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Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – From Strength to Strength

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Alistair Begg

They go from strength to strength.

Psalms 84:7

They go from strength to strength.” There are various renderings of these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress. “They go from strength to strength.” That is, they grow stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking we go from strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our journey, but by and by the road is rough, and the sun is hot; so we sit down by the wayside and then resume our weary way.

But the Christian pilgrim, having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is as vigorous after years of weary travel and struggle as when he first set out. He may not be quite so elated and buoyant, nor perhaps quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in all that constitutes real power; and if he travels more slowly, he does so more surely.

Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm in their grasp of truth and as zealous in spreading it as they were in their younger days. But sadly, it must be confessed it is often otherwise, for the love of many grows cold, and iniquity flourishes; but this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise, which still holds good: “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”1

Fretful spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. “Unfortunately,” they say, “we go from affliction to affliction.” Very true, O you of little faith; but you go from strength to strength also. You will never find a bundle of affliction that does not have in it somewhere sufficient grace. God will give the strength of ripe maturity along with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.

1 Isaiah 40:30-31

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – The Source of Blessings

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On March 30, 1863, Abraham Lincoln called the nation to recognize their source of salvation and blessings by proclaiming a national day of fasting and prayer. In his speech, he said, “We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God…we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.”

This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8

In today’s scripture, Paul taught the Ephesians the source of salvation, saying it is the work of a gracious and loving God for which He deserves recognition and praise.

During the hectic holiday season, why not proclaim your own day of prayer and fasting to remember your every blessing – including the greatest one of all, the ability to be freely saved by grace. Pray, too, for the country’s leaders to realize and remind the nation, as Lincoln did, that God is the source of true national prosperity and peace.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:12-21

 

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – No Lines, No Wait

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Did you know more than one in every three Americans shop on Black Friday? According to research, 37 percent participate in the most famous shopping day of the year. Why? While a few go for enjoyment, most will admit to joining the chaos for a great deal. People like to get a jumpstart on Christmas shopping and want to buy their gifts at rock bottom prices. They wait in line for hours, camp out the night before, and push and shove their way to save a dollar.

The free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

Romans 5:15

In today’s passage, Paul speaks of a free gift – one where pushing and shoving aren’t necessary. It’s the gift of grace through Jesus Christ. This unique present is in unlimited supply, and you can get it year round.

Do you get more excited about saving money than saving souls? Christ died on the cross for the sins of everyone. And everyone is eligible to receive His salvation. Ask God to create a passion in you for sharing that gift with others now and into the coming New Year. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to discover and accept His free gift of grace as well.

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:15-23

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Truth from Error

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God’s righteous foundation in America is slowly and systematically being destroyed. Society today often calls right wrong and wrong right. People honor the immoral and ridicule the upright.

The anointing that you received from him abides in you.

I John 2:27

Yet when you put your faith in Jesus, you receive a new nature – one of holiness and righteousness. There is not anything you can do to earn this priceless gift of grace. Therefore your Heavenly Father only sees the righteousness of Christ which covers you. As a result, you can live a righteous life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

Every day, thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit. Allow Him to help you discern truth from error. Seek opportunities to be an advocate for God’s righteousness wherever you go. Pray also that your local and national leaders would place their trust in Jesus Christ to relinquish wrong morals and exchange them for His righteousness.

Recommended Reading: John 14:15-21  Click to Read or Listen

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Fully Convinced

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Christian leaders often tell the story of tightrope walker Charles Blondin to illustrate the difference between faith and belief. Blondin crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope and asked the crowd if they believed he could do it. They answered, “Yes.” But when it came to actually climbing in a wheelbarrow to go across with him, no one would. However, in 1859, Blondin carried his manager Harry Colcord across on piggyback, and the next year he repeated the stunt with his assistant Romain Mouton.

The blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works.

Romans 4:6

The apostle Paul says Abraham’s faith was “counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) The Heavenly Father sent the first Christmas present wrapped up in a baby…and He is righteousness. Do you merely acknowledge Jesus, or do you truly trust in Him – not in your works, your clean living, or your family history – to get you into heaven?

Colcord and Mouton must have felt safe with Blondin because they knew him well. The more you know Jesus, the easier it is to trust Him. This Christmas, thank God for the gift of righteousness. Get to know Jesus through Bible study and prayer so you can unquestionably believe Him for everything that matters to you, including this country.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

 

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Prioritized Place

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Do you ever wonder why it seems like you’re always facing one problem or another? Perhaps temptations get the better of you, or you’re driven to anger and bitterness because prayers seem to go unanswered. Could it be you’re not spending enough time reading your Bible?

