Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Need a Miracle?

April 27, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

It was the ninth hour, the time Jews flocked to the temple for the evening sacrifice. Peter and John headed there for prayer. And then there was the beggar – lame in both feet since birth, carried everywhere he needed to go, never having walked or leaped or even stood – there he was soliciting alms just to live. In need of miraculous assistance, he could symbolize fallen man…born by nature into sin and in need of a miracle.

Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Acts 3:6

Peter gave him what he needed – healing in the name of Jesus Christ. The power of God through signs performed by the apostles was meant to present the message of His grace, to communicate the person and the work of the Lord Jesus. The healing of the lame beggar gave them a chance to do just that.

What opportunities do you have to tell of God’s goodness, His grace, and His saving love in your life? There is power in the Word. Be willing to share it. Intercede for President Obama and other leaders that they may realize their fallen nature and seek the miracle of Christ.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – We Are Family

April 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The Sister Sledge song, “We are Family,” includes the line, “The people around us they say, ‘Can they be that close?’” The early church was! Very possibly people around them asked the same question, as they showed they were of one mind, one accord, one faith and one worship! Moreover, they also looked after one another materially. Their fellowship promoted spiritual growth, mutual accountability, and bearing one another’s burdens. Sharing was a way of life.

And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 2:44

Are you involved in a fellowship among Christians? Whether a large church or small, or a neighborhood Bible study and prayer group, what do people say about you? Do they ask, “How can you all be so close?” You probably have ways of sharing among yourselves: pot luck dinners, special programs. But how are you at sharing with others? Do you feed the hungry, hold blood bank drives, a prison ministry? The old saying of, “They won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” is especially true for Christians.

Pray today for your participation in a sharing, caring group. Pray for churches to take on programs like My Brother’s Keeper…so the government won’t have to!

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – When God Shows Up

April 25, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When you think of God’s character qualities, love, holiness and power might come to mind. Yet His character also encompasses joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and all were manifested at the Day of Pentecost in Acts.

I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Acts 2:17

God showed His love and joy to Peter and anointed his sermon, and kindness when each person heard the truth in their own language. He manifested self-control when He didn’t strike down those who mocked the apostles; patience in waiting hundreds of years to pour out His Spirit as prophesied in Joel; and faithfulness in sending Jesus according to His foreknowledge, then peace with His promise that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. There was gentleness when Peter declared God’s salvation to those who were broken over crucifying Christ. When 3,000 people accepted Jesus as Lord that day, the totality of God’s loving character was fully displayed.

Pray for spiritual revival in this nation and that many will receive God and produce His fruit in their lives.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Slowly and Deliberately

April 24, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The Mount of Olives – it was there Jesus and the disciples spent time in quiet and peace away from the crowds. It was where He agonized in prayer before being betrayed by Judas. And now, in that same place with their eyes fixed upon Jesus, the disciples received final instructions from their resurrected Savior.

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

Acts 1:11

As He blessed them (Luke 24:50), He was lifted up into the heavens. Not in a whirlwind and chariot of fire as Elijah (II Kings 2:11), but slowly and deliberately. The disciples had time to realize that their Teacher had come in bodily form to put away sin through the sacrifice of Himself. Now He was ascending into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Someday, He will come again in the same manner, bodily and visibly. In joy, the disciples worshipped their Lord and preached the message of salvation everywhere (Mark 16:20).

It is true – Christ will return! In the meantime, pray for those who have yet to believe. Intercede for this nation and its leaders that they may know the Savior…for they shall see Him when He comes again.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Go Fish

April 23, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

There was a television account of a man who caught the biggest fish in American history. A school for fishermen invited him to teach others how to catch fish like that. He soon was writing books on how to fish and even appearing on late night talk shows, until he had no time for fishing anymore. Unlike the man who fishes for fun, the one who fishes for his dinner takes his task much more seriously – selecting the right bait, properly preparing his equipment, observing the motion of the water, and patiently waiting for the hook to set.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

Jesus still calls His people to be “fishers of men.” Your instruction book – the Bible – is there; you are properly equipped through a close walk with the Lord and through prayer; and then you watch for the opportunities and boldly share with others. Once “caught,” you are ready to disciple that person, teaching him or her to fish also!

