Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Just Right

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Max Lucado

When my daughter was small, she wrote a song for me. From a musical standpoint, everything was wrong with it. The lyrics didn’t rhyme. The rhythm was off.  Technically the song was a failure. But for me, the song was a masterpiece. Why? Because she wrote it for me. What dad wouldn’t like that? What father wouldn’t bask in the praise of even an off-key adulation?

Ideally, when we approach God, our motive and the way we sing is as strong as the reason we sing. The words are just right; our worship is as attractive as it is sincere. But many times it isn’t. Many times our worship is less than what we want it to be. “Lord, help!”

“You will search for me,” God declared. “And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will let you find me” (Jeremiah 29:13).  What a promise!

From And The Angels Were Silent

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Start Digging

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Treasure. Whether it is a high-tech underwater expedition or one person combing the beach with a metal detector, people have been seeking it for years. One treasure hunter discovered a huge stash of 52,000 Roman coins buried in a field in southwest England. These ancient silver and bronze coins dated from the third century A.D. are valued at $5 million!

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

Job 23:12

It’s easy to dream about finding similar riches. However, Psalm 119:162 says, “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” The Bible is God’s treasure chest. As you earnestly pursue His wisdom, you will find precious truths worth more than any silver or gold. As you discover the hidden gems of God’s Word, you will find the presence, power and peace of Jesus Christ.

Ask the Lord to give you a hunger for His Word that’ll keep you wanting more, and start digging for His treasure as you spend time reading your Bible. As you do, you will fall more in love with the One who loves you unconditionally. Pray also for your nation’s leaders – that they will discover the truths stored in God’s Word and apply them daily to their lives.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:161-168

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Keep from Crashing

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Rules. All nations have them. They can differ from place to place, time to time. Some are fair, others are outright criminal. But civilization needs them. Can you imagine trying to drive in a city without traffic laws? Likewise, obeying God’s rules for living will keep you from the crashes in life.

Because you listen to these rules…the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant.

Deuteronomy 7:12

Take, for example, the Ten Commandments. They enable you to take life’s journey in confidence and with peace of mind. Love God; don’t love idols; honor His name; keep the Sabbath; obey your parents; don’t murder; be faithful to your spouse; don’t steal, don’t lie, and be content with what you have. Wouldn’t the nation be transformed if everyone dedicated their lives to following these rules?

Jesus boiled the Ten Commandments down to only two. Love God and love others (Mark 12:29-31). Begin by listing practical things you can do this year to obey these two basic commands. Perhaps you could start a “pay it forward project” by doing random acts of kindness. Then pray for this nation that there will be a revival of loving and obeying the Lord among its people and their leaders.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 5:6-21

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Resolve To Resolve

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Our Daily Bread

Romans 14:1-13

Resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. —Romans 14:13

I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions since 1975. I haven’t needed any new ones—I’m still working on old ones like these: write at least a short note in my journal every day; make a strong effort to read my Bible and pray each day; organize my time; try to keep my room clean (this was before I had a whole house to keep clean).

This year, however, I am adding a new resolution that I found in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (14:13). Although this resolution is old (about 2,000 years), it is one that we should renew annually. Like believers in Rome centuries ago, believers today sometimes make up rules for others to follow and insist on adherence to certain behaviors and beliefs that the Bible says little or nothing about. These “stumbling blocks” make it difficult for followers of Jesus to continue in the way of faith that He came to show us—that salvation is by grace not works (Gal. 2:16). It requires only that we trust in His death and resurrection for forgiveness.

We can celebrate this good news of Christ in the coming year by resolving not to set up hurdles that cause people to stumble. —Julie Ackerman Link

Thank You, Lord, that You sent the Holy Spirit

to do the work of convincing and convicting.

May I be content with my own assignment:

to do what leads to peace and edification.

Faith is the hand that receives God’s gift, then faith is the feet that walk with God.

