Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Step by Step

April 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Watch the progression of faith. A poor, blind beggar waits in need. Jesus comes, makes mud with saliva and dirt, puts it on the man’s eyes, and sends him away to wash it off. In his first step of faith, he did as he was told and received sight.

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

John 9:25

It was a miracle – a divinely effected change. And yet the religious leaders of the times could not bring themselves to believe that Christ had the power to do this. Intense questioning and incontestable evidence made the once-blind man grow stronger in his replies until he himself realized that Jesus was of God – another step closer to knowing Him. Then Jesus sought him out and, in their conversation, spiritual darkness passed from his soul and he saw his salvation…the final step in his progression (John 9:35-38).

No amount of evidence changed the minds of the unbelieving enemies of Jesus. At times, it works the same today. But, with the blind man, now a happy worshipper, you can say with him, “Though I was blind, now I see.” Pray for this nation…that it may see.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The “I AM’s” of Jesus

April 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Moses asked God who should he say was sending him to Pharaoh’s court, God answered, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14) identifying Himself as the fully existent, eternal One. So when the Jewish skeptics asked Jesus to identify Himself and He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am,” they knew precisely Who He was claiming to be, and picked up stones to kill Him.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 8:58

Jesus also said of Himself, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the door” (John 10:9), “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11), “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and “I am the true vine” (John 15:1).

As Americans reject belief systems of any kind – and often seem to be engaged in an all-out war on Christianity – do you hold fast, as the old hymn says, to the “faith of our fathers, living still?” If you have never examined God’s claims on your life through Jesus Christ, won’t you consider that today? And for all who have, intercede for America’s leaders to find the “I AM” during this Easter season.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Spotlight

April 7, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Believe it or not, there is a contest for the most annoying celebrity of the year. In 2013, the competition was fierce between Kanye West and Miley Cyrus, with Justin Bieber not far behind. Each of these personalities was noted by contest developers for their exceptional effort in setting themselves up as royalty and demanding the world’s worship.

So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.”

John 7:16

Jesus is the complete opposite. When the learned people of His time began to take notice and even marvel at His teaching, He did not strive for more notoriety and attention. Instead, Christ shunned the spotlight, saying, “If you like what I’m telling you, let me introduce you to my magnificent Father.”

Now, as it was then, the world doesn’t know what to do with Jesus or His kind of humility. He is a heavenly king, but not one busy setting Himself up: rather, He is laying himself down, filling in the gap for mankind. Today, pray for America’s leaders. Plead that they will move past the glory of their own small spotlight and seek the wisdom of a Holy God and His humble Son.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Miracle Watching

April 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Paraglider Ewa Wisnierska took flight several winters ago and was suddenly sucked into a storm. She was pushed to heights of 32,000 feet – the cruising altitude of a jumbo jet – which caused her to lose consciousness. After floating aimlessly for over an hour, Wisnierska’s glider, heavy with ice, began its decent. On the way down, she regained consciousness…and landed safely! Her survival was a miracle in the midst of a storm.

Those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:33

Today’s verse tells of another miracle/storm combination. Jesus sent His disciples by boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. After spending time alone in prayer, He walked across the water in a storm to meet them. Scared by both the storm and the figure walking on the waves, they called out to their Lord. Peter even asked to join Him on the water. Upon realizing Jesus had command of the winds and the seas, the witnesses in the boat worshipped Christ as the Son of God.

Sometimes miracles come as the result of a storm. When America experiences turbulence, call out to God and watch for the miraculous. Rely on Him, and then pray for your nation’s leaders to recognize the true Son of God.

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

April 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

All of the Gospels share the story of Jesus instructing the disciples to feed a crowd of at least 5,000 people. Yet the disciples saw only five loaves of bread and two fish. Then the miracle of the multiplying of the loaves and fish took place: Christ prayed toward heaven, broke the food…and ultimately each of the apostles picked up a dozen basketfuls of leftover pieces. Amazing!

He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

Luke 9:16

Obviously, the disciples focused on what they lacked, but Jesus saw what they had. The apostles focused on the problem rather than on God. However, this impossible situation was simply an opportunity for the Lord to reveal His character and for Jesus to give the disciples the privilege to help meet the needs of the people.

Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Perhaps national events leave you feeling hopeless and helpless. However, your prayers can have a miraculous impact on many people. Faithfully intercede for receptive hearts among this country’s leaders. Be persistent and expectant. God will perform the miracles, but He can use you as a vessel!

