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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Paradogs

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Read: Psalm 143:7-12

Bible in a Year: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2

In You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk. —Psalm 143:8

I am amazed by the story of the World War II paradogs. In preparing for D-Day (June 6, 1944), the Allied troops needed the sharp senses of dogs to sniff their way through minefields and to warn troops of approaching danger. And the only way to get these dogs to troops behind enemy lines was by parachute. But dogs are instinctively afraid of doing this—and let’s be honest, they are not alone. Yet after weeks of training, the dogs learned to trust their masters enough to jump at their command.

I wonder if any of us trust our Master enough to do challenging things we would never instinctively do or things that might make us fearful. We may not be instinctively generous or forgiving or patient with those who annoy us. Yet Jesus commands us to trust Him enough to do things that may be difficult but that will advance His kingdom. To say, “In You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk” (Ps. 143:8 nkjv).

Paradogs often received medals for their bravery. I believe we too will someday hear “well done” because we have trusted our Master enough to jump when He said, “Go!” —Joe Stowell

Is God asking you to do something that you are afraid to do? Will you trust Him to lead you and walk with you?

Trust Jesus to show you how you can be used by Him.

INSIGHT: Psalm 143 is the last of seven penitential psalms (Pss. 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130) that express deep sorrow over sin. The authors affirm that as forgiven people they have come into God’s presence because of His mercy. Today’s psalm is a prayer for deliverance, protection, and guidance. David, pursued and in grave danger from a powerful enemy (vv. 3-4), desperately cried out to the Lord (v. 7). He likely wrote this psalm when fleeing from the murderous Saul. He prayed for God’s mercy (v. 1), rescue (v. 9), guidance (v. 10), preservation (v. 11), and deliverance (v. 12). His prayer is not based on his own merits (v. 2) but on trust in God’s mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and unfailing love.

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Love Gifts

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When people celebrate Christmas every year, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying gifts out of obligation. You might think you have to buy someone a present because they bought you one, or they’re a relative, or you bought something for someone at work, so you need to buy gifts for all of your coworkers. When you feel pressured to give beyond what you are able at Christmas, it’s easy to feel disgruntled.

There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Think about the greatest gift of all. Jesus. Salvation. Eternal life. “For God so loved the world he gave His Son.” He didn’t do it out of obligation or because He wanted to make a good impression. He did it out of love.

This Christmas, determine to give out of love. Pray about the gifts you purchase. What would make the person on your list feel loved? Pray that this nation will focus on God and people, not things. Intercede, too, for protection for all of the shoppers, and that the needs of those going through difficult times will be supplied.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:1-7

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team;  A.W. – Start a Stampede

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In recent years, consumers have scoured the market to find the “best Christmas gift ever.” Lists come out with the hottest toys for kids and people go crazy to get the prize. In 1980, it was Rubik’s Cubes; 1983 brought Cabbage Patch Dolls; 1989 featured Gameboys; and 1996 gave you Tickle Me Elmo, which reappeared in 2008 as Elmo Live and again in 2011 as Let’s Rock Elmo. In 1998, there was Furby, who made an encore appearance in 2012. Some gifts resell for up to 600 percent above their original price. Some have hospitalized employees in stampedes of customers trying to get it.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Christmas has become about finding the gift everyone wants. Most have forgotten the best Christmas gift ever was already given the very first Christmas. Today’s verse is a reminder of this wonderful gift – the gift of eternal life. The gift of salvation. And the best part is, it doesn’t cost a thing.

As you pray today, ask God to put people in your path that need salvation and pray for ways to share it with them. Pray also that a “stampede” would start across the nation to find God’s best Christmas gift ever.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:12-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Beyond Your Ability

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The apostle Paul reports in II Corinthians 8 the remarkable generosity of the Christians in Macedonia. Despite great affliction and deep poverty, he says they were overflowing with joy, and even gave beyond their ability.

