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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Listening Obedience

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In I Samuel 15, King Saul looked dedicated and pious, offering up sacrifices to the Lord – but his downfall was assured because of his disobedience. The prophet Samuel told him “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (I Samuel 15:22) In the next chapter, when Samuel anointed David as king, the prophet pointed out how “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Proverbs 28:9

Today’s verse in The Message soberly reads, “God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him.” If you expect the Lord to hear you, you must hear Him. Prayer is talking to God, but it’s a two-way conversation. You must also listen to Him by reading and obeying His Word. And with the greatest commandment being to love God and love others, examine your love life to ensure your prayers don’t bounce back from the ceiling.

Think about the practical ways you can hear and obey the Lord, and put them into practice. Then with confidence, and in the name of Jesus, pray often for the nation’s leaders, troops and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:13-26

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Precious Word

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What can wealth do for you that the Bible can do better? Wealth can indeed open doors for you to meet people; it may give you happiness in a fine home, clothes, or a good education. But it can never give you the benefits of God’s Word, which allows companionship with Him – as His child, a path to a crown of glory that will never fade away, and true wisdom to live a godly life.

The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Psalm 119:72

Secondly, what can Scripture do that money cannot? Money can lead you astray, but it will never bring you back to the right path. It may buy your way out of a sticky situation, but it will never wipe away a tear or give you comfort. Only Scripture can give you peace and contentment.

Lastly, what will abundant riches do that the Word of God will not? Wealth can cause anxiety, new demands, heart strain or mental exhaustion. But the Word of God comforts and soothes, invigorates and upholds.

Ask the Lord to show the people of this nation and its leaders that the content of the Word is precious. Then pray that your love for Scripture will in some measure be proportionate to its excellence.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:65-74

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – The Extra Mile

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Here is a little phrase you’ve probably heard many times: “It’s not my job.” If that’s part of your vocabulary, it shouldn’t be. It will make your work meaningless and destroy your testimony. That doesn’t mean you can’t set boundaries, nor does it suggest you should recklessly take on tasks you’re ill-equipped to manage. But the nation is filled with people today who have decided they are going to do the bare minimum, and sometimes even less.

Those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.

Titus 3:8

If others are going to see Christ in you, you must devote yourself to good works, going beyond your job description, surpassing expectations, and seizing every opportunity. Abraham went the extra mile to help three strangers. The Good Samaritan crossed the road. And Jesus died on the cross. Any one of them could have said “It’s not my job,” but they didn’t…thank God they didn’t.

Today, pray for a positive, helpful attitude, and ask God to help America’s leaders set aside pride, pettiness and partisanship to devote themselves to good works.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Automatic Response

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Last year in Muskegon, MI, a Navy SEAL veteran spoke to a group of 10-15 year old boys on how important it is to be disciplined, hard working and faithful in an elite military group. Anyone who has spent time in the Armed Forces understands discipline. A valued soldier has trained repeatedly in the same activities so ultimately his or her responses are instinctual and automatic. Survival depends on it.

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 40:8

When you are in the center of God’s will, your subconscious desire is consistent with His Word. Your response, even under stressful situations, is automatic because you have immersed yourself in Scripture…memorizing, meditating, practicing. You are disciplined.

As with a soldier, that discipline is acquired over time. As the SEAL reminded the children, a goal without a plan is only a wish, and discipline demands consistency. If you have yet to establish a regular time of Bible study or prayer, start today. Intercede, too, for the spiritual discipline of those in government – and for those leaders who don’t yet know God’s amazing grace to find it personally in 2014.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 40:1-11

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Striving for Excellence

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Author Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is considered one of the fastest selling books of all time. Published in 135 countries and translated into 35 languages, it made publishing history as USA Today’s bestselling book for two years and spent 101 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book’s focus is on being happy and reducing stress by not worrying about the small things in life, but some have misinterpreted its title to mean being careless about the details.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23

Today’s verse encourages you to do everything, even the smallest actions, to the best of your ability. You honor to God and bring Him glory by striving for excellence and faithfulness.

As you approach your daily routine, from taking care of your family to sweeping the floor, do all with enthusiasm and diligence, not by grumbling or being reluctant. Nothing you do is unimportant when you do it to serve Him. As you ask the Lord to help you do everything heartily and with gladness, pray also for the nation’s leaders to be the best they can be and to serve the nation’s citizens in a way that honors God.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:5-11

 

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – God Makes Impossible Things Possible

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. . . Made the iron float.

2 Kings 6:6

The axe head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honor of the prophetic band was likely to be imperiled, and so the name of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things impossible with man are possible with God.

I knew a man in Christ but a few years ago who was called to undertake a work far exceeding his strength. It appeared so difficult as to involve absurdity in the bare idea of attempting it. Yet he was called to it, and his faith rose with the occasion.