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Open Invitation

April 4, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In a limited vocabulary, Dr. Seuss dealt with serious issues such as environmentalism (The Lorax), anti-authoritarianism (Yertle the Turtle) and racial quality (The Sneetches). The Sneetches describe prejudice between the plain-bellied and the star-bellied. Sadly, prejudice did not die with the successes of the civil rights movement over 50 years ago. Throughout the United States and the world, racial and cultural groups remain pitted against each other.

The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

John 4:14

When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for water, she was understandably surprised: Jews never spoke to Samaritans. He told her if she knew who He was, she’d ask for living water. And her sinful life did not prevent Him from speaking to her, either. When she perceived that He was a prophet, she asked Him where people should worship. He told her the Father was looking for genuine worshippers who worship in spirit and truth.

Do you have the same desire as the Father, to see all people come to repentance (II Peter 3:9)? Pray for Christians to lay down every prejudice so they can declare God’s love and salvation. Ask for all races and those in all types of sin to receive the living water found only in Jesus, and worship Him!

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Maximum Impact

April 3, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Presidents – and their advisors – are keenly aware of setting. When a big announcement is forthcoming, careful consideration is given to location and the need to leverage publicity. Take, for example, John F. Kennedy. When he accepted the democratic nomination for president in 1960, he gave his acceptance speech at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before 80,000 spectators. A big stage, a big audience, a big city…all calculated for maximum, nationwide impact.

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory.

John 2:11

Now consider the launch of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In the little nondescript town of Cana – archeologists today are uncertain where it even was – He performed his first miracle, and it involved the most frivolous of problems: a shortage of wine at a wedding. Not the greatest setting, it would seem…except that God may manifest His glory in the most unlikely of places, and often through the most unlikely of circumstances.

Are you waiting for some grand stage to share your testimony of God’s love? Don’t make that mistake. The time is right now, the place is right where you are. As you pray for America today, trust that He will use your humble commitment to deliver a maximum impact!

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Effective Workers

April 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Author Reuen Thomas wrote: “Every man on Earth is qualifying or disqualifying himself for other and higher work…every calling in life is intended by God to prepare a man for something higher than itself.” One of the great examples of this is Jesus’ bidding Andrew and Simon Peter to be His disciples. They were fishermen – not the most literate of men, but one’s whose character was not lacking.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19

Successful fishermen had to have skill and daring, patience to know when to wait and when to labor. They were hard workers able to endure privation and fatigue. Jesus knew what it took…to be fishers of men. And yet, to be effective, these fishermen spent three years with their Master – so they could hear His words and see His example.

Dear one, in the commonness of your everyday life, there is purpose. Spend time in God’s Word. If you have accepted Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit is in you. Trust Him for guidance so you can obey His directing – using your abilities to the best advantage – qualifying you for something higher. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders that they also may follow Jesus and be effective workers for Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Jesus, the Lamb of God

April 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Doubtless distressed, Abraham chose to be obedient to the perplexing command of the Lord that he should sacrifice the son he loved, Isaac. When the young man asked where the sacrificial animal was, the King James Version says it best, “God will provide Himself a lamb.” (Genesis 22:8) The patriarch had hope that God would make some provision in the immediacy of the moment, and He did. But his prophecy, that God would provide Himself as sin’s atonement, only came as John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) God made flesh became the final sacrifice.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.

John 1:14

In this season of introspection in preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, take the time to reflect on the awful price sin demands. For Abraham, he thought he would lose his son; for God the Father, His Son – the provided Lamb – died to atone for the sins of the whole world.

Although mentioning sin is politically incorrect, pray for the men and women holding America’s governmental power to believe that they, too, were included in that final sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – A Greater Trust

March 31, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Three-year-old Zoe was listening to her preschool teacher discuss transportation. When her teacher said that boats go on water but people can’t, Zoe raised her hand. “No!” Zoe exclaimed. “Jesus can walk on water!”

We have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people.

I Timothy 4:10

The book of Matthew describes Jesus’ water-walking miracle as an example of faith to His disciples. Yet when Peter started walking on the water toward the Lord, he began to sink. While Peter wasn’t as successful, he was willing to take a risk at Jesus’ invitation. Peter just forgot to keep his eyes of faith on the One who would never let him drown.

Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” What is God asking you to do that requires a greater trust in Him than you have ever demonstrated? Ask the Lord to give you the faith of a little child like Zoe as you remember His promise to never leave you. Pray also that America’s leaders would be willing to step out of the boat and make choices that honor God.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Written by You

March 30, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

What’s your favorite song these days? Do you know who wrote it? It can be surprising the moment you realize a current chart topper was actually written a generation ago by a Broadway composer. For many songwriters, creating a new work has less to do with a catchy tune than it does with finding just the right words to express someone or something that seems too elusive for language.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!