They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

II Corinthians 8:5

When it comes to Christmas gifts and loved ones, giving beyond your ability is not a good idea. A good number of Americans will make that mistake and spend the next year digging out of a financial hole. There is a better way to celebrate Christmas than making it a debt debacle.

Before you give to others, first give yourself to the Lord as the Macedonians did…allowing His wisdom to guide your every decision. There are many things you can do this season for your family, for your neighbors, and for your nation – things that don’t require breaking the bank – to make an eternal impact. Measured by the world’s values, you may not appear to have the resources or ability to change anything. But when you give yourself first to the Lord and then serve as a vessel to pour out His love, there are no limits. Make this season the one in which you truly discover and share His love…beyond your ability!

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:5-10

Presidential Prayer Team

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

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Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington has starred in films such as Malcolm X, Glory, and The Book of Eli. Yet Washington considers his faith in Jesus Christ his priority. He daily reads the Bible and is one of Hollywood’s most devout Christians. In fact, Washington’s faith has influenced the roles he’s played – and the fact that he’s been married to the same woman since 1983, a lifetime by Hollywood standards, is a testimony in itself.

You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

“I’ve had an opportunity to play great men and, through their words, to preach. I take what talent I’ve been given seriously, and I want to use it for good,” said Washington. “Everything that I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift.”

When the angel announced Jesus’ name to Joseph, he also explained His purpose: to rescue people from the power and the penalty of sin. Thank your Heavenly Father for the incredible, priceless gift of salvation. Gratefully unwrap your many blessings throughout this month as you draw near to Him and spend time in His presence. As you do, remember to include gratefulness for the privilege of being a praying American!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Just Ask

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Christmas is a time for gifts, yet most don’t openly ask for them. But Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, did just that. In today’s passage, Caleb gave his daughter’s hand to Othniel for conquering the land of Kiriath-Sepher. Once married, Achsah told her new husband to ask her father for a gift – land.

She said to him, “Give me a blessing”…and Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Judges 1:15

Caleb granted the newlyweds some desert land, but Achsah went to her father to ask for more. “Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” (Judges 1:15) Her father responded with a gift of not only one spring, but two! Achsah’s story is a great example of how you should go boldly before your Heavenly Father and ask for good gifts.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) Don’t hesitate to take your requests before God. Ask Him for healing in this nation as well as worldwide. He can do more than you can imagine. Just ask.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – A Long-term Plan

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Today’s verse speaks of Jesus. Jesus was a descendent of Judah. Judah was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the patriarch of the Jewish people. As these brothers gathered around their dying father, could they imagine that he was predicting the coming of the Savior?

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler‘s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him.

Genesis 49:10

When Jacob gave his prophetic blessing, if his sons were expecting to hear about their great futures, some of them were disappointed. Jacob believed in telling it like it is and some of their futures were not good because of past behavior. He predicted Reuben’s failure, Simeon and Levi’s dispersion throughout Israel, and Issachar’s enslavement. Jacob gave the rest of them more promising prophecies. Concerning Judah’s future, Jacob prophesied not only for his son, but for all people through all time.

God knows the span of history from beginning to end. Praise Him for His beautiful plan of salvation in His Son, and the opportunity you have to come before Him in confidence. Knowing that your persistent prayer will be answered, bring this nation before the Father and ask for His mercy and grace to be extended to its leaders and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 22:31-45

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – See and Seek

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Many traditional Christmas songs are about God’s glory. It’s a central theme because Christ’s birth was the revelation of the glory of the Lord. The Bible says “the glory of the Lord shone around” (Luke 2:9) and the angels shouted “glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14).

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”

Exodus 33:18

But why wait until Christmas to seek God’s glory? Mark Lee, the guitarist for Third Day, wrote about their song “Show Me Your Glory” in the liner notes of their album. He said, “Both Moses and Peter shared similar experiences. God revealed Himself to Moses and Peter witnessed Jesus in all His glory at the Transfiguration. Their lives were never the same. I think that is what happens with all Christians on some level. We get a glimpse of how awesome God is and can’t ever again settle for the ordinary things of this world.”