Be ready always to witness to the hope that you have in Christ (I Peter 3:15) and pray that you will be a reliable fisher of men. Pray for those in Congress to do likewise.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Miraculous Music

April 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Country singer George Strait has a song with the lyrics, “Ain’t it funny how a melody can bring back a memory.” It’s true…music stirs memories.

He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

Exodus 15:1

Today’s verse is the first song recorded in Scripture, and the event it details is an important memory for not only the Jewish people, but for Christians as well. It was sung by Moses and Miriam on the shore of the Red Sea just after the Israelites escaped from Egypt. They were saved from their enemies as they crossed through the divided water on dry ground and God destroyed Pharaoh’s army with that same water. The people sang praise to the Lord for their deliverance and expressed their faith in Him as their strength and protector. Jewish people still celebrate this event today on the last day of Passover. This song is included in reading of the scriptures causing the people to remember the great things the God has done for them.

Just as He performed miraculous wonders for the nation of Israel, the Lord has done the same for the United States of America. Take time today to ask – or perhaps even sing – for God to “Shed His Grace” on this nation once again.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – A True Choice

April 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Ever played the Trust Game? If you’ve been to a youth group gathering, you probably have at some point. One person crosses their arms, closes their eyes and falls backwards – utterly depending on the person standing behind to catch them. It’s all a matter of trust. Do you believe the person can and will break your fall?

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

John 20:29

Thomas didn’t believe. Jesus appeared to the disciples while Thomas wasn’t around. Christ told them He would return. So when his friends said they’d seen Jesus, it shouldn’t have been a shock to Thomas. But he wanted proof. “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25) In today’s verse, the Lord praises people who believe and have never seen the holes in His hands.

Trusting in God isn’t a game. It isn’t something you try once just to say you did. Choose to truly believe in Him daily. Pray for the Lord to strengthen your faith and that of your fellow Americans. Then pray for your country’s leaders to trust Him as well.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Easter Hope

April 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

For many people, Easter is all about colored eggs, jelly beans and baskets. However, inside their hearts several feel as hopeless and hollow as a chocolate bunny.

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.

Matthew 28:6

It’s probably similar to how Jesus’ followers felt when He died on the cross and left them. Yet the most surprising event of their lives occurred when the two women encountered the angel at Jesus’ empty tomb. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Jesus is alive. Now go tell others!” Imagine the hope and joy the women experienced when they saw Christ again as they grasped His feet and worshipped Him.

Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) Rejoice that your heart is no longer empty, but filled with the hope of Easter – today and every day. Then listen to the angel’s advice and tell others about what the Lord has done in your life. Through your words and actions, let them know that Jesus is alive and promises the only hope for them, now and for all eternity. Pray, too, that your local and national leaders who follow Jesus will have the courage to tell others in government about their risen Lord!

Charles Spurgeon – The uses of the law

April 19, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Wherefore then serveth the law?” Galatians 3:19

Suggested Further Reading: Proverbs 26:12-16

I find that the proudest and most self-righteous people are those who do nothing at all, and have no shadow of pretence for any opinion of their own goodness. The old truth in the book of Job is true now. You know in the beginning of the book of Job it is said, “The oxen were ploughing, and the asses were feeding beside them.” That is generally the way in this world. The oxen are ploughing in the church —we have some who are labouring hard for Christ—and the asses are feeding beside them, on the finest livings and the fattest of the land. These are the people who have so much to say about self-righteousness. What do they do? They do not do enough to earn a living, and yet they think they are going to earn heaven. They sit down and fold their hands, and yet they are so reverently righteous, because they sometimes dole out a little in charity. They do nothing, and yet boast of self-righteousness. And with Christian people it is the same. If God makes you laborious, and keeps you constantly engaged in his service, you are less likely to be proud of your self-righteousness than you are if you do nothing. But at all times there is a natural tendency to it. Therefore, God has written the law, that when we read it we may see our faults; that when we look into it, as into a looking-glass, we may see the impurities in our flesh, and have reason to abhor ourselves in sackcloth and ashes, and still cry to Jesus for mercy. Use the law in this fashion, and in no other.

