Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – No Playground

 

A godless dictator will subdue people under his rule and stifle resistance with death or imprisonment. A beneficent ruler, as David was, will confess that his source of strength and his desire for a happy, contented people is dependent only upon the overpowering mercy and goodness of God.

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 144:15

Ruler and citizen alike can gain from a proper perspective for the Bible says, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” (Psalm 144:4) The personal message is that you are unworthy to stand before the Almighty God. Plead for His divine guidance in all things, for life is not a playground – it is a battlefield. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities…against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) But Creator God upholds all things by the word of His power and, if you notice, He is so mindful of man that He answers your prayer to the minutest detail.

The evil dictators of the world will stand in judgment one day and so will you. Be guided by the caring, loving God in your life and you will be blessed, as will the nation “whose God is the Lord!”

Recommended Reading: Psalm 8

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Fortress Mentality

 

Julius Caesar is purported to have said, “There is no fate worse than being continually under guard, for it means you are always afraid.” Today, many corporations are concerned about cyber security, seeking passcodes and specialized programs to build strong walls of protection. Even the U.S. Department of Defense has implicated the Chinese military for hacking into top-security sites. Some Americans, certain of a coming calamity, store up food, water and weapons.

The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. Proverbs 10:29

Don’t let fear force you into a fortress mentality. Instead focus on the attributes and promises of God: shelter, shield, safeguard, protector, sanctuary, and a bulwark never failing. Then find freedom in going about your day. Today’s verse reminds you that walking in the Lord’s way assures you will have the defenses you need.

When you pray today, thank Him for the provisions He has made for you to live and walk in His ways, and ask that He would continue to guide and direct you on His path. Then pray for America’s leadership – President Obama, Congress and the courts – to find the Lord and know His ways, then to walk and govern in alignment with Him and His ways.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 18:30-36

Presidential Prayer Team; H.M.R. – Refuge from the Storms

 

Lance Carter survived the recent deadly tornado in Shawnee, Oklahoma huddled in his neighbor’s basement. When Lance emerged, his home and five-acre property of 17 years were almost unrecognizable. The tornado had pummeled directly, toppling a giant oak, ripping the barn to shreds and leaving family and friends climbing in nearby limbs to salvage clothing.

If any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 12:17

When a family friend came to help with the clean-up effort, he stumbled across a family Bible. It was open to Isaiah chapter 32 which reads,” Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm…”

When the storms of life – whether personal or national – seem unbearable, remember that one day God will rescue His people from this Earth. So seek God’s plan for your rescue. Praise Him for His faithful presence. Thank Him that whatever challenges are swirling around you, your life is in His hands. Glorify Him for His Word which provides comfort and direction. Pray also that those in your community and in this nation will continually seek refuge in His arms.

Recommended Reading: Mark 4:35-41

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Rescue Will Come

 

Did you know around 27 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery? The mother of a 15-year-old girl in Southeast Asia sold her daughter’s virginity to pay off a $600 debt. Scared and alone, this girl was unsure when undercover investigators, empowered by the organization Exodus Road, visited her brothel. Later, when they returned, she slipped them a note. “Rescue me.” After that night, she waited until the day they were finally able to kick down the door and bring freedom.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. Psalm 46:10

Sometimes God asks you to be still and allow Him to work. As Moses told the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)

There are many battles ongoing in America – prayer in school, the Ten Commandments in the courthouse, and late-term abortions just to name a few. Pray for wisdom to know when it’s time to stand up and speak out…and when it’s time to “be still and know” as today’s verse exhorts. Pray for the millions of people trapped in modern-day slavery, that rescue will come. Intercede, too, for your U.S. Supreme Court judges, that they would recognize He is God and rule according to biblical principles.

Recommended Reading: Exodus 14:10-22

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Personal Responsibility

 

There is no better book on human psychology than the Bible. Its insights on behavior aren’t found so profoundly anywhere else. Like today’s verse, for instance. A man wrecks his own life but does he shoulder the blame for himself? No, he turns around and in ranting blames God.

When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

Perhaps you have known them – men or women who have professed being Christians but whose life is tarnished with immorality. They bring themselves to shame, but will often say that Jesus wasn’t there, or somehow God failed them. It is a slippery slide from obstinacy into apostasy. Theologian W. F. Adeney said, “It is monstrous to charge the providence of God with the consequences of actions which He has forbidden.”

God has provided light for His people to walk in, so they will not trip and fall in the darkness that surrounds them. The Lord has shown in His word the ways that avoid foolishness and sin.

