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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Climbing the Mountain

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On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgan reached the highest point on Earth, the summit of Mt. Everest. Mountain climbing is no easy feat. It requires knowledge, strength, endurance, sacrifice and good decision making skills. It’s helpful to have a guide…as one wrong step can cause you to plummet to your death.

The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. Proverbs 15:24

On June 16, 1861, Charles Spurgeon delivered a sermon entitled “Climbing the Mountain” in which he likened the spiritual life to that of climbing. He pointed out God as the guide that not only leads the way, but carries you when you are weary and helps you choose which paths to take. The wise do not just let life happen; they choose to climb upwards towards God and life.

Do you hope to one day reach the summit of Heaven? If so, how do you make decisions each day? Do you follow your feelings or what the culture dictates? Or do you use God’s Word as your guide? Ask the Lord to help you make wise decisions daily that lead upward to life. Pray, too, for the country’s leaders and citizens to choose the higher path that leads to righteousness.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 24:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Enduring Prayers

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In today’s society, we tenaciously avoid waiting. The Bible mentions primarily three types of waiting. The first is the evil man waiting on his unsuspecting victim. He greatly desires what his victim has, whether it’s treasure, supplies or power, so he waits for the right time to snatch it. The second is a servant waiting on his master. Everything on the servant’s agenda is set aside; his only concern is what concerns his master. The third type is waiting on God.

Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. Psalm 37:34

You can learn from the other two types of waiting. Do you want God and what He has for you enough to stop everything and wait? Do you wait on the Lord as a servant waits on his master, putting His will first? The Bible also says to wait patiently. Patience is the ability to endure trials with a good attitude while waiting for God’s blessings – not demanding your own way, and knowing His blessings are worth it.

Are you seeking your Heavenly Father for your life and country, patiently trusting He hears you and will answer? Set your heart to wait on the Lord. He will reward your enduring prayers in due time.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Freedom Forfeiture

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What happens when people “cast off restraint?” In I Timothy 5:23, Paul advocated using “a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” But Americans have taken drinking to a devastatingly harmful level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 80,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use each year, with an average of 30 years of potential life lost for each death. That translates to 2.3 million years of life forfeited annually.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint. Proverbs 29:18

Your problem may not be alcohol – a myriad of other vices may be robbing you of time and treasure. As you pray today, ask God to give you a prophetic vision of what your life will be when invested in service to Him and those around you who need God’s love and truth. The world celebrates “casting off restraint” as freedom and happiness…when in reality it leads to imprisonment and death. But when you embrace the plan God has for you and dedicate yourself wholly to the purposes of Heaven, your life will become disciplined, meaningful, and a blessing to those in your neighborhood and your nation who need Him.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Best Motivator

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If you were asked to name the most successful type of television programming, what would you say: the enduring afternoon soap opera, the cooking show with a famous chef, or the yakity-yak talk show?

That your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Psalm 67:2

Research shows, even in a weak economy, an articulate announcer hyping a product of convenience motivates an audience. Not many will admit to watching infomercials or shopping channels, but at some point they do tune in. The shows are built on the principle that people buy what makes their life easier or better – as long as they are told in detail what the item is, and how to get it.

At the end of his earthly life, Jesus sent His disciples into all the world to teach His love and redemption. He directed that the gospel news be carried from person to person, town to town, by word of mouth. Today, that’s still the best way to deliver God’s message so that others will be motivated to respond.

Pray for people of faith in America today. May they be bold in sharing their personal faith and His hope for America. And may the United States continue be known among the nations as one nation under God.

Recommended Reading: I Chronicles 16:8-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Impressive God

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One only has to look at creation to be impressed by God. He created the expansive and ever-expanding universe. And as big as big is, the microscopic world He created is as small. But Creator isn’t all He is. He’s omnipotent, omnipresent and eternal. His character, too, is most astounding: forgiving, loving, pure, holy, truthful, dependable, full of grace and mercy. These are “His excellencies.”

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. I Peter 2:9

Part of a Christian’s unique purpose is to declare those excellencies as an expression of who you are in Him! As one of His people, you are chosen. You are a priest – someone who helps people draw near to God. You are a citizen of a holy nation. And you belong to God.

