. So they built a platform for Ezra, who read the Torah from daybreak to midday, making clear God’s message, and the people stood in rapt attention. Aware of their sinful condition, they wept and repented. Ezra proclaimed the day sacred and instructed the people to rejoice – for the Lord had sustained them.

Often today’s churchgoers sit and squirm under half an hour of instruction, and just as frequently leave with the same somber faces they had when they arrived. Where is the joy? Won’t you purpose in your own heart to be strengthened in the joy that knowing Jesus brings? And purpose, too, to intercede for the brokenhearted among the nation’s leadership.

Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Wailing to Song

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No believer in Christ is exempt from trials and correction. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6) As one commentator expressed it, you undergo “home training” so you may have a personal, intimate relationship with God.

I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Psalm 13:5

The Psalmist David was often in distress. Psalm 13 begins as he boldly comes before the Lord asking, “How long…how long?” David was sorrowful, enemies pursued him, and he felt distant from what he determined was an unresponsive God. But the wailing turned to song when he realized that he could not save himself. His deliverer was Almighty God! The apostle Paul struggled as well. “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18) His joy became full when he knew his deliverer was Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25-8:1).

Believer, know that your “Woe is me!” pleases the devil, but your songs of praise grieve him sorely (Martin Luther). Lift your eyes heavenward, trust in God’s steadfast love and rejoice that God is the deliverer of body and soul. Then pray for the people of this nation that they may do the same.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 16

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Now and Later

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In Across the Plains, Robert Louis Stevenson’s travel memoir about his journey as an immigrant from New York to San Francisco, he says, “Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.” Stevenson was a stranger traveling in a foreign land. The conditions were not always ideal, but he knew not to miss the joy.

Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.

Isaiah 35:10

God’s followers have always been on a journey in a foreign land. Because of sin, the conditions are not always perfect, but the Lord promises joy along the way and eternally (John 16:22). In today’s verse, the prophet Isaiah was calling God’s people back to faithfulness. He reminded them they would face judgment, but would also receive restoration. Christians today share this promise through the hope of Christ’s return.

Are you missing the joy? Don’t let your struggles rob you of the joy you are promised in this life or the next. As you pray today, ask for peace and joy (Romans 15:13) and for America and its leaders to return to faithfulness so they might also experience restoration and hope.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 1:3-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Prepare the Way

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Many people stood for hours surrounding Buckingham Palace, while news crews streamed a live feed outside the hospital. When a town crier finally announced the arrival of the newest member of the royal family, Prince George, the people went wild – and kept their vigil, hoping for just a glimpse of the royal family. The birth announcement quickly made world headlines. Everybody celebrated the tiny would-be king.

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:14

Today’s verse also talks about rejoicing at the birth of a child – but this one wasn’t the king. This passage refers to the one who was to “prepare a way” for the King – John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3). While Prince George is not the king, he still has an important role in the royal family. John the Baptist wasn’t the Messiah, but his mother was told “he will be great before the Lord…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:15)

You may not be the one in the limelight, but you do have an important role for God. Ask the Lord to give you joy in preparing the way for others to know Him. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to do the will of God.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Knowing His Love

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The Earth Institute released the World Happiness Report two years ago in time for the United Nation’s Conference on Happiness. According to this report, the world’s happiest countries are all in northern Europe – Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands took up the top four spots, in that order. The United States ranked eleventh. The report stated that happier countries tend to be richer countries. Yet more important for happiness than income are social factors like the strength of social support, the absence of corruption and the degree of personal freedom.

The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

Everyone wants to be happy. However, happiness is often a temporary condition based on circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, comes only from knowing the love of your Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

As you talk to your Lord and read His Word, thank God for the gift of true joy. Read His love letter, the Bible, every day as you grow in your relationship with Him. Intercede for those local and national leaders who don’t personally know Jesus Christ. Pray they would experience the true joy that only comes from a relationship with their Creator.

Recommended Reading: John 16:20-28

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Sowing Secrets

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Knowles Shaw, a nineteenth century preacher, wrote the famous hymn “Bringing in the Sheaves” which is based on today’s Psalm. Reverend Shaw knew something about sowing and reaping, evidenced by the more than 11,400 people who were converted to Christ under his ministry. Author Robert J. Morgan gives an account of Shaw’s final hours aboard a doomed train that would shortly take his life. Just before the crash, a fellow minister had asked him to tell the secret of his success. Shaw said he always “preached Christ; always kept Jesus before the people…and had confidence in the gospel truth as the power of God.”