Psalms 98:1

You try it: take a moment right now and identify two or three words that would exactly describe what God is doing in your life today. Say these words out loud, then close your eyes and offer the phrase back to the Lord as a testimony. You’ve just written a new song! Surprisingly, this kind of song has nothing to do with your singing ability…yet, to God, it is a wonderful melody.

People of faith, clear your throat, square your shoulders and share your song with America today. Tell anyone and everyone that you are witness to a magnificent God doing great things. Sing – sing YOUR song to all who will listen today.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – The Big Reveal

March 29, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A reality show where contestants compete to lose weight is so popular in the United States, 25 other countries decided to start versions of the show. Participants make dramatic lifestyle changes and lose large amounts of weight. At the final big reveal, final contestants show off their whole body makeovers with stylish clothes and hairstyles.

The new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

Today’s passage speaks of a similar makeover – one where you put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossian 3:8) Instead, you are encouraged to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) You are a new creation.

How easy it is to get mad and irritated just trying to get through traffic on the way to work. Then there are those people who rub you the wrong way. Before letting nasty words fly, stop and pray. Ask God to help you become more Christ-like in your thoughts, words and actions. Pray, too, for the others in your workplace as well as all who work in government offices, including our nation’s leaders. Ask God to have a “big reveal” in all of you.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Bloom Where You’re Planted

March 28, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A little girl playing in a garden noticed a beautiful flower planted in a rough soil patch. “A flower this pretty shouldn’t be in such messy dirt,” she thought. She pulled the flower up by its roots and washed it, but the flower wilted and died. The gardener, upset by what happened, asked her why. She replied she didn’t like the flower in the dirt, to which the gardener explained it needed to be in that “dirty” soil so it could grow into one of his finest flowers.

In whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

I Corinthians 7:24

In today’s verse, Paul was addressing the church at Corinth. Because Christianity seemed revolutionary at the time, some were ready to change or abandon their current situations. Paul reminded them to remain where God had placed them and to live for Jesus there.

Today, Christians are called to do the same. Happiness and success don’t depend on who you are in the world, but on who you are in Christ. Don’t imagine if you were in a different situation it would be easier to follow God. Instead, seek to exhibit your faith in your everyday calling. Pray, too, for America’s leaders who know Christ as Lord to remain firm in their faith in God.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – A Convincing Witness

March 27, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He gave you a book more valuable than any other…one that speaks to every condition of human life. It can cheer your heart, inspire you with hope, comfort you in times of affliction, convict you of sin, assure you of salvation, and prompt you to recall lessons learned in order to meet challenges in the future.

I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalms 71:18

It is God’s Word – revealing His character and love for you. Psalm 71 speaks specifically to those advancing in years and experiencing the infirmities of age. But it also teaches you even if you aren’t in that stage of life. Its lesson is that if you live your life as a disciple of Christ, you can have close fellowship with the Lord. He knew you before you were born, and He will continue to be your rock, your fortress and your refuge (Psalm 71:1-3, 5-6).

As Bible commentator W. Graham Scroggins wrote, “Despondency need not go with decrepitude…a many-wintered saint should be a convincing witness for God.” Proclaim God’s goodness to this generation and the next as He works through your experiences of life. Then pray for this nation and its leaders that they may value the Bible and live by it.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Spring Cleaning

March 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

There must be a couple dozen Complete Guides to Spring Cleaning available on the Internet. Most are lists upon lists as they go from room to room, dusting, washing, refreshing, sorting, eliminating, scrubbing, and all the things that both exhaust and exhilarate. Spring cleaning goes deeper and is more intentional than regular day-to-day tidying up. But the renewed sparkle and freshness is reward in itself.

Be renewed in the spirit of your minds.

Ephesians 4:23

Renewing the spirit of your minds is a lot like spring cleaning. You may already have a daily routine in your prayer and Bible-reading times. Your Christian life is tidy. Then ask yourself: When did you last dive deep into a Bible study, letting hours lapse as you engaged your mind with God’s Word? Or when did your last prayer time leave you simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated?

Find a time this season to commit to an intentional time of clearing out the spiritual cobwebs and securing renewal for yourself in the Lord. You’ll be surprised at your own personal sparkle and freshness as a result. Meanwhile, don’t let down your guard as you pray for America’s leaders, many of whom have never acknowledged their own need to renew the spirits of their minds in Christ Jesus.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Eternal Verities

March 25, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Establishing common ground using mutual interests, such as sports or literature, can spark conversations. The Apostle Paul brought new ideas to Athens. Though he was called a “babbler,” the philosophers of the day still wanted to hear about the strange things he was teaching (Acts 17:19-20).