He called you out of darkness into light and to be a light (Matthew 5:16). Today, share one of His excellencies with someone…through a prayer, a poem, a painting or word of praise. And pray for the unbelievers of this nation that their eyes will be opened to who Jesus is – so they will be led to repentance and experience for themselves the impressiveness of their loving Creator.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 2:9-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Dictatorial Delusions

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Many world leaders have harbored ambitions to rule the world. One of them was Joseph Stalin, the notorious Soviet dictator, who was willing to eradicate millions of innocent people on his path to power. He was also not beyond shooting his own soldiers if they proved unwilling to press forward at all costs. “In the Soviet army,” he once said, “it takes more courage to retreat than advance.” But Stalin’s empire is now gone, sharing the destiny of all other kingdoms built by men with delusions of grandeur.

He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away. Job 12:23

The fate of every nation is decided by God, not by individual courage, wars or crazed despots. This is a comfort to the Christian, but also a caution. America’s past is a proud one, but her future is by no means assured.

As you intercede for your country today, do so with the humble realization that God alone determines the destiny of nations and individuals. He has made clear in His Holy Word the things He will reward and the things He will punish. Pray that America’s leaders will honor the Lord today – for that is the only true path to power.

Recommended Reading: II Chronicles 12:5-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Saturated Hearts

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It might be a toss-up on a hot, summer day to know which would be better: cold water or good news from a far country. In today’s verse, Solomon gives them equal due.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

Good news from a far country can come in many forms. During Jacob’s life, in a period of famine in his country, word came that there was plenty of food in Egypt. In times of weather-related disasters, kinfolk in other regions impatiently await reports of their family’s well-being. Today’s military serve on the other side of the world; their loved ones eagerly await a call to know of their safety.

Good news from afar can be as invigorating as water to a dehydrated man. And though Solomon may not have been thinking of it, there is no better news for the lost sinner than the salvation story…cold water for a thirsty soul. Heaven was far away but God sent His Son to bring you closer to Him.

In America today, some will reject Jesus and refuse to acknowledge the longing in their soul. They are thirsty but reject God’s gift of living water. Pray for them…that the Holy Spirit will overcome their objections and saturate their hearts with His love.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 107:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Rule Book

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Almost ppt_seal01every new gadget or appliance comes with operating instructions. So long as the rules are followed, successful use is assured. The guidance is not always clear – consider a novice with an electronic notepad – and one might wish the author of those directions was there to interpret.

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.  Psalm 119:30

How incredibly fortunate Christians are that God has placed within each one the Holy Spirit to interpret His rule book. Yet, as the first part of today’s verse reminds you, following the Lord’s intent for your life is a matter of choice. How many parents have admonished their children over and again that choices have consequences? In the everyday movements of life, you are faced with the need to decide. God has set out His plan for victorious living, and you must search the Scriptures to know His instructions.

Above all, today’s verse says, choose to faithfully follow Him. Mirror the instruction book’s author by being merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). Intercede on behalf of America’s leadership that they might learn from God’s holy Word and choose faithfulness for themselves – to the benefit of the whole nation.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-22

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.M.R. – A Penetrating Light

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Scandals on Capitol Hill. Decisions that endanger religious freedoms. Legislation against the value of life and the sanctity of marriage.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

A recent report finds that 77 percent of Americans believe morals are declining in the United States. While 66 percent believe the primary cause is a lack of Bible reading, 58 percent said they do not personally seek wisdom from Scripture. In fact, 57 percent said they actually read it less than five times per year. While the Bible remains a highly-valued influence in America, there is a significant disconnect in belief versus behavior.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The Bible shines penetrating light into the deepest part of a person to reveal wickedness. However, God’s Word provides the ultimate hope, peace and joy through the powerful plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Ask God to reveal His love and truth to you in His Word every day. Pray also that Americans would pursue the Bible as the road map for their lives.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:97-105

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Keep the Faith

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Moses parted the Red Sea. He was chosen to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Through him, God performed many miracles. Still, even though he was selected to lead the Israelites, he wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land – the “land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:8)

Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Isaiah 26:2

Why? Because Moses didn’t keep the faith. He lost his temper. When the Israelites were thirsty, Moses asked his Heavenly Father for water. God told him to speak to the rock to draw water. Instead, Moses struck the rock in anger. God said, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12)

Today’s verse describes a day when the gates of Heaven will be opened for the righteous nation to enter – for those who keep the faith. Will you believe God and honor Him as holy? Ask God to help you do just that with your words and deeds. Start by praying for President Obama and Vice-President Biden to honor God with their actions. Then pray for the people of this nation to keep the faith.

Recommended Reading: Numbers 20:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – What’s Your Motive?