Bible in a year: Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:1-22

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Zero Chance

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The “failure rate” is an engineering term which describes how often a system or component fails. Manufacturers perform extensive calculations to determine product reliability, and what the financial fallout will be from a failure. In 1970, Ford Motor Company executives discovered a flaw in the design their new model, the Pinto. The fix to the problem would cost $113 million, but managers chose to do nothing after calculating the failure rate – in this case, a situation involving an exploding fuel tank – would only cost $50 million in damage claims. But the callous decision to do nothing ignored the real toll in human suffering, and when it was uncovered, an avalanche of lawsuits followed.

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

Psalm 119:140

Everything orchestrated by human hands has a failure rate. Not so with the things of the Lord. And though you may be just one of six billion people on the planet, to God you are so much more than a statistic. His promises are for you – for you! – and they have been “well tried” through the ages by countless other believers. Failure rate? Zero!

Today, trust in God that He will still do great things through your prayers for America and its leaders, and entrust yourself completely to His promises.

Recommended Reading: I Kings 8:54-61

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Happy in Jesus

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John Sammis gave up his life as a businessman and part-time YMCA worker to study for the ministry. In 1880, he was ordained and pastored several churches. In his later years, Sammis taught at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. Together with Daniel Towner, he wrote more than 100 hymns. One of his most well-known pieces is still sung today in congregations around the world. In it, Sammis wrote: “Trust and obey / for there’s no other way / to be happy in Jesus / but to trust and obey.”

Showing steadfast love to…those who love me and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:6

When God’s own finger engraved the Ten Commandments into stone, He indicated in the midst of them that those who love Him will keep His commandments. Yet it seems many nowadays have renounced God’s laws, no longer even calling them the “Ten Suggestions.” Who among you can say you’ve kept all of His commandments? While obedience may be lacking, the Sammis lyrics remind you that trusting is the other half of happiness in Jesus; trusting Him to forgive you, lead you, inspire you, and love you forever.

When you intercede for America’s leaders today, pray that they will find and know Jesus through both trust and obedience…and therefore experience His steadfast love.

Recommended Reading: Exodus 20:1-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – An Everlasting Presence

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The Old Testament people of God could approach Him in the temple or the tabernacle. But the New Testament emphasis shifts from God dwelling with His people to His dwelling in them.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Colossians 3:16

Two Greek words are used to convey this thought. The first tells that God settles down in the hearts of His people. It is now the personality of the believer that is the residence filled with His living presence. The second word communicates the establishment of permanent residence. Not an occasional visit; God’s is an everlasting presence. This ideal condition involves letting the Word of Christ dwell in you…not just His sayings, but the entire book of Scripture. Studying it daily will provide a guide to wisdom and a life filled with abundant comfort and strength. God’s Word will help you fully know the wonderful Savior that abides in you. Your heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving for all Christ has done for you.

Allow the Lord to speak to you each day of the year through the words of the Bible. Then intercede for the people and leaders of this nation that they will not reject God’s Word, but will come to know its wisdom and truth.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Serving the Supreme One

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John MacArthur

God exalted Christ “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet” (Eph. 1:21-22).

Yesterday we saw that Christ has both an exalted name and an exalted, authoritative position. In verses 21-22 Paul elaborates on the extent of Christ’s authority, which is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.”

“Rule,” “authority,” “power,” and “dominion” are designations for angelic beings, whether good or evil (cf. Eph. 6:12; Col. 1:16). In His incarnation Christ was made lower in rank than the angels that He might suffer death on our behalf (Heb. 2:9). Now He has “become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they” (Heb. 1:4), and the Father commands all the angels to worship the Son (v. 6).

But Christ’s rule extends far beyond angelic beings. In Ephesians 1:21 the phrase “every name that is named” is a general reference to any form of authority–whether angelic or human, eternal or temporal. Now and forever Christ is the Supreme One! Ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

The implications of that truth are staggering. For example Christ precedes the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, the heart of Christian evangelism and discipleship, with this significant statement: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Ultimately your evangelism and discipleship efforts will bear fruit because they are backed by the authority of Christ Himself. Does that encourage you to seize every opportunity to share Christ and His Word with others? It should!