The word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

I John 2:14

Today’s verse reminds you of one of the benefits of letting God’s word abide in you – you will overcome evil. Yet Scripture will only take up residence in your life if you let it in, and the only way you can do that is to prioritize it and give it the rightful place it deserves at the top of your daily routine.

During this holiday season, develop a new habit by setting aside specific time to saturate yourself with the gift of God’s love as found in His Word. Allow the abundance of His grace to flood into your soul. Memorize something new. Enjoy spiritual songs. Play a Scripture CD in your car. The more you abide in the Word, the more it will abide in you!

In a nation where many have lost their way, pray that this will be a season of discovering Jesus for who He really is – Savior, Lord and friend. Ask for this same discovery to happen among your nation’s leaders as well.

Recommended Reading: John 15:7-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Perfect Present

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As Christmas nears, people spend hours online and in stores searching for the perfect gift. Would Sue like a picture frame or turquoise earrings? Should you buy Papa John a pair of leather gloves or frame a picture of the grandkids? Everyone wants to give a gift that lasts – something to be cherished for years to come. Inevitably, though, many of those items will be the wrong size or color and others may break in days. “They just don’t make things like they used to,” you think. “Nothing lasts forever.”

The word of the Lord remains forever.

I Peter 1:25

Or does it? As you shop and open gifts to celebrate the birth of your Savior, remember today’s verse. God’s word “remains forever.” It will not break. It won’t shrink. It always fits. It doesn’t even need batteries.

The Bible is a love letter from God to you. As you shop, cook and attend holiday festivities, take time each day to savor the perfect present from your Heavenly Father. Reflect on His words. Read the story of Christ’s birth with your family. Ask God to speak as you read the Bible, and then pray He’ll help President Obama find wisdom and peace from His enduring, eternal words.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:89-96 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Greatest Gift

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A Charlie Brown Christmas television special almost didn’t air 48 years ago. During the making of the animated classic, Peanuts comic strip creator Charles Schulz met with the show’s producer and lead animator. The two men disagreed with Schulz’s insistence to include a New Testament reading of the Christmas story. The passage from Luke was to be spoken by Peanuts character Linus Van Pelt in response to Charlie Brown’s lament, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Acts 19:20

The men insisted, “It’s very dangerous for us to start talking about religion now.” Schulz responded, “If we don’t, who will?” The scripture reading was retained and the half-hour special was the second-most watched show of the week when it debuted on December 9, 1965. It also won an Emmy and a Peabody award.

Romans 10:15 says, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Give the greatest gift to your family, friends and neighbors. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ! Pray also for opportunities for America’s local and national leaders to experience a personal relationship with God.

Recommended Reading: Romans 1:8-17

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Getting to Know You

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Besides singing White Christmas, Bing Crosby also crooned Getting to Know You: “Getting to know you / Getting to know all about you / Getting to like you / Getting to hope you like me.” In Jesus, God introduced Himself to all mankind. “He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature…” (Hebrews 1:3)

That which was from the beginning…concerning the word of life.

I John 1:1

Since the very beginning, the Holy God began working out a way to have loving relationships with sinful people. From Adam and Eve, to Abraham, to Moses, to the Jewish people, He made a way for The Way for people to get to know Him. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)

Let the Christmas season remind you that God knows you completely and wants you to get to know Him. And when you take advantage of this gift, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18) Pray for the leaders and citizens of this nation to get to know “the word of life.”

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-14

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Called to Give

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In the first days of the early church, there was an emergency in the Christian community, and Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,” was called to be one of seven to direct assistance for the needy (Acts 6:2-6). It was an unexpected task that Stephen readily accepted. His willingness gave the apostles time to pray and preach, as God had called them to do, so that the church of believers would grow…both in number and in spiritual maturity.

The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.

Acts 6:7

Growing in faith happens as the Holy Spirit communicates God’s truth through Scripture. As Bible commentator Lawrence Richards writes, “The Word of God is a living and active power, a timeless moment at which, in our own time and space, we can meet the living God personally…It is content, giving shape and form to reality, and it is confrontation, the moment of meeting God that calls for our personal response of faith.”

The only gift that counts this Christmas is one you are called to give – God’s truth and saving grace through His Word and your Savior. Pray for this nation, that its people will see His love for them through you…and accept Him.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:14-21

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When God’s Spirit Is in Charge

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Charles Stanley

James 1:2-4

A Spirit-filled life does not mean one that is problem-free. Christians who are under the control of the Holy Spirit will still make mistakes, have difficulties, and fall into sin. But there are two definite characteristics that distinguish Spirit-filled followers of Christ from other Christians and from unbelievers.