Pray that America will turn from its obstinate ways into the light of God’s truth. Intercede for the nation’s leaders to abandon their follies and seek after the Lord who has promised to be gracious and compassionate.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 30:8-18

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Good Kind of Jealous

 

In recent headlines, the IRS admits targeting conservative groups. You may wonder if God cares about the way His people are treated. Yes, He loves His people passionately. Case in point: on first reading of today’s verse you may think the “you” Isaiah refers to is God. But in reality he is speaking to the nation of Israel.

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish. Isaiah 60:12

God was getting ready to do an amazing work in Israel. He promised to bless and protect them. He said, in a sense, “the way they treat you is the way they treat Me.” He identified with them. In the New Testament we see another clear picture of God identifying with His people. On the road to Damascus when Paul was struck blind, Jesus asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) The “me” Paul was persecuting was Christians.

God’s eyes are on this nation. He sees the persecution that is rising up in this country. He identifies with a believer’s pain. Know that God jealously loves you and cares for you. Pray for those in the United States who oppose Christians to repent, look with favor on believers, and for many to receive Jesus as their Savior.

Recommended Reading: John 15:12-25

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Rebounding from Betrayal

 

It’s not unusual to see a lawyer in a courtroom, but normally you would expect the lawyer to be wearing a suit. But in a Pembroke Pines, Florida courtroom recently, attorney Mark Dickson was attired in prison garb. Dickson wasn’t there to represent anyone, but was appearing at a bond hearing after being charged with stealing $800,000 from his clients. Unfortunately, it’s not just attorneys who sometimes let the people down who trust them most. It’s physicians, politicians, plumbers, and even the preacher on occasion.

This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true. Psalm 18:30

David, who wrote Psalm 18, was no stranger to betrayal – and he had played roles as both perpetrator and victim. Perhaps you have, too. But Scripture shows you what to do when your inclination is to strike out in revenge or wallow in defeat: focus on the One whose way is perfect. He will always be true and never fail you.

Today, pray for power to keep your mind and heart oriented to Christ, and ask Him to guide your nation’s leaders to follow His perfect way also…so they can discover Him, and not let the American people down.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 2:3-11

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Light in Darkness

 

In his last sermon to Israel, Moses reiterated that God loved them. If you believe in the Lord Jesus, the first phrase of today’s verse should be a reminder to you. Since you have been grafted into that relationship, this means you, too.

Yes, he loved his people…so they followed in your steps, receiving direction from you. Deuteronomy 33:3

God loved Israel not because they were a large nation; they were few in number. It was not because they honored Him with constant obedience; they disobeyed and worshipped other gods many times. He loved them because He chose them and made His promise to Abraham to make them a great nation.

Israel – chosen to be light in a world of darkness. Think of the book of Deuteronomy not just as laws, but as a book of love. God’s love shows the way for the believer. The writer of Psalm 119 yearns to walk blameless (Psalm 119:1) but depends completely on the Lord to enjoy the beauty, pleasure and relief that living under the guidelines of a holy God can give.

Reflect God’s love in your actions and your words. Pray for this country that its people would realize the joy that will come if they follow the ways of the true God.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:33-40

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Keep the Faith

 

Hundreds of years ago Edward Gibbon penned his great treatise on the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Among the reasons that great civilization capsized into the seas of history were the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home – the firm underpinning of all society. Higher and higher taxes crept in, people desired pleasures from sports or other more brutal or immoral activities; individual responsibility collapsed; and Christianity lost its pure and gentle influence to guide people. Can you overlay that on today’s America?

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 33:12

This weekend you may hear patriotic sermons based on today’s verse. There can be no doubt that for 200 years or more, God has blessed the United States. The second half of today’s passage reminds you that it is people who make up a nation. To keep God’s blessing on America, each citizen has the responsibility to keep faith in Him.

Revival takes place one person at a time. Hold onto the sanctity of life, marriage and family. Pray for the spiritual revitalization of leaders in government; for a return to individual responsibility; and for the Church to grasp, hold and teach God’s highest moral standards.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:8-18

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Two-Way Street

 

Have you ever tried to convey important information to a distracted listener, someone who is not completely engaged? It’s a challenge: kind of like trying to get to your destination using only one-way roads. Poor listening is a major roadblock to achieving good relationships. Whether it’s with your spouse, kids, boss, realtor or hair dresser, one-way communication leads directly to misunderstanding.

This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. Acts 28:28

Can you imagine God having the same frustration at times, seeking to speak but finding only preoccupied people with plugged in and plugged up ears? In the Bible, Jesus identifies His disciples as the ones that actually hear His voice. Because they listen to Him, He interacts with them and gives them purpose and the power to accomplish meaningful things.

Tell those in your piece of the world about Jesus this week – but before you get up and go, sit down and listen. Start by spending a generous amount of time reading the Bible. It is God’s personal instruction book and road map for you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide the thoughts in your heart and mind. As you sense His presence, be still, be quiet and really listen. His voice in your ear is a two-way street to the right destination.