For meditation: The more we learn, the more we realise how little we know; the more we do, the more we realise how little we do; the holier we become, the more we realise how unholy we are. Being sluggish is most unsuitable for the Christian (Hebrews 6:10-12).

Sermon no. 128

19 April (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Drawing Near Daily Devotional

April 19, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Thinking Biblically

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8).

God is concerned about the way you think. That’s why Paul said, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). In Philippians 4:8 he instructs us to think about that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and praiseworthy.

When Jesus spoke of a pure heart in Matthew 5:8, He was talking about sanctified thinking. The Greek word translated “heart” is kardia, from which we get the word cardiac. While we often relate heart to the emotions (e.g., “He has a broken heart”), the Bible relates it primarily to the intellect (e.g., “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders”; Matt. 15:19). That’s why you must “watch over your heart with all diligence” (Prov. 4:23).

In a secondary way, however, heart relates to the will and emotions because they are influenced by the intellect. If you are committed to something, it will affect your will, which in turn will affect your emotions.

The Greek word translated “pure” in Matthew 5:8 means “to cleanse.” In the moral sense it speaks of being free from the filth of sin. It also refers to something that is unmixed, unalloyed, or unadulterated. Spiritual integrity and sincere motives are appropriate applications of its meaning to the Christian life.

Jesus was saying the kingdom citizen is blessed because he or she has pure thoughts and pure motives that together produce holy living. Someone might say he’s religious and has pure motives, but if his behavior isn’t righteous, his heart isn’t fixed on God. Similarly, you can go to church, carry a Bible, and recite verses, but if your heart isn’t clean, you haven’t met God’s standard.

You must do the will of God from a pure heart (Eph. 6:6). Toward that end, make David’s prayer yours as well: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).

Suggestions for Prayer: Memorize Psalm 19:14 and make it a part of your daily prayers.

For Further Study: Read the following verses, noting the characteristics of a pure heart: Psalm 9:1, 26:2, 27:8, 28:7, and 57:7.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – An Act of Kindness

April 19, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When you think of Bible heroes, names like Noah, Moses, Joseph, David and Paul immediately come to mind. You may not think of Joseph of Arimathea – yet all four Gospels record what he did and the type of man he was.

Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone.

Luke 23:53

Joseph, a rich and prominent member of the Jewish council, did not consent to execute Jesus, but followed Christ secretly. He was good and righteous and waited for the kingdom of God. He boldly went to Pilate and asked to be given the crucified body of Christ. Joseph and Nicodemus (of John 3:16 fame) took it down from the cross, wrapped it in linen with a mixture of spices, put it in Joseph’s rock tomb, and sealed it with a big stone.

When you consider the size and population of the Earth and the wide span of time, you may wonder about the significance of an individual, let alone an act of kindness. Like God remembered Joseph of Arimathea, He notices when you sacrifice something to help someone, including the time it takes you to pray for the nation. Serve your Lord and praise Him for using you.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Soldier Worth Saving

April 18, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Not long before he was assassinated on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln sat down in his White House office to attend to some paperwork. Before him was an appeal on behalf of a soldier who had been convicted of desertion – a firing squad offense. During the Civil War, Lincoln had approved 267 death sentences for military crimes, but this day would be different. “Well,” Lincoln said as he wrote out a pardon, “I think the boy can do us more good above ground than under ground.”