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

Psalm 126:5

The principle of sowing and reaping is well known, but many people fail to understand that it matters a great deal what you sow. In America today, there is a growing expectation that you should keep your faith to yourself. This is unfortunate. Sowing good works is important, but it won’t reap the eternal benefit others need unless you also “keep Jesus before the people.”

As you pray for the President and America’s leaders today, ask God to bring individuals into their lives who will keep Jesus before them – so they may know Him as Lord.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Him Alone

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When Zechariah prophetically praises the Lord later in Luke 1, he speaks of God’s plan of salvation, which includes his son John preparing the way for the Savior. But when Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit and gives praise, the Magnificat, she focuses on God’s character and the fact that He chooses the weak to humble the exalted and provides for the poor to the chagrin of the rich.

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Luke 1:47

Mary emphasizes that a person’s trust should be in God alone; possessions, prestige and personal power are undependable. Psalm 37:4 puts it this way, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” And Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

If you are poor, look to God to provide. If you are rich, give to the poor. If you are in a place of leadership, help those who are in a weaker position. If you feel you have little power or influence, seek God to turn others to His glory through you. And remember to pray for all in authority, locally to nationally, that you may live a peaceful life (I Timothy 2:1-4).

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Grapes of Joy

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John Steinbeck’s epic novel The Grapes of Wrath focuses on a family forced from their home by drought, economic hardship, climate changes and bank foreclosures – all part of The Great Depression. The Joads family traveled, along with thousands of others, to California in search of jobs, dignity and a future.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:11

Today, many people are living in great depressions of their own. They’re under the pressure of economic hardship. In the last half-dozen years, the nation experienced a plethora of bank foreclosures, and now drought persists in California and climate change threatens everyone. They could easily reap a harvest of wrath. But Jesus says if you abide in Him as branches to a vine, the fruit you bear will include dignity, a future and joy. Imagine being a branch in His vineyard, overladened with abundant grapes of joy!

Draw close to the presence of God in your life today…and every day. Spend time in His Word. Live a life of obedience and prayer. Intercede for others, from the far reaches of government to your nearest neighbor, to find the Source of their own grapes of joy.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Not a Stranger

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Imagine God walking before you, believer, shining a light on your path and spreading seeds of joy in your path? Notice His steady steps as He shepherds you through trials and difficulties, through days of ease and happiness, comforting and blessing as you go. Love Me, He says, and keep my commandments so you can find your way (Matthew 22:37-40).

Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:11

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) Satan entices with temptations for success, wealth, prestige, or anything that makes you seem content. But God sets before you His Word of truth to give you liberty to do what will be most beneficial to you – and bring true contentment and joy in your heart.

Dr. Andrew Davis, Senior Pastor/Elder at First Baptist Church in Durham, NC, says, “Every time we choose to feed our hearts by the Word of God and heavenly meditation rather than to pursue worldly pleasures (even if lawful and not corrupt), we are expanding our capacity for heavenly joy.” Ask the Spirit to help you put sin to death. Discipline yourself for godliness. And pray the same for this nation and its leaders. Then joy will not be a stranger.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 97

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Presidential Prayer Team;  G.C.  – Twins

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Can you name all the twins in the Bible? When you get past Jacob and Esau, and Thomas and his unnamed sibling, also consider looking for spiritual twins. Consider how grace and mercy look similar…and then think about joy and generosity. Many believe generosity and joy are so deeply connected that neither can be understood fully apart from the other. Have you ever authentically given without feeling a quiet sense of joy? Or have you ever experienced great gladness without an element of another’s generosity?

And day by day…they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

Acts 2:46

The connection between joy and generosity is not only rooted throughout Scripture, it stands as the center piece of the gospel itself. Hebrews 12 describes Jesus as the most lavish gift giver of all time – in that He gave His perfect self to be sacrificed for sin, and He viewed His own generosity as a “joy set before him.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Could you use a bit more joy today? Look around. Discern the places or people in America that need your generosity. Pray for the courage to let go and give of your time and talents to meet the needs of others. Then get ready for a twin sighting, for joy is on its way.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15