May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

Acts 17:19

It could have proven difficult for Paul. Myriads of idols covered the city, more than in the whole of Greece. But among them all, one stood out with the inscription, “To the unknown god.” (Acts 17:23) It was at that point that Paul began to explain who the true Creator God is – and Jesus His Son who had died and rose again. Sadly, Scripture states that only a few believed. As Paul Kretzmann wrote in his commentary, “The world of letters in our days has changed in appearance, but not in kind. The eternal verities of the Bible are despised…but every new theory of true and false science is…all too often set up as an irrefutable law.”

Share the Good News. It may be a new beginning for one who struggles to know the truth. Then pray for those who lead the nation – that they may open their hearts to the teaching of God’s Word.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Hope with Authority

March 24, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Where would you be without hope? There would be no purpose for living, no word of comfort in time of death. That is why Jesus’ words in today’s verse have so much meaning. “I am the resurrection and the life.” They’re words spoken by the giver of truth; words to be believed!

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

John 11:25

They’re also words given with authority and power, exemplified three times by His raising the dead to life – the young man from Nain, Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus (Luke 7:11-15, Luke 8:49-56, John 11:1-44). More convincing still was His own resurrection, the historical proof of which cannot be overturned. This is the truth upon which His church has been founded. Because you believe, though you will die, yet you shall live…because He lives!

On this Palm Sunday as you enter Holy Week, remember the gravity of your sin and the intense suffering of your Lord. Remember also that Jesus’ resurrection gives you hope for your life.

Intercede now for those who know not this joy and purpose for living – leaders of this nation, neighbors and friends. Then give thanks for the life you have in Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Renewed Hope

March 23, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Hide and Seek was a popular game in the past, and is still a favorite. It’s fun and fascinating to find something hidden, but one thing that shouldn’t be concealed is His Word and His works (Psalm 78:4). The only place you should hide the Word is in your heart (Psalm 119:11).

That the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn.

Psalms 78:6

Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to remember the things He has done for them. Remembering strengthens your faith, helps you keep on serving the Lord and renews your hope. Memorialize what He has done for you by marking it down in some way. Remind your family and friends of all the prayers He answered so they may know God is real and great, worthy to be adored, obeyed and praised.

It’s easy to pick up a newspaper or read online news and despair about the country’s condition. But don’t forget, the Lord still answers prayers, rescues, heals and performs miracles today. Take hope in God about the most concerning needs in your life and family, and then seek His face for this country, its leaders, troops and citizens.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Priority Transformation

March 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

President Ronald Reagan’s diary entries during the week of March 23, 1981 contain some rather pedestrian entries recording typical duties of a Chief Executive. Reagan held meetings to discuss a grain embargo, the political situation in Namibia, the possible resignation of a key aide, and he hosted representatives of the March of Dimes. But on the following Monday, March 30, the President was on the receiving end of an assassin’s bullet. In his diary entry for that day – presumably penned a few days later – Reagan writes about how fortunate he was to be alive, closing with this: “Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve Him in every way I can.”

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:3

In your life as a follower of Christ, there must be a moment when you realize that your purpose on Earth is not to be self-serving. Perhaps it came in one shattering moment, as it did with Reagan. Maybe it came with the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps it will be today that you begin living with the knowledge that you owe your life to God.

As you intercede for America’s leaders, pray that serving the Lord will be their highest priority.

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

March 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

How big is your God? It’s difficult for people on Earth to grasp the width, depth, complexity or immensity of any part of God’s nature. But four-year-old Colton Burpo is an exception.

Though you do not now see him, you believe in him.

I Peter 1:8

Colton was rushed into emergency surgery due to a ruptured appendix. The infection still raged, requiring another surgery. Four days after the second surgery, the Burpos’ church gathered to pray for Colton. The doctor was speechless. Within 12 hours, Colton was skipping down the hall of the hospital. One nurse said, “There has to be a God because this is a miracle!”

Soon Colton revealed that during the surgery he went to Heaven and sat in Jesus’ lap. In Heaven, Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom he was never told about, and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before he was born. One day, Colton told his dad, “God is the biggest one there is. And He really, really loves us, Dad, you can’t belieeeeve how much He loves us!”

The Creator of the Universe wants you to know Him intimately. Spend time daily reading God’s Word and meditating on His incredible love for you. Pray also for the nation’s leaders to discover God’s limitless love for them.

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