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Both were sons of Adam and Eve. Both brought offerings. One brought from the fruit of the ground; the other from the firstborn of his flock. One was accepted; one rejected. Why?

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2

Today’s verse offers some insight. Cain and Abel brought different offerings with different motives. Cain came with a proud, unbelieving heart, but Abel came in faith (Hebrews 11:4). In his own eyes, Cain thought his offering was acceptable as evidenced by his anger when it was rejected. But God saw through Cain’s actions to his heart.

When people view your actions, they cannot see the “why” behind them, but God can. Even when you feel justified in your behaviors and words, God sees your motivation because He looks at your heart.

Have you examined the true motives behind your actions lately? Are they honoring to God? Would He be pleased with your offering? Pray for the Lord to create a clean heart in you (Psalm 51:10) and pray also for people and leaders in this nation to stop justifying their wrong actions and return to God in faith.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 4:1-7

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Wise Heart

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Don Aslett, author of Done!: How to Accomplish Twice As Much in Half the Time at Home and at the Office, says average people can accomplish more than they think. “Time doesn’t need to be found,” he says. “It’s in plain sight, loudly ticking away. How we use time is the real question.”

For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. Ecclesiastes 8:6

Just before today’s verse, Ecclesiastes 8:5 says, “The wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.” And remember, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

How often have you said “I don’t have time to pray?” God equips you with what you need – wisdom, energy, resources, educations, skills and opportunity – to do what He wants you to do. And, as it implies in today’s verse, He does this even if you’re going through trials. Ask the Lord for insight concerning when and how to pray, and He will give it to you. When He does call you to that time of prayer, intercede for the nation and its leadership to take time to seek God’s priceless wisdom.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:5-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Favored Nation Status

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In the spring of 1967, the tiny nation of Israel was facing certain annihilation. Over 450,000 soldiers from Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Egypt had amassed on the border to drive the Jews into the sea. Not only did the Arab forces greatly outnumber Israel, they enjoyed a massive advantage in weaponry, with twice as many tanks and four times as many aircraft.

For what nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us. Deuteronomy 4:7

What happened next became known as the Six-Day War. In that short time span, Israel defied impossible odds to defeat their enemies and recover the land God had promised them.

Israel has always enjoyed God’s special favor – the nation’s continued existence today is proof of that. But the people of Israel have also suffered greatly when they failed to follow God’s commands. In the verses following today’s scripture, Moses cautions his people to “take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart.” As you pray, ask God to help President Obama do likewise…then seek opportunities to help others understand that God’s blessings on America will continue only as its citizens are faithful to Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 75:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Steps to Walk By

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Dr. Charles Stanley’s seven steps can help you know what David knew about living God’s way and having abiding confidence in Him.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Psalm 27:11

1. Cleansing – keep short accounts. If there is something hindering your relationship with God, confess it. 2. Surrendering – come before Him with a humble heart so that He may exalt you (I Peter 5:6). 3. Asking – “You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2) Remember that your requests must be in line with what God would want.

4. Meditating – God’s promise is that His Word will be a light to your path, so the more you think on what He says, the more clear the way will become (Psalm 119:105). 5. Believing – you must believe that He will answer your prayer (Mark 11:22-24). 6. Waiting – if you run ahead or manipulate the circumstances, you will miss the good the Lord has in store for you. Choose to wait for His move (Isaiah 40:31).

7. Receiving – as you are obedient and diligent in seeking His will, He will hear and give you the wisdom you need (James 1:5). Now intercede for this nation…that its people will walk in the way of the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 1

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Life Maps

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Counselors, psychologists and leadership coaches often ask people to construct a life map. Made as plain or elaborate as time allows, the life map is a visual representation of one’s experiences from birth to the present. It can often reveal how character has been shaped and molded. With high points and hard times, the maps never follow a straight line.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

Consider the life of Abraham and the peaks and valleys of his life. God used all of Abraham’s experiences – decisions he made, people, places, events – to develop him into His friend. God was always at work.

How might the chart of your life take shape? Were you at a high or low point when you encountered Jesus and acknowledged Him as Savior? Where would you place births, deaths, relocations, schools, careers, and specific relationships within the cycles of your life? Whether you meet God on the mountaintops or the deserts of our life, today’s verse assures that when He is there, you have joy.