God honored his faith, unlooked-for aid was sent, and the iron did swim. Another of the Lord’s family was in dreadful financial straits. He would have been able to meet all claims and much more if he could have realized a certain portion of his estate, but he was overtaken with a sudden pressure.

He sought for friends in vain, but faith led him to the unfailing Helper, and lo, the trouble was averted, his footsteps were enlarged, and the iron did swim.

A third had a sorrowful case of depravity to deal with. He had taught, reproved, warned, invited, and interceded, but all in vain.

Old Adam was too strong for young Melanchthon; the stubborn spirit would not relent. Then came an agony of prayer, and before long a blessed answer was sent from heaven. The hard heart was broken; the iron did swim.

Beloved reader, what is your desperate case? What heavy matter have you to deal with this evening? Bring it here. The God of the prophets lives, and lives to help His saints. He will not suffer you to lack any good thing. Believe in the Lord of hosts! Approach Him pleading the name of Jesus, and the iron shall swim; you too shall see the finger of God working marvels for His people. According to your faith be it unto you, and yet again the iron shall swim.

 

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – No Fees

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It’s a new year! People are scrambling to get organized. Stores which once boasted gadgets are now selling boxes to pack them away, which people use as they rent storage units to make room for all their new gifts. Of the some 58,000 storage units worldwide, 46,000 are located in the United States. Americans together store 2.35 billion square feet of stuff. What’s so important that your desire to keep it is greater than the monthly fee to store it? There’s even a TV show where people purchase full units whose owners have fallen behind on their rent.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

David, the author of today’s verse, also thought storage was important. But David wasn’t storing antique chairs and baseball cards; he was storing God’s Word in his heart. He knew it was vital to walk spiritually with the Lord. Memorization of God’s truth allowed him to live a more righteous and holy life.

What are you storing and why? “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19) Spend time reading God’s Word and ask Him to help you, your nation’s leaders, and the country as a whole to shift focus from material to spiritual. Invest in the eternal. There’s no monthly fee.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:19-33

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Positive Adjustments

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In their book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby and Claude King write, “God wants you to have no hindrances to a love relationship with Him in your life. Once God has spoken to you through His Word, how you respond is crucial. You must adjust your life to the truth.”

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22

As you look ahead at 2014, is what you watch, read and speak a hindrance or an enhancement to your relationship with the Lord? It is important to read and know God’s Word, but it is much more important to take righteous action and do what it says. Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)

Spend time reading the Bible each day and ask God what adjustments you need to make in your daily life. As you make these positive changes, ask others who love you to provide prayer and accountability. The rewards for you and others will be a blessing! Pray also that the nation’s leaders will seek God’s truth and righteousness this year and make godly changes in their lives.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:21-29

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – The Redeemer’s Never-Ceasing Intercession

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I have prayed for you.

Luke 22:32

 

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer’s never-ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, He pleads for us; and when we are not praying, He is advocating our cause, and by His supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter–“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but” 1–what? “But go and pray for yourself”?

That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does He say, “But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved.” That would be a great blessing. No, it is, “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” 2

We little know what we owe to our Savior’s prayers. When we reach the hilltops of heaven and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God has led us, how we shall praise Him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief that Satan was doing upon earth.

How we shall thank Him because He never held His peace but day and night pointed to the wounds upon His hands and carried our names upon His breastplate! Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Consider, He does not say, “Satan hath desired to have you.” He checks Satan even in his very desire and nips it in the bud. He does not say, “But I have desired to pray for you.” No, but “I have prayed for you–I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation is made.” O Jesus, what a comfort it is that You have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; You have unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence.

1 Luke 22:31

2 Luke 22:32

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Nitty-Gritty

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“Where the rubber meets the road” is a phrase that means the most important point, the moment of truth, the nitty-gritty. The Word of God takes you to that place. Like the idiom that describes the point of contact between the tire and the pavement, the Bible reveals that point of contact where human nature meets God’s holiness and grace.

For the word of God is living and active…discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) Jesus is that point of contact for believers. In His teachings you’ll find “where the rubber meets the road.” He explains that eternity trumps the temporal. Faith and grace wins out over the letter of the law. Mercy shines over judgment.

As you contemplate your life and this year’s goals, meditate in the Word…specifically the words of Jesus. Then pray that your country’s leaders and your fellow citizens will understand John 3:16 and how it presents the nitty-gritty for their lives.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 2:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Courageous Changes

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The human body truly is a magnificent creation. Consider the stomach – a muscular, hollow organ that stores, mixes and digests the food you eat, and protects you from infectious organisms. There’s also the heart what pumps oxygen-rich blood into every living cell in the body. It beats approximately 80,000 to 100,000 times a day, pumping almost 2,000 gallons of blood, for a lifetime.

What comes out of a person is what defiles him.