Recommended Reading: John 10:24-30

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Flying Blind

 

In 1929, almost nobody thought “blind” flight was possible. Countless pilots had flown into fog, crashed and died. But then a brash young stunt pilot named Jimmy Doolittle, who would later gain fame as a World War II hero, trained himself to rely totally on instruments – a gyrocompass, an altimeter and a radio receiver. In what many thought would be a suicide mission, Doolittle covered his cockpit with a canvas hood, took off, flew for 15 miles, and then safely landed.

As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.  John 20:21

“I am sending you,” says Jesus. It seems a daunting mission…perhaps even impossible. But you are not going to rely on your senses for this assignment, because your senses will betray you. In the darkness, down may seem up and you’ll lose sight of the horizon. And for sure, people will tell you what a foolish course you’ve chosen. But there is an instrument – God’s Word, the Bible – it’s all the guide you need…if you have the courage to rely on it completely and totally.

Today, trust God for your navigation, and pray that others in America who’ve been disoriented and devastated by the illusions of the world will trust Him also.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:1-14

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – All in the Family

 

How fun it would be to go to an international event like the Olympics and observe many different cultures united for one purpose. It’d be wonderful…but can’t begin to compare to how amazing Heaven will be when people from not only all over the world but from all generations will worship God together.

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.  Romans 15:11

Regardless of differences, Christians are a family sharing one common thing – love for Jesus. The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) Jesus, stretching out His hand toward his disciples, said, “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) The message is clear: God desires for His people to have unity among His people here on Earth as well as in Heaven (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:1-3, I Peter 3:8).

Pray for Christians to grow in love and unity. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders and people to treat each other respectfully and work together regardless of their creed, color or political persuasion.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 12:14-27

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – On Your Side

 

India’s Supreme Court recently enacted a new law against “uncle judges.” The action was in response to a growing problem in certain provinces where judges would conduct trials in which one of the parties is represented by a lawyer who was a relative of the judge. Perhaps you can imagine the chagrin of arriving for a court hearing only to learn that your opponent’s attorney is the judge’s nephew. On the other hand, having your uncle as the judge would certainly throw the odds in your favor.

In Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles. Galatians 3:14

What does it mean to have the “blessing of Abraham?” In short, it means that God – the ultimate Judge – is on your side. God told Abraham He would “bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3) One of the most important ways in which Abraham enjoyed God’s favor was this: Just as he received blessings from God, Abraham in turn became a blessing to others.

As you pray for America today and seek to be a blessing to its leaders and citizens, you will need the Judge on your side. And when you call upon His name, you can be sure that He will be!

Recommended Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Memorial Day 2013

 

Not Theirs Alone

Deployment…you know the word because so many in this nation have been affected by it. The military takes a position of readiness to aid in the battle against terrorism. Any way you look at it, it means leaving the comforts of home and family and extending themselves to serve this country.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19

In much the same way, Jesus’ disciples were deployed to tell the resurrection story – a battle of a different kind. They sacrificed much to serve the Lord. The book of Acts recounts their struggles and suffering, as well as their successes, in proclaiming that Christ had risen. They did what Jesus told them to do.

But that command was not theirs alone. Deployment is not just for today’s military or for yesterday’s apostles. It is for you…you who know that Christ died and that He rose again to save the sinner from the punishment he should receive.

Take time on this Memorial Day to remember the men and women who died fighting for the freedom you enjoy. Then thank God for those who have gone before you unafraid to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ…even to the point of death. Don’t waiver. Serve the Lord. Spread the good news!

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:4, 8-17

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Five Minutes to Midnight

 

Small notice was paid last month when Martyl Langsdorf died. In 1947, she designed the Doomsday Clock. In 1953, it stood just two ticks from midnight. By 1991, it retreated to 11:43pm. Today, the scientists who adjust the minute hand according to annual assessments of threats to humanity have set the clock at five minutes to midnight.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10

News of wars, famines, earthquakes, spiritual deception, increases in wickedness point toward the imminent return of the Lord. Jesus and Paul both taught Christians to wait and be watchful, ready and sober, especially as you see the day of His return approaching. There will come a time when everyone will face God – when every knee will bow. Jesus’ absolute authority over Heaven and Earth will be acknowledged. There will be no exceptions.