This holiday season, seek more of God’s glory…but don’t let it stop at Christmas. Continue every day into the coming year to discover how awesome God is and let it transform you. Pray, too, for the people of the nation and its leaders to really see and seek the salvation available through Christ.

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:8-20

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Revamped Expectations

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How do you respond when you hear something like this: I’m sorry—you didn’t get the job. We just felt our other candidate was more qualified!

It’s not easy when God doesn’t do what we want, is it? Never has been. Never will be. But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it. Remember, disappointment is cured by revamped expectations!

I like the story about the fellow who went to the pet store for a singing parakeet. He was a bachelor and his house was too quiet. The store owner had just the bird for him, so the man bought it. The next day the bachelor came home to a house full of music. He went to the cage to feed the bird and noticed for the first time that the parakeet had only one leg. He felt cheated. So he called and complained. “What do you want,” the store owner responded, “a bird who can sing or a bird who can dance?” Good question for times of disappointment!

From Grace for the Moment

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Getting Ready

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How are you preparing for Christmas? Some bravely hang off ladders, precariously attaching lights to every corner of the house. Others find tantalizing recipes to delight the taste buds. Whatever your task, success may depend on one surprising secret ingredient – humility. It’s been said that humility is staying teachable regardless of how much you know.

I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way.

Mark 1:2

John the Baptist’s great mission in life was to prepare the world for the coming Messiah…and he did a great job! He was amazingly popular, establishing a large following of dedicated believers. Yet when Jesus arrived on the scene, instead of pride and swagger over his accomplishments, John conveyed an “it’s not about me” attitude. He told his loyal listeners, “He must increase but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) At the pinnacle of his greatest success, John humbly pointed others to Christ.

Is America prepared for the future? You can help by praying for leaders in government to be humble and to make room for Jesus in their lives and in their work. Pray, too, for fellow believers during this special season to point only to Christ in their celebration of His birth and in anticipation of His next arrival.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40:3-11

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – A Messed-Up Family Tree

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“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”—Revelation 22:16

In the first century, Jesus was not a unique name. Many boys were named Jesus, which meant “Jehovah is salvation.” But there was only one person who has embodied that name in all it was, and that is the Lord Jesus.

The angel Gabriel told Mary, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). That word great is from the Greek word megas, the same word from which we get our English term mega, conveying the idea of bigness and magnitude. Jesus would be the very definition of the word great—mega, if you will.

Gabriel also said that He would come from “the throne of His father David” (verse 32). David is a unique figure in Scripture, described on one hand as the sweet psalmist of Israel and a man after God’s own heart. But we also know of David’s foibles and shortcomings. Two names connected with David sum up his life: Goliath and Bathsheba. Goliath represents David’s greatest victory, while Bathsheba represents his greatest defeat. David was a flawed man, yet Jesus was called “the Root and the Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16). And as Jesus was engaged in His ministry, He was referred to as the Son of David. Clearly Jesus was connected to this man.

So if you think you have a dysfunctional family, take a look at Jesus’ family tree. Some of the most unsavory characters who made it into the most exclusive genealogy in human history include prostitutes, liars, cheats, adulterers, and even a murderer.

What does this say to us? Even before Jesus was born into that family tree, His ancestry pointed to one thing: Christ came into the world to save sinners.

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Joyce Meyer – Wisdom Encourages Patience

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A man’s wisdom gives him patience. —Proverbs 19:11 NIV

People often ask me, “How can I learn contentment and stability?” One way, straight out of the Bible, is patience.

God wants us to use wisdom, and wisdom encourages patience. Wisdom silently tells us to wait a little while, until the emotions settle down, before you do or say something. Then check to see if you really believe it’s the right thing to do. Emotions urge us toward haste, telling us we must do something and do it right now! But godly wisdom tells us to be patient and wait until we have a clear picture of what we are to do and when we are to do it. I like to say it like this: Let emotions subside and then decide. We need to be able to step back from our situations and see them from God’s perspective. Then we need to make decisions based on what we know rather than what we feel.