Mark 7:20

But these amazing physical characteristics can be overshadowed by the heart’s moral qualities, for it can pump out evil thoughts and words at an alarming rate. That is what defiles you, corrupting your life. The opposite, a right relationship with the Lord, is a matter of inward affection and attitude resulting in true worship of and obedience to Creator God. Exalting Scripture and holding its principles as truth will strengthen your faith…giving you confidence and direction to do God’s will.

The New Year can be a time of great opportunity for self-examination in order to make courageous changes. Take time to do that. Then intercede for this country’s people, and for your president and other leaders, that they would do the same and apply it to governing the nation.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 3:11-4:7, 11-12

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Navigational Nightmare

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“Please proceed to the highlighted route.” If you have a GPS navigation system, you’re certainly familiar with this message, which is delivered in a voice that sounds both authoritative and sure. Donna Cooper followed that direction, just as you probably would. Outside of her air-conditioned car, the temperature in California’s Death Valley was 125 degrees. Three days later, a rescue helicopter finally found Cooper and her passengers…thirsty but alive. The GPS unit, as it turned out, led them down roads that no longer existed. Others were not so fortunate; it’s called Death Valley for a reason.

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth.

James 1:18

Who will you rely upon for navigation in 2014? “There is a way that seems right to a man,” says Proverbs 14:12, “but its end is the way to death.” The way of the world often seems logical and compelling, but only the “word of truth” found in the Scriptures provides reliable guidance.

America, Christians would agree, has chosen the wrong routes, leading to a dead end of debt, crime and immorality. But God can turn the direction of a nation “wherever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1) Today, pray that President Obama and your leaders in Washington D.C. will submit to His leading.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 21:1-8

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Pursue Holiness

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In a December interview, Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren was asked about tolerance and the equality of all human beings. “How can you espouse genuine equality if you don’t allow gay people the same right to get married as straight people?” the journalist asked.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Their discussion was polite and animated. When pressed on supporting same-sex marriage, Warren firmly concluded the argument saying, “I cannot see that happening in my life. I fear the disapproval of God more than I fear your disapproval or the disapproval of society.” His intent – to not let the world squeeze him into its mold.

As Christians in America face more and more pressure to conform to the culture’s standards, it should be the goal for all to resist fitting in, favoring instead an aspiration to Godly living. Thankfully, in Romans 12, a formula for victorious Christian living is provided. Being transformed is an act of your will and it involves work. Living holy in an unholy world demands time with the Lord and time in His Word.

Among your family, friends, neighbors and national leaders, pray for those who struggle in their faith…and that those who have taken a firm stand will remain strong.

Recommended Reading: Romans 11:33-12:3

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – What Matters

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When you were young, you were taught that the world is made up of small particles of matter called atoms. That leads to another question: what are atoms made of? Answering that query still drives the scientific community today. Based on science, everything in the world is made of atoms; atoms are made of electrons and nuclei; nuclei are made of protons and neutrons; and protons and neutrons are made up of quarks and gluons.

Give as alms those things that are within.

Luke 11:41

Similarly, the Bible teaches that for those desiring to please God, what you’re made of matters…and it comes from inside the heart; a heart made of faith. Faith, in turn, is made from choosing to believe in things that cannot be seen. Not things like quarks and gluons, but things like God’s consuming love for all mankind and the graceful sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ for you personally.

What’s in your heart today? Do you have a heart made of unbelief and fear, or do your offer up faith in conviction that God is good and at work carrying out His plans? Ultimately, what’s inside is all you have to offer back to God, your family and America. Trust Him for your loved ones, your future, and for the nation!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:1-10

 

 

 

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Life for a look

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“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

Suggested Further Reading: Acts 26:1-29

Six years ago, today, as nearly as possible at this very hour of the day, I was “in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity,” but had yet, by divine grace, been led to feel the bitterness of that bondage, and to cry out by reason of the soreness of its slavery. Seeking rest, and finding none, I stepped within the house of God, and sat there, afraid to look upward, lest I should be utterly cut off, and lest his fierce wrath should consume me. The minister rose in his pulpit, and, as I have done this morning, read this text—“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” I looked that moment; the grace of faith was vouchsafed to me in the self-same instant; and now I think I can say with truth:

“E’er since by faith I saw the stream His flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.”

I shall never forget that day, while memory holds its place; nor can I help repeating this text, whenever I remember that hour when first I knew the Lord. How strangely gracious! How wonderfully and marvellously kind, that he who heard these words so little time ago for his own soul’s profit, should now address you from the same text, in the full and confident hope that some poor sinner may hear the glad tidings of salvation for himself also, and may today, on this 6th of January, be “turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.”