Christian, are you living a watchful life, fully committed in anticipation of His return? Since you may be the only Bible someone else might read, does your witness give hope at five minutes to midnight? Pray for your own closer walk with your Savior, and intercede for your fellow citizens and your leaders that they will bow their knees…not in forced surrender, but in thanksgiving.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Five Minutes to Midnight

 

Small notice was paid last month when Martyl Langsdorf died. In 1947, she designed the Doomsday Clock. In 1953, it stood just two ticks from midnight. By 1991, it retreated to 11:43pm. Today, the scientists who adjust the minute hand according to annual assessments of threats to humanity have set the clock at five minutes to midnight.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.  Philippians 2:10

News of wars, famines, earthquakes, spiritual deception, increases in wickedness point toward the imminent return of the Lord. Jesus and Paul both taught Christians to wait and be watchful, ready and sober, especially as you see the day of His return approaching. There will come a time when everyone will face God – when every knee will bow. Jesus’ absolute authority over Heaven and Earth will be acknowledged. There will be no exceptions.

Christian, are you living a watchful life, fully committed in anticipation of His return? Since you may be the only Bible someone else might read, does your witness give hope at five minutes to midnight? Pray for your own closer walk with your Savior, and intercede for your fellow citizens and your leaders that they will bow their knees…not in forced surrender, but in thanksgiving.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The Dark Enemy

 

Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe says this: “Every form of life has its enemies. Insects have to watch out for hungry birds, and birds must keep an eye on hungry cats and dogs. Even human beings have to dodge automobiles and fight off germs. The life that is real also has an enemy…sin.”

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2

Sin is the darkness in life. It is outward disobedience and inner rebellion – refusal to submit to the law of God. You can’t whitewash it; neither can you cover it up without committing more sin. And that leaves you out of fellowship with God…the Light of life (I John 1:5).

He cannot close His eyes to sin and yet because He is God, He is love and wants to save sinners (1 John 4:8). At the cross, Jesus was the propitiation for your sins, suffering the punishment fully deserved by the sinner.

Darkness vs. light is unbelief vs. belief. Set yourself right before God by confessing your sin and turning from it. Then declare this saving grace to those around you. The people of this nation need to hear the truth of the gospel.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:6-17

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Just One Door

 

Perhaps you’ve seen posters of the doorways of Tuscany or Provence showing many styles of entryways…heavy carved wooden doors with iron hinges, painted doors within graceful arches or under heavy stone beams. There are so many means of access.

Through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:18

God has provided a portal into Heaven – but only one. In the treatise of the Good Shepherd, Jesus proclaims He is that door. (John 10:9) In today’s passage, Paul reminds the Christians of Ephesus that, whether Jew or Gentile, there is still but one way…and it runs directly through the cross of Christ.

In Revelation 3:20, the Bible speaks of another door: the entry into the human heart. Written to Christians, it is a reminder that Jesus desires active communion with His own, but will not force His way in. A much-loved painting by Warner Stillman reminds you there is no knob, no latch on this door’s exterior. It must be opened from within.

Keep your heart’s door wide open. As you do, you can readily show others the One Way, Truth and Life…Jesus…the portal into Heaven. Intercede for those who have not yet found God’s loving provision and pray that the truth of His only way will invade this nation’s halls of government.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:12-22

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Searching for the Light

 

Have you ever seen lights piercing the sky and wondered what they were illuminating? Searchlights are used by the military and commercial industry. The 1933 World’s Fair used them to draw crowds. In past wars, the military used them to communicate, to detect enemy aircraft, as a beacon for damaged planes, and to illuminate battlefields at night. The light hovering between the sky and Earth drew people to it and brought help and rescue.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:32

In the section leading up to today’s scripture, Jesus predicts His death and proclaims He has come to drive out the prince of the world and reclaim it for its rightful ruler. As a banner is flown in victorious battle, Christ proclaims Himself a rallying point when He is crucified. When the “Light” hung between Heaven and Earth, He defeated the enemy and now draws all nations to Him.

Are you under attack? The Light detects the enemy. Are you injured or lost? The Light shows the way home. Do you need to communicate with God? The Light signals to Him. Search for the Light and pray for the nation’s leaders to be drawn to it.

Recommended Reading: John 3:14-21

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Crier for Christ

 

“Oyez, oyez, oyez!” In Medieval times, a town crier rang a bell shouting this funny phrase, meaning “Hear ye!” Before the invention of moveable type, many were illiterate and depended on the bell ringer with the red and gold robe to deliver the news. Criers shared everything from royal proclamations to funeral arrangements. If people needed to know it, the crier would proclaim it.

Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. Luke 24:47

In the passage before today’s verse, Jesus recounts His death, burial and resurrection. Then He shares how His disciples are to proclaim “repentance and forgiveness” all over the world, starting in Jerusalem. You, too, are called to be a crier for Christ. No red robe or bell is required – only a willing spirit to tell others about the love of Jesus. Without the news of the crier, the people would be in the dark.

The same holds true today. Isn’t it time for Christians to cry out to all who would hear the news of a Savior? Ask God to make you bold enough to proclaim His name where you live. Then ask the Lord to give courage to the Christ followers in the Senate and the House to share His truth with their fellow leaders.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 96:2-10