Power Thought: I have the wisdom to develop patience and emotional stability.

From the book the book Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Beyond the Trinkets

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On this first day of December, you are likely to be reminded – via television commercials, electronic billboards and, yes, emails like this one – that Christmas is near. Every retailer is clamoring for your attention…not because they care about you, but because of what they can extract from your wallet, purse and credit cards.

Joshua fell on his face…and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”

Joshua 5:14

Will you make this Christmas season all about the One who truly does care for you? The One whose love and ultimate sacrifice has furnished the priceless gift of eternal life? As you begin what may be your most hectic month of the year today, let it begin with this question and prayer: “What has my Lord to say to his servant?” Ask for new perspective, new energy, and new blessings to make this Christmas season a holy and sacred tribute to Him – focused not on shopping and stores, but on the Savior.

If you do that, the meaning and import of the season will be deeply impressed upon your heart, and you will in turn change the hearts of your loved ones and your neighbors long after the brief pleasure of the toys and trinkets have faded away.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:15-20

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – No Timidity

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It’s no secret that America’s religious freedom is deteriorating. As the country splits down the middle, one side cries tolerance – yet some can’t tolerate people who think they are right to serve God. The culture’s effort to be respectful of others’ beliefs has come at a cost. Several Christian Americans are now more afraid than ever to offend or cause an uproar for stating their opinion on a social or political issue.

Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.

Isaiah 12:4

Today’s verse calls for a public declaring of who God is. Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).

What of God’s deeds do you appreciate? Ask Him for wisdom and boldness to make these things known. Pray that God’s people will declare His Word and not be timid when it comes to stating their view in the public square. Finally, intercede for the leaders and citizens of this nation who have yet to call upon the name of the Lord.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:7-18

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Yes, Lord!

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A “yes-man,” according to Merriam-Webster, is “a person who agrees with everything that someone says: a person who supports the opinions or ideas of someone else in order to earn that person’s approval.” Politically speaking, this term is used to describe someone seeking to raise his or her own standings, and the support they show is actually insincere.

Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?

Galatians 1:10

In today’s passage, Paul cautions against seeking the approval of man. He continues, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) People are wavering, and their opinions are prone to change, so trying to please them often results in wasted efforts. God, however, is steadfast and unchanging. Your efforts to please Him will never go unnoticed.

Instead of being a “yes-man,” work on being a “Yes, Lord!” person. Let that be your response when God calls. Thank Him today for Christian leaders who answer Him with a “Yes, Lord.” Then pray for more to recognize His sovereignty and be ready when He calls.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 1:11-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Measuring Man

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There is a good chance you are reading this on your smartphone, waiting in line at a cash register as you participate in the great frenzy that is called Black Friday. It might be a good moment, then, to reflect on the importance of measurement and moderation.

I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand!  Zechariah 2:1

What is the meaning of this curious verse in Zechariah – the vision of a man with a measuring line in his hand? The scene was recorded 500 years before the birth of Christ. The prophet was forecasting the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem…a task that would require careful planning, prayer, measurement, collaboration and strategic deployment of resources. That’s a sharp contrast to the characteristics of Black Friday shopping, which is marked by heavy doses of impulse, chaos and hyperextension of credit lines.

As you enjoy the kickoff to the Christmas season and all of the wonderful things surrounding it, be sure to thank God for the freedoms He has given to you in this nation. And may you, and America’s leaders, use each resource in a strategic, measured, Godly way…for His glory.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:3-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Happy Thanksgiving Credit

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You’ve heard the phrase, “Give credit where credit is due?” James eloquently does exactly that in today’s verse when he says there is not one good thing in life that does not come from the hand of God. For some, the voice of doubt jumps right in the middle of all that Thanksgiving with a dark thought. “But what about all the pain and suffering? Why can’t a good God fix that?” Again James gives credit where it is due. His teachings show that darkness and misery result when people actively move away from God toward their own lusts and obsessions – and it doesn’t stop there. Sometimes the most innocent suffer from the sinful choices of others.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.