Be faithful today, realizing that you represent the One in whom lies all authority. Nothing can thwart His purposes.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to a lost soul or anyone else you can encourage from the Word. Be sensitive to His leading.

For Further Study:

Read Colossians 1:15-23

What was Christ’s role in creation (vv. 15-17)?

What is His role in the church (v. 18)? In salvation (v. 23)?

What place have you given Him in your life?

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Authentic Living

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One veteran televangelist promises healing if you just place your hand on the television screen. Another says the Lord revealed a miracle involving the numbers two, seven and three…and therefore you must send him $273 in the next eight minutes to receive a financial windfall. Others guarantee your “seed” offering will produce double or triple favor from God. When you add it all up, it comes to $34 billion annually in religious financial fraud, according to research from the International Bulletin of Missionary Research. That’s more than is given to Christians to support global missions.

We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word.

II Corinthians 4:2

Sadly, the many slick-suited charlatans who “tamper” with God’s Word turn off many by falsely preaching that financial prosperity and boundless good health are always just a donation away. But if you want your loved ones, friends and co-workers to know Christ, you must be humble, guileless and an example of unimpeachable integrity.

God is looking for authenticity, and Americans are, too. And it’s not too late or too hopeless to pray for your nation’s leaders! May they fulfill the hope of President John Adams, who wrote: “May none but honest and wise men ever rule.”

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Your New Song

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The story has been told of Nicolo Paganini, the great violinist, whose Will gave his famous violin to the city of his birth, Genoa, Italy…on condition that it never be played. It’s the nature of violins to become seasoned, lustrous and lovely as long as they are handled; but as soon as they are put away, they decay and become worthless.

You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Romans 15:14

Consider that you are an instrument in the hands of a loving God who has filled you with gifts and abilities. Over time spent in His Word and prayer, you become seasoned, lustrous and spiritually lovely, knowledgeable and able to instruct one another as today’s verse says. In Ephesians 5:19, it says you will speak to one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.”

Are you using the gifts God has given you? Are you ready to instruct someone else? Submit yourself to the hands of your loving Creator. He will guide you through His Word and give you a new song. Pray, too, that the halls of government might one day fill with psalms and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:1-12  Click to Read or Listen

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – First Priority

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George Mueller, a Christian evangelist, devoted his life to the care of over 10,000 orphans. He built several homes and established 117 schools, yet he never went into debt. How did he do this? He relied on God and prayed first for all of the needs of his ministry. On one occasion, 300 children were ready for their day, but there was no food for breakfast. Mr. Mueller had the children sit at the table to pray. As they finished, a baker knocked at the door and provided bread. Then a milkman whose cart had broken down knocked and provided fresh milk because it was going to spoil. Mueller was a true example of praying first to have a successful ministry.

We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4

In today’s scripture, the apostles committed to make prayer their first priority. They knew nothing they attempted would be successful without dependence upon God.

As you work towards whatever ministry you are called to, don’t do it in your own strength. Pray first so the power of God might be manifested in your actions. Then intercede for the nation’s leaders to genuinely commit themselves to prayer as they lead the country.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Dig Deeper

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Almost everyone loves a good story. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing has capitalized on that fact. To date, the Chicken Soup series of over 200 titles has sold more than 112 million copies, some translated into more than 40 languages. These true stories, written by everyday people, aim to inspire, encourage and provide hope.

And he began to speak to them in parables.

Mark 12:1

Jesus knew the advantages of telling stories. Stories entertain, stimulate deep thinking and incite decisions. Christ teaching with parables also fulfilled prophecy (Matthew 13:35). And by the Savior sidestepping straightforward speech, it made it more difficult for the Jewish religious leaders of the day to accuse him. What could they charge Him of when He talked about wineskins, finding pearls and building houses?

