Tag Archives: Thomas Jefferson

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R.- From Foe to Friend

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“For sheer verbal savagery,” writes biographer Ron Chernow, the presidential contest between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams “may have surpassed anything seen today.” In the 1800 campaign, Jefferson claimed Adams was a “hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.” Adams responded that Jefferson was a “mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father.”

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted…and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:13

Both eventually became president, and years later they began a warm correspondence and became best friends. How could this happen? In a word – empathy. Each suffered the rigors of the presidency and had survived to become part of a small, exclusive club.

However you may be tempted or tested today, Jesus understands. He has been there. He is ready, with His angels, to minister to you. And when you emerge from the wilderness of adversity, you will be equipped to befriend and serve others. As you pray today, ask God how you might be used to draw others in America to Him so that they will trust Him as Lord.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Purposely Follow

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The Founding Fathers of the United States understood the intense responsibility they had in establishing a government for a new nation. Faith in God and His leading determined their actions. Thomas Jefferson penned these words within the Declaration of Independence: “With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.

Proverbs 24:3

Even before convening with the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin wrote an essay in 1757 in which he advised, “Do not depend too much upon your own industry and frugality…for they may all be blasted without the blessing of Heaven.” In his autobiography, Franklin wrote that his daily prayers began with these words: “Bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! Increase in me that wisdom.” For many of the Founders, Bible reading was a part of their daily lives. They stood in awe of the Lord. They purposefully followed His guidelines to establish the best government for a free people.

Be encouraged in these difficult times to study Scripture. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Intercede for government leaders that they might know the One who guides. Then they will understand what is God’s best for this country.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:11-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Unwarranted Wrath

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You probably think of George Washington as calm, steady and unflappable, even in his most desperate of times. In truth, the first president had a terrible temper and when under stress, according to one of his contemporaries, his face became “dark and lowering” and he was “most tremendous in his wrath.” Thomas Jefferson even once provided a firsthand account of an enraged Washington throwing his hat on the floor and stomping on it.

Gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 6:15

Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity, was quite a contrast to that. Falsely accused and facing imminent death, his countenance conveyed an unearthly peace – like the “face of an angel.” Filled with the Holy Spirit, he was willing to accept any consequence for his testimony about Jesus.

There may be moments when a little “righteous indignation” is called for, but much more often, you will do damage when you become “most tremendous” in your wrath. Today, ask God to give you the wisdom and discipline to respond appropriately to whatever, or whoever, is making your life difficult today. And may He grant the same to President Obama and America’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 29:9-14

The National Day of Prayer is quickly approaching. ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY. On May 1st, we will set aside a day for Americans to once again ask for God’s involvement in our country, its leaders and our military.