James 1:17

Here’s the Good News for your Thanksgiving. The Father has provided a remedy for sin through His son Jesus. Because you have been forgiven, you can forgive those causing pain in your life. Either way, peace and redemption flow as perfect gifts of His love.

Today, be genuinely grateful for the gift of God, Jesus – the answer for sin’s effect in the world. Pray, too, for your leaders across America to come to this knowledge of God’s good gift. He will bring Thanksgiving to the hearts of many.

Recommended Reading: I Chronicles 16:28-34

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R.- High Cost

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Ronnie Biggs, one of the criminals who participated in the Great Train Robbery in 1963, lived most of his life as a sort of celebrity fugitive from the law. After escaping from prison in England, he fled to France, then Australia, then Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He successfully fought off attempts by British authorities to extradite him, and spent most of his time regaling tourists of his criminal exploits.

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

II Thessalonians 3:13

Here, though, are the numbers: Biggs collected 143,000 from the train robbery. He spent 40,000 on plastic surgery in in an attempt to alter his features. He paid 55,000 to various couriers to get him into countries illegally. The rest went for legal fees. He lived quite miserably and poorly off of the sale of mugs and t-shirts…and after all that eventually ended up in jail anyway.

“Doing good” is the way to live your life – and it’s ultimately and infinitely more rewarding than a life of crime, dishonesty or laziness. As you work to better America today and serve your Lord, be thankful that He will give you the energy, tenacity and stamina to see through what He’s called you to do. Do not grow weary!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:1-7

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Victory Over Guilt

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1 John 1:9

At times people are bound by guilt long after the feeling should have been resolved. For some, this is appropriate because they refuse to give up the sin that brought it on. Others suffer the weight of false guilt because they harbor shame that doesn’t belong to them. Whatever the root cause of your self-condemnation, the battle plan remains the same.

Victory over guilt begins with understanding that the Savior took our shame to the cross and paid our penalty. Without Jesus, this would have been impossible because there is no way that we could pay for our own sin. But we do need to honestly identify the source of our guilt and confess before God. That means we agree with His perspective on what we’ve done—in other words, we admit when we are wrong. Repentance goes a step further: We turn away from wrong and choose to do right.

Confronting guilt in this way replaces our burden of shame with peace and joy, which are far lighter and more freeing. And an amazing side effect is that we have wisdom to share. Openness about our past mistakes, consequences, guilt, burdens, and forgiveness can reveal the Lord to those in our sphere of influence. Through our witness, God may reach others who need their chains of guilt broken.

The battle to overcome guilt is one that should not be delayed. The feeling won’t just go away. Whether your condemnation is true or false, it needs to be dealt with quickly. Stop running, and face the source of your guilt. It’s time to end your captivity and start walking in the joy of God’s blessing.

Bible in One Year: Romans 7-9

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Hands Off

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Toyota recently invested another $50 million in cooperation with the Stanford and MIT robotics departments to create a car that virtually cannot get into an accident. It speeds up, slows down or re-directs in response to potential events. However, recent polls show Americans are leery of a car making decisions for them; most say they would not remove their hands from the wheel if directed to do so.

I entrust to you, Timothy…that by them you may wage the good warfare.

I Timothy 1:18

In the letter Paul wrote to his young apprentice Timothy, he tells him to hold on to his reputation by keeping his life free from evil so people will listen to his message. Paul describes the same issues that shipwreck people today. Lying, immoral sexual habits, anger, chasing money, and following false teachers was as spiritually hazardous then as it is today. Paul tells Timothy the only way to avoid a spiritual crash and burn is to let Christ guide your conduct.

Pray for your fellow believers in America to conduct lives above reproach. Ask God to assist you in the decisions you make every day – especially today. Remove your hands from the wheel so many will see God’s redemption and power in your life.

Recommended Reading: Luke 1:68-79