For meditation: Even if you cannot pinpoint an exact time or place, can you recall your conversion when the Lord Jesus Christ became real to you and you trusted him to be your Saviour? If you can, are the memories of that great event still as precious as they should be? If you have no such memories, Spurgeon, though dead, speaks to you today. Read again his testimony, obey his text and look to his Saviour so that you too may be saved.

Sermon no. 60

6 January (1856)

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Fair Play

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Imagine an invincible sword – one never to be beaten. Sound like a fantasy-based video game? It’s actually from the annals of history. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Boris Onischenko held just such a sword. After registering unbelievable hits in each of his fencing matches, an opponent called foul play. Onischenko was fencing with a tampered sword wired with an electronic device to register a hit…even when he hadn’t touched his opponent! He was expelled from the games and stripped of his medals.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17

The apostle Paul shares in today’s verse about a similar sword, one that will win in any spiritual battle – only this one is fair play. The Word of God is just such a weapon…and while hiding it in your heart will help you live an upright life (Psalm 119:11), God’s Word can actually be used defensively in the ultimate battle: Jesus used the sword of the spirit in His temptation with the devil, saying, “It is written…” then quoted scripture.

You’ve been given a formidable weapon. Ask God to give both you and the Christians in political office wisdom as you use His Word to arm for battle.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The World’s Priests

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Today’s verse says you “ought always to pray.” The word for “ought” appears no less than 100 times in the New Testament. To the Greeks, it meant a forced compulsion defined by the situation. But Jesus’ explanation revealed that the directive has a much greater implication.

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1

It is God’s will that you pray…it is a loving, creative, purposeful will. Its intentions for you promise only hope and a bright future. It is in prayer and in the study of His Word that you are privileged to know Him and His will more.

Charles Spurgeon believed that the Lord’s people are the world’s priests. As such, you can be an intercessor for the needs of those in your midst…the weak who fall into sin or who despair in difficult circumstances, the strong who may grow presumptuous, the sick and the poor. In a world full of idols, wickedness, and people deprived of salvation, the opportunity to pray is constant

Make knowing the Lord your priority in 2014. Study His Word. Intercede for President Obama and the nation’s leaders…that they may know God’s will and do it. Diligently pray and do not lose heart.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:1-6, 12-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hang in There

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A famous poster features a cat hanging in a precarious position with the caption, “Hang in there, Friday’s coming!” That poster has been redone in many forms since its debut 40 years ago, using other cute animals from birds to orangutans. Believers in Christ need encouragement at one time or another, too. They need a poster that says, “Hang in there. Jesus is coming!”

Through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

The first part of Romans 15 is a “hang in there” Scripture. Paul says God’s Word and perseverance combine to give you hope. He orders believers to help each other and be more concerned for others than themselves. He advises the church at Rome to accept each other and live in harmony.

The determination with which Christians study the Bible and treat each other with kindness will have a lot to do with how well they can “hang in there.” At this time of the year, you may be thinking of goals. Aim to be more considerate of the people the Lord has put in your life, praying for them – and for the leaders and citizens of this nation as well – to find their hope in God!

Recommended Reading: I John 4:7-19

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The World’s Priests

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Today’s verse says you “ought always to pray.” The word for “ought” appears no less than 100 times in the New Testament. To the Greeks, it meant a forced compulsion defined by the situation. But Jesus’ explanation revealed that the directive has a much greater implication.

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1

It is God’s will that you pray…it is a loving, creative, purposeful will. Its intentions for you promise only hope and a bright future. It is in prayer and in the study of His Word that you are privileged to know Him and His will more.

Charles Spurgeon believed that the Lord’s people are the world’s priests. As such, you can be an intercessor for the needs of those in your midst…the weak who fall into sin or who despair in difficult circumstances, the strong who may grow presumptuous, the sick and the poor. In a world full of idols, wickedness, and people deprived of salvation, the opportunity to pray is constant

Make knowing the Lord your priority in 2014. Study His Word. Intercede for President Obama and the nation’s leaders…that they may know God’s will and do it. Diligently pray and do not lose heart.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:1-6, 12-14 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Witness Preparation

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If you are called to a courtroom as a witness, all you have to do is tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, right? Actually, there’s more to it than that. Good lawyers know to properly prepare their witnesses for trial because, even when speaking sincerely, witnesses can be discredited by opposing counsel. So before entering the courtroom, witnesses are usually educated about the legal process, informed about questions they might be asked, and often engaged in practice sessions.

Prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

I Peter 3:15

How do you defend your faith to those who want to know the reason for your hope? “You ask me how I know He lives,” say the words of a great old hymn, “He lives within my heart.” That’s true, but your testimony must go deeper than that. You must be prepared.

Why not make the commitment today to become a great “defender of the faith” in 2014? Start by setting a goal of reading through the Bible this year. And as you pray for your nation’s leaders, ask God to help them understand that the reason for America’s hope is found in His Holy Word.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:1-12