First, they are not controlled by their circumstances, and second, they refocus quickly after having sinned.

When the Holy Spirit is in charge, our attitude will not be determined by what’s going on around us. In other words, life doesn’t have to be stress-free in order for us to know peace—our spiritual joy won’t diminish even if we should meet with disappointment.

Anyone can be loving, kind, and self-controlled in seasons of blessing. But what happens to our attitude in trying times? The real test of who we are occurs not when things are going our way but when misfortune shows up. If the Spirit is in charge, we will learn to do four things: to love when we want to hate; to practice kindness when we are accused; to respond gently when others are harsh; and to have self-control when temptation strikes hard.

None of us will do all of this perfectly because there is still “self” within us. But when we sin, we will respond quickly to the Spirit’s prompting. He won’t have to work hard to get our attention, because we are under His authority. We will recognize our wrong action, confess it, and refocus on God’s ways.

If you are a Christ-follower, who is in control of your life?

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – The Chosen One

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For a decade, the NBC television show Unsolved Mysteries was a popular weekly broadcast, often featuring stories of adopted children in search of their birth parents or lost siblings. It was a common theme because, until relatively recently, most adoptions were “closed.” In other words, the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth and the identity of the birth family were concealed. Adoptive parents often were counseled by well-meaning professionals not to even disclose to children that they were adopted. It’s now recognized this is bad and harmful advice.

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

James 1:18

You are adopted by Christ when you receive Him as your Savior—that’s what today’s verse means when it says “he brought us forth,” and it’s certainly nothing to hide! What a wonderful privilege to have been chosen by God. “Before I formed you in the womb,” He says, “I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

As you celebrate Christ this month, take some time to remember what you were before – and what you might have been now – had He not “brought you forth” of His own will. And be thankful for your many blessings…family, friends and this wonderful land of America…as you pray for the nation and its leaders today.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-10

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Beyond Measure

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Setting her giant bowl before her, Grandma reached into the flour sack and took out handfuls of whiteness. She then added a couple scoops of sugar, salt poured from the hollow of her palm, and numerous shakes from the cinnamon can – ingredients never measured, but combined in just the right amounts. When her snickerdoodles emerged fresh, soft and thick from the oven, they seldom had the chance to cool before being snagged by eager hands.

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1:16

The Bible says God measures out His grace: “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7) Romans 12:3 reads, “For by the grace given…each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Does the Lord dole out His grace to you by holy handfuls? Or does He carefully measure: this for you, that for another? He’s likely more like Grandma….reaching into His own immeasurable fullness and lavishing you with grace and more grace. Favor. Blessings. Goodness. Love.

In this season of cookie baking and gift giving, remember the greatest of all gifts – the grace given to you by God’s only Son Jesus. Reflect on America’s need to again accept that immeasurable grace, one person at a time…starting with the nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:28-39

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Pester Power

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Last holiday season the British charity Mother’s Union proposed a ban on one of the most enduring Christmas traditions: the Christmas list. Parents should ditch the list, the charity said, because they create disappointment at what should be a time of happiness for all the family. The charity’s research showed that a majority of parents had been pressured into buying gifts beyond their budgets or inappropriate for the child’s age. Noting the influence of “pester power” on her son from relentless advertisers, one supporter of the campaign noted that “the world just seems full of people wanting to make money out of him.”

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.

Philemon 1:4

Too often, your prayers are little more than Christmas lists in which you pray for the things you want while forgetting the blessings God has already given. The apostle Paul was imprisoned when he wrote his epistle to Philemon, but look at the focus of his prayer: he was expressing gratitude, not soliciting gifts.

Today as you pray for America’s leaders and the concerns of the day, balance your petition with words of thanks for the blessings already received – especially for friends who, like Philemon, have brought “much joy and comfort” to your life. (Philemon 1:7)

Recommended Reading: John 15:9-17

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Indescribable and Incredible

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It’s that time of year when you probably concern yourself with selecting just the right Christmas gifts to give to the special people in your lives. Catalogs have come regularly to your mailbox, and merchants haven’t hesitated to remind you that today is Black Friday…so named because it is the day of the year when many retailers’ balance sheets are no longer in the red! Come and buy! You’re urged to be extravagant!

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

You know incredible gifts when you see them. Nieman Marcus offers flamboyant and unique holiday presents. Oprah would regularly surprise her audience with goodies they didn’t know they needed from among her favorite things. Literature abounds with tear-rendering classics of the Little Match Girl or O Henry’s Gift of the Magi.