And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.

Mark 15:37

On the first Good Friday, Jesus made much the same decision for you. He ignored all the evidence of your failures…and determined that yours was a life worth saving. Little is known about what became of the deserter and other soldiers whose lives were redeemed by President Lincoln, but surely they greeted each new morning with profound gratitude. What if you lived every day as if you had been pardoned; spent every hour as a gift that could never be repaid?

As you pray today, thank God for His sacrifice and ask Him to help you “do more good” for your loved ones, your friends, and your nation.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Know the Light

April 17, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Jesus needed rest, He and the disciples stole away from the crowds, many times to the quiet, olive tree-laden hillside of the Garden of Gethsemane. The night of Judas’ betrayal was different.

If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Matthew 26:39

The chosen 11 were with Him, but Jesus already felt heaviness and sorrow, even unto death, and wanted the three closest to Him to go further and “sit…and watch with me.” But even they could not appreciate His severe suffering…His profound sense of the evil of sin resting upon Him. His God-nature wanted to obey the will of His Father. Conflict with the man-nature made Him ask, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” The extreme passion of the moment was lost on the disciples. They slept as He agonized. Jesus was alone with grief so intense it was beyond human knowledge.

After repeated prayer, Christ stepped forward. Knowing the Father’s answer, and with resolute fortitude and tranquility, He accepted the darkness and trials to come – so He could be your Light forever. Pray now for those in darkness, including your leaders in this nation, that they may know and love the true Light of the world.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – A Title and a Towel

April 16, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Nowadays when you travel and arrive at the home of your host, you’d be surprised if you were met at the door with a basin of water and told, “Welcome. Let me wash your feet.” But during Jesus’ time when people walked dusty roads in sandals, dirty feet were washed upon entering someone’s home. Occasionally, one would do it for himself; at other times, the host would assist. When the household employed servants, it would be their job.

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master.

John 13:16

When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, the Teacher and Lord set aside His titles to don a towel, illustrating the lowly position of servant hood that each of His followers would be required to assume. Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday, a time when some churches observe a foot-washing ceremony. Would you be willing to set aside your pride and wrap yourself in a towel of humility that you might serve others? As you recall the sacrifice that Jesus knew He was facing, what sacrifice are you willing to make to show others your faith?

Take time to pray for your adherence to the commands of Christ, and for those in Washington to consider their own personal response to His sacrifice.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – National Heritage

April 15, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In the last decade, genealogy websites have reported astounding growth. One of the most popular, Ancestry.com, reports over one billion user names and conservatively estimates having four billion names on record. Obviously, a great many people worldwide are wondering, “How did I get here?”

Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel.

Exodus 12:31

From Bible times to today, Hebrew people relate their national heritage to their children by telling the fascinating story of how their ancestors moved out of Egyptian slavery into a promised land. During Passover season the story is related along with ceremonial observations based around family and food. It’s an important time and most adults believe it is a great blessing to prepare the next generation for its place on Earth by explaining the past in rich detail.

People of faith, pray today for young people in America. Whatever you are doing to observe this season of spiritual significance, do not neglect to teach the next generation about what has made the United States a country blessed by God. Do your part to help them understand how this nation got here – and how belief in Jesus Christ is the only hope for America’s future.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – The Foreseen Future

April 14, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Many Americans wonder what tomorrow holds for the country and themselves. Where is the nation heading? What will happen to the economy? Who will win the next election? Will I be happy and prosperous? Humans long to know the future so much that psychic hotlines have become a multimillion-dollar industry. People fail to realize while they may not know the details, their future can be certain…if they look to the Scriptures to God’s plan.

Jesus took bread…broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

Matthew 26:26

In today’s passage, Jesus and the disciples were celebrating the Passover Feast. Jesus used this meal as a prediction of what He was about to do for all mankind; sacrifice Himself. Passover was the commemoration of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In the new covenant, it would become a symbol of Jesus delivering men from the slavery and penalty of sin through His death and resurrection. Those who believe can know their future is secure.