Acknowledge His presence in the shaping of your life. Pray that each person in America’s government might have that place where the Cross of Jesus intersects with their life map.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:27-39

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.M.R. – No Favorites

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Society often encourages you to choose a favorite: a restaurant, automobile, celebrity or television show. But God does not play favorites. He did not send His Son to die just for the Jews, or the Pharisees, or even solely for His followers. God sent His Son to die for you, the homeless guy, the drug addict, the loud neighbor, the slow driver, the rude co-worker…everyone!

In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Acts 10:35

Sometimes it’s easy to see Jesus as the Savior of just good, kind and beautiful people. But, again, God does not play favorites – and neither should you. In every neighborhood and every nation, there are hearts restless for God. They are ready to receive the gospel. But someone must take it to them.

Think about your God story. What has He done in your life? Now consider one person you know who needs to hear about Jesus Christ. Begin now to pray for that person. Look for opportunities to reach out with acts of kindness. Ask God to give you courage to share your story. Pray also that Christians across this nation would reach out and share Jesus with others in their communities.

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:5-15

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Trusted and True

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On May 21, a mile-wide tornado ripped through Oklahoma City, demolishing everything in its path. In an interview, one elderly woman described being lifted off the stool in her bathroom with her dog in arms. “When it was over, I called my dog, but he didn’t come; he’s in here somewhere,” she pointed to her flattened home. But before the interview was over, the reporter gasped and pointed out a dog under a pile of rubble. The tearful woman digs to retrieve him and said, “I thought God just answered one prayer to let me be okay, but he answered two of them.”

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? Psalm 77:13

In the midst of great tragedy, know that God is holy and is still worthy to be praised. In Psalms, David extols time and again God’s character throughout great trials in his life.

Some of America’s devastation is evident, like the broken debris in Oklahoma. But many of your fellow citizens are sifting through brokenness of a different kind. Pray for those affected both by the storms of nature and the storms of life. Then pray for this nation to pull together and recognize God is still holy…and the one true God whose ways can be trusted.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 43:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Walk On

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In 1948, a young man returning from service in the South Pacific told a friend he was going to “walk off the war.” He gathered supplies in a rucksack, laced up his well-worn boots and waved goodbye at the base of Mt. Oglethorpe in Georgia. To the surprise of many, 127 days later he stood at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Earl Shaffer was the first person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one trek.

You will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. Proverbs 2:9

Some were slow to acknowledge the achievement, believing the 2,000 mile journey was impossible on foot. Today, with Earl Shaffer as their inspiration, between 1,800 and 2,000 people yearly set out to walk the entire Appalachian Trail.

The Bible compares a life of faith to a long journey. It says the traveler will encounter looming mountains, rushing rivers, dark nights, deserts, and many challenges on the road. However, with perseverance one is told to expect the journey to be along a good path brimming with protection and understanding.

People of faith, pray for Christians in America. As one generation prepares to retire from service, may the next find their place in devoted service. And through the faithful service of some, may many be inspired to embark on their faith journey.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 11:18-23

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Just Passing Through

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All through history people have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles in all manner of transportation. From Abraham and his camels, to the pioneers and their covered wagons, to contemporaries and their rental trucks, all look for a better place to live than where they resided at the time.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:16

The writer of Hebrews tells about a people looking for a better a place. They endured all kinds of suffering while faithfully clinging to God’s promises. Today, you have an assurance of eternal life in Christ. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

You pray for your country and rightly so (I Timothy 2:1-4). But don’t forget that you’re just passing through. Hebrews 10:25 says to encourage each other all the more when you see The Day approaching. When today’s headlines appear to be taken directly from prophetic scripture, be of good cheer. You are destined for a better place.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Highway of Death

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Highway 80 is a six-lane road that runs through the desert between Iraq and Kuwait. When notorious dictator Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait in August 1990, it was a perfect thoroughfare for his rampaging armies. They met little resistance and the trip must have seemed like little more than a vacation. But a few months later when coalition forces arrived to liberate Kuwait, Highway 80 became the focal point of a desperate retreat and utter carnage, as thousands of Iraqis fled the overwhelming forces pursuing them. Highway 80 became forever known as the “Highway of Death.”

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28

Do your plans for today have you on a path of righteousness…or some other road? The easiest and broadest path may seem right for the moment, but it could be the Highway of Death. How can you know the way to go? First, set aside your own ideas about what is right and be open to whatever path God chooses for you. Then spend time studying His Word, the Bible, allowing it to penetrate your thoughts. Finally, pray and ask God for wisdom.

Those who do these things – individuals, nations and leaders – will receive His divine directions…and life.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 103:6-18