Are you willing to dig deeper into the parables and what they mean to you? Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15) Take a fresh look at the Lord’s parables. What do they say to you for how you want to live out this New Year? Then pray for the leaders and citizens of this country to have “ears to hear” what the Spirit is speaking to them.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 13:18-23

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team Way Follower

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A large billboard advertisement in Texas says, “Don’t believe everything you think!” And if you want further confirmation of that wisdom, take a moment and reflect back on a big mistake you’ve made. Did it really seem like such a wrong turn at first? Of course not, or you wouldn’t have gone that way!

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.

I Timothy 4:16

In the Bible, the author of Psalms repeatedly asks God, “Teach me your ways.” The underlying principle is that God’s ways are different from your ways. Everything He does is perfect, loving, and merciful…yet at times even believers get confused by what is seen in the nation today. Anyone can be tempted to misunderstand. Many erroneously interpret God’s actions as disinterested or even harsh and unloving.

Do you want to understand God’s ways today? Begin by studying His Word, reading the Bible and praying regularly. Don’t blindly follow the interpretations of others; even good people can be wrong. Get to know Him for yourself. Ask Him to translate the words in His Book into thoughtful truths living in your heart and mind. Then pray for the Lord to show His ways to America’s leaders, and for as many as possible to follow Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 86:8-13  

G.C. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – A Personal Display

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A continual battle is taking place in America concerning freedom of speech and religion; in particular, placing the Ten Commandments at governmental locations. In 2009, Oklahoma approved a monument of the Ten Commandments at the State Capitol. Now Satanists insist their edicts should be displayed as well.

Observe all that I have commanded you.

Matthew 28:20

That’s all good and well – but when Jesus was here on Earth, He also gave commands. What did He say? “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) The apostle John reiterates, “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” (I John 3:21) More important than posting God’s commands in public places is to display them in your life.

As you consider your annual goals, make it your aim to study and practice what Jesus preached. Pray this year for believers in the United States to progress in becoming living examples of Christ’s teachings. Also pray the Lord will grant the nation’s leaders wisdom as they handle issues of freedom of speech and religion.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Loving Tones

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The passages preceding today’s verse in Psalm 19 speak of the law of the Lord as being perfect and sure, right and pure. Obedience of His commands was required of His people. Their response to His precepts either gave them a great reward or unwanted discipline.

By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11

It was all about a relationship…God sought to guide by speaking through His Word, and His people responded. Some today resist authority and seek to do what they want, but Old Testament believers understood that the Lord’s call to obedience was His invitation to blessing. It was not a cold, impersonal demand; it was His loving invitation to experience His best for them.

God wants the same for you. Know Him. Hear both the warnings and the promises…in the warmest and most loving of tones. If you truly love and trust Him, obedience will affirm that you have confidence that He is living and able.

Read Scripture each day. Make it a priority. Let it be your warning lest you fall into sin and temptation. And let it be your blessing of peace. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they would not rebel against God’s Word, but instead be guided by it.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-17  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Street Corner Sacrifice

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G. Gordon Liddy orchestrated the Watergate break-in that eventually toppled the presidency of Richard Nixon, and he served time for burglary and conspiracy. He wouldn’t make a good role model, but for all his faults, there is no questioning Liddy’s loyalty, misguided though it was. As the Watergate scandal was unfolding, Liddy famously told a Nixon aide: “I was the captain of the ship when she hit the reef and I’m prepared to go down with it. If someone wants to shoot me, just tell me what corner to stand on and I’ll be there!”

Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:10

Are you willing to do what is pleasing to the Lord…however difficult it may be? The only way to experience the full measure of God’s blessing is to offer everything – even to the point of saying “tell me what corner to stand on and I’ll be there!” He may not call you to such a sacrifice, but when you submit to His will completely, you will understand what Jesus meant when He said “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

As you pray today for America’s leaders, ask God to help them make sacrifice, not self-importance, the hallmark of their service.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 10:34-39

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Mighty Motivator

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In Latin, the word “sola” means “alone” or “only.” During the Protestant Reformation, five solas outlined the fundamental beliefs of the Reformers: Sola scripture (by Scripture alone), sola fide (by faith alone), sola gratia (by grace alone), solo Christo (through Christ alone) and soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone). But some are confused when it comes to faith alone…pointing to Scriptures that say faith without works is dead.

Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works.

Titus 3:14

Dear friends, works do not provide salvation. Rather, they are evidence of saving faith. When faith is real, its source…Jesus…is the mighty motivator for every good work. Because He loves you so, it is impossible not to share it. How? With works and sharing His truth and love. Paul’s entire letter to Titus is about Christian behavior. He’s not suggesting that the Cretan Christians “fake it ‘til they make it” with works, but that their devotion to the Lord swell out of them in the form of actions that benefit others.

In a nation that needs more random acts of kindness, pray for yourself and others to be more like Christ in doing good for others. Intercede for the powerful in government to obtain that same mindset through their own personal faith.

Recommended Reading: Titus 3:1-11  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Start With Gusto!

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What if you were as enthusiastic about something, anything, as Julia Child was about French cooking? Fifty years after she wrote her first cookbook, the world still feels the impact. While many disagree with how Julia used her influence, it’s indisputable that her unbridled passion for the art of cooking captured a global audience.

His delight is in the law of the Lord.

Psalm 1:2

The Bible talks about delighting in the law of the Lord. This might seem to be an unlikely pairing: delight and law. What the writer of Psalms is alluding to is the very thing Julia possessed – enthusiasm. She didn’t try to be cool and ironic. No…she was so thrilled to tell you how to cook, she’d inadvertently sling a raw chicken leg across the cabinet in excitement.

How passionate are you about God’s Word and the work He is doing today? Do you still believe His law is love and His passion is peace for all who believe in Him? Start this year off with gusto. Don’t get lost in the lies of unbelief. Delight yourself in the law of the Lord, and put His passion into practice. Then pray for more of your nation’s leaders to discover God and become enthusiastic about Him!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 84:1-7  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Time Management

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Each year in November, a new stall shows up in the mall selling calendars and daily planners. Flocks of people purchase them in hopes of getting organized for the New Year. Others use a more technical version in the form of a smartphone app. Paper and digital users alike fill the cells with dates and deadlines, grocery lists and meetings in an attempt to make the best use of their minutes and hours.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

Acts 2:42

How do you organize your time each day? How many hours are spent at a job, cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, eating and personal grooming? Now consider how much time is given to God. This includes reading the Bible, prayer, and service or ministry work. The author of today’s verse speaks of Christians who did not just pencil in a little time to listen and learn about the Lord – they devoted themselves to it.

If someone looked at your calendar today, where would it show you’ve invested your time? Ask God to help you become a better time manager. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to have a desire to devote their time, and hearts, to the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Luke 12:35-48  Click to Read or Listen

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – View of God

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Karl Marx, born in 1818, was educated in German universities and became editor of a Cologne newspaper. Marx denied the existence of God, believing that the individual is the highest form of being. He believed people make themselves successful by their own efforts and that society, composed of the common man, should rule and overthrow the reigning government by force. He and Fredrich Engels collaborated on their philosophical ideals that eventually formed the basis for communism. As a result, millions of people have been slaughtered in many countries.

Learn by us not to go beyond what is written.

I Corinthians 4:6

Everything in your life – your attitudes, motives, desires, actions and words – is influenced by your view of God. Nothing has greater priority than knowing your Heavenly Father accurately and recognizing that all physical and spiritual riches are from Him. Having this view of God eliminates the sin of pride, which can lead to corruption and great human tragedy.

Spend time each day this year learning more about the attributes of God. As you read the Bible, ask Him to reveal something about His character to you. Remember also to pray that your government leaders would humbly recognize their own frailty and personally seek to know God and His Word.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:13-22