Are you concerned about your future or the country’s destiny? Know God is in control. As you pray today, ask the Lord to direct you and the nation’s leaders to follow His ultimate plan.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Keep Shouting

April 13, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Thousands of frenzied fans made it almost impossible for the Beatles to get inside their venue whenever they came to town. Screaming admirers went to great lengths for even a glimpse of the Fab Four. When musical acts opened for the group, the volume of the audience was so great the bands couldn’t be heard. When you are passionate about something, you can’t help but share your excitement with others.

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!

Luke 19:38

In today’s verse, Jesus’ triumphal entry was also an exciting moment. He rode in on a donkey while onlookers laid their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Him and screamed praises. When the Pharisees told Christ to quiet His followers, He told them, “If these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40) Now imagine the throngs of people joined together in worship at Jesus Second Coming, and the shouts of exultation that glorious day.

Rejoice! Give thanks this Palm Sunday for the one and only Son of God. Read today’s verse out loud as a praise to your King. Ask God to strengthen your witness as you lead others to become disciples of Christ. Then pray for your nation and its leaders to turn to God before Jesus returns.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Sweet Aroma

April 12, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper, a woman named Mary approached Him with a long-necked alabaster jar of costly perfume. This fragrant oil, made of pure nard, was considered a luxury item. Mary opened the jar and anointed the perfume over Jesus’ head. The house was filled with the sweet aroma of the ointment. However, some people in the room considered it an expensive waste – but not Jesus. He praised Mary for her sacrificial act of worship as she poured out her love for Him.

Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

Mark 14:6

Worshipping Christ means a willingness to sacrifice what is most precious. David understood this as he wrote, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2) He described his prayers as fragrant smoke that floats up to God’s throne like the offerings he presented on the altar in the Tabernacle.

As pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father each day, visualize your prayers as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Remember this, also, as you unselfishly intercede for your local and national leaders.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Remember the Point

April 11, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Easter approaches – a time when people celebrate Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Dwelling on spring flowers, colored eggs and Easter bunnies may seem sacrilegious to some, while others may find it difficult to focus on spiritual truths when there’s so much else going on.

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

John 11:43

Mary and Martha provide prime examples. Mary was commended for listening to Jesus when her sister Martha got upset about needing help with meal preparations. Later, their brother Lazarus dies, and it’s Martha who has first contact with Jesus, then brings Mary to Him. A lot was happening at that time, too; the Passover season, their brother’s funeral, and threats on Christ’s life. But Jesus directed their attention to Him as the resurrection and the life…and raised Lazarus from the tomb.

On Easter, you might have fun with your children surprising them with a basketful of goodies, but as is pointed out at Christmas, don’t forget the reason for the season. Point your loved ones to the One who died on the cross, rose from the dead and promises eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16). Then pray the leaders and citizens of this nation will see past chicks and chocolates to Jesus.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Persistent Pursuit

April 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

An employee of an Ohio store was recently fired for chasing a thief into the parking lot. A company spokesman explained it this way: “No merchandise or other asset is worth risking the life of our associates or customers, which is why we have a strict policy against pursuing a shoplifter in a manner that creates a safety risk for anyone.” Although most people would consider the store’s response unduly harsh, it is understandable they wouldn’t want someone to be killed or injured trying to recover a product of nominal value.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Something else of nominal value: sheep. In America today, a sheep can be purchased for $300 or less, and in ancient times—though important for their wool and meat—an individual sheep wouldn’t be worth dying over. That’s the power of the analogy in today’s scripture. Perhaps you consider yourself of limited value, or even feel useless. Jesus says you are worthy of His ultimate sacrifice. His death on the cross proved He was willing to pursue you at all costs.

Today, ask God to help you see others – including those with whom you disagree – as He sees them: worth every sacrifice to bring into the fold.

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