Unfortunately, amidst all the hustle and bustle, the tinsel and lights, the most inexpressible gift of all is too often just an oh-by-the-way “reason for the season.” Why not make this Christmas your time to contemplate the extravagant, unique, indescribable, incredible Gift that has been given you by the Father of Lights…who has given you every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Thank Him! Generously tell your family, friends and strangers of this wonderful Gift. Pray for all to receive Him with gladness.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY

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Freedom with Responsibility

David Porter, a Union army admiral, told of a visit to Richmond by Abraham Lincoln after the Confederate capital fell to the Union army. As word of Lincoln’s arrival spread, he became surrounded by newly freed slaves. He addressed them saying, “My poor friends, you are free. You can cast off the name of slave and trample upon it. Liberty is your birthright.” But he also warned them not to abuse their freedom. “Let the world see you merit [your freedom]. Don’t let your joy carry you into excesses. Learn the laws and obey them.”

The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:6

In today’s scripture, Paul is addressing Jews and Gentiles about their differing opinions on eating sacrificed meat and observing religious festivals. He explains freedom purchased by Christ’s crucifixion allows both groups to be correct if they are thanking and honoring God. However, they were still responsible for being obedient and not causing others to doubt.

Freedom is one of the greatest blessings America has; but freedom in Christ is an ever greater blessing. As you praise God on this Thanksgiving Day, thank Him for your nation, then pray for its citizens and leaders to discover the glorious freedom with responsibility that He abundantly offers to them.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 5:13-23

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Creation Shouts

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Well-known journalist and television commentator Charles Krauthammer was asked if he was an atheist or an agnostic. He responded that being an atheist was not a possibility; the world’s complexity could only lead you to believe in the mystery of it all. But his next statement exemplified today’s verse: Krauthammer would not accept that the “mystery” was capitalized and spelled G-O-D.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him.

Romans 1:21

Why is that? Do people see their achievements as something only they could’ve done? Do they reject the idea of a “higher power” because they don’t want to be held accountable? No matter what man thinks, God is God and has the right to be worshipped. His creation shouts Creator, and man’s God-given abilities to observe, understand and interpret gives evidence that you can not only know that God is…but you can know who He is.

Dear one, pray that the truth of God will be your testimony. The vacuum in man screams to be filled, and that void will be replaced with something more. Intercede for the people and leaders of this nation that they will know the Lord and give Him thanks and praise for all He is and all He does.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 145:3-13

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Failing Faith

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He was going to die soon and couldn’t bear the thought of what he imagined was divine disapproval. Living in the “before Christ” period, Hezekiah saw nothing in death but darkness. So he prayed, expressing the conditions as he understood them and asking to live.

The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day.

Isaiah 38:19

God heard his prayer, miraculously healed him and added 15 years to his life. For that, Hezekiah praised Him and His faithfulness. This remarkable experience should have caused him to draw so close to the Lord that he would never doubt His love again, but it was not so. He chose to be friends with Babylon, a nation that represented all that was humanly impressive but totally opposed to God.

In light of Hezekiah’s failing faith, examine your own life. Has God brought healing in your life, physically or spiritually, but you’ve neglected to give Him thanks? Are you relying on the Lord and Him only?

Living in the “after Christ” time, you know that, as a believer, death is not darkness but presence with the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8). Give thanks in that. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they may rely solely on God and His faithfulness and give Him never ending thanks.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 67

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Thanks In Advance

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The Civil War visited tragedy on every community. One in every four soldiers –some 620,000 in all – never came home. You can imagine the relief and jubilation that swept the nation when the conflict ended. On May 23, 1865, a celebratory “Grand Review” was held in Washington, D.C. “The sight was simply magnificent,” wrote General William Tecumseh Sherman, who had watched his troops march up Pennsylvania Avenue. “The column was compact, and the glittering muskets looked like a solid mass of steel, moving with the regularity of a pendulum. I believe it was the happiest and most satisfactory moment of my life.”

Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.

II Corinthians 2:14

A greater celebration still awaits believers when Christ leads the “triumphal procession.” All of the heartache and disappointment of the past will be over…forever. In the words of the songwriter Esther Kerr Rusthoi, “It will be worth it all / when we see Jesus / life’s trials will seem so small / when we see Christ.”

No matter how you’re feeling today, go ahead and give thanks to God – in advance! As His child, your future triumph is certain. And pray that others in America, including its political leaders, may also live in the knowledge of Christ’s coming victory!

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-13 `