Today’s Devotional

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Bumps in the Night

When you’re in bed, can you lower your arm toward the floor without feeling like something’s going to grab it? For as long as Cindy could remember she was afraid of being alone at night. She could spend all day by herself with confidence, but in the darkness she heard every creak in the house and every rustling sound outdoors.

When her husband began working the nightshift, she knew she desperately needed God’s help. She began meditating on scriptures such as today’s verse, saying, “I will not be afraid of anything in the darkness because the Lord is with me.” She also said:

• In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
• When I lie down, I will not be afraid…my sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

After some time, spending the night alone didn’t bother her. When the fear threatened to return, she’d again renew her mind with the Word. Like Cindy, you can have peace when you meditate on God’s truths. In the Bible, look up the topics that trouble you, and mediate on the Lord’s promises…then pray those very promises, in faith believing, for America.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:4-13

C.P. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

The Arrows and the Almighty

“Nothing in life,” said Winston Churchill, “is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.” Churchill was referring to being shot at in 1897 with the Makaland Field Force.

The future British prime minister volunteered for that military campaign because he became bored playing polo in India. He wanted action, and found it.

Most likely, you prefer boredom to combat. But that option is not available to you as a soldier of the cross. Hymnist Isaac Watts asked: “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?”

So you must be in the battle, but fear not. The Almighty is with you, and He – not your enemies – controls the final destination of the shots flung at you. “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (II Chronicles 20:15)

As you stand for America today and fight for a return to the biblical values that made her great, you can do so with confidence…with exhilaration, even…regardless of who may oppose you. The Lord will be with you.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 23:6-11

J.R. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Darkness and Light

No one since Adam has ever been more alone, literally, than Michael Collins. When Apollo 11 returned to Earth following the first manned exploration of the Moon, everyone idolized Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the men who walked on the moon. Few remembered Collins, who stayed in the orbiting mother ship, Columbia, while the others descended to the Moon’s surface in Eagle, the lunar module. As he orbited around the far side of the Moon in darkness, Collins was 250,000 miles from Earth and cut off from radio transmission. “I am now truly alone and absolutely alone from any known life. I am it,” he wrote in his journal.

Alone in the darkness – it can be utterly terrifying. But calm yourself: you are God’s child, and he has promised you light, not darkness. Scripture is replete with these assurances. He is the light of the world, your light and salvation, your everlasting light, a lamp unto your feet. You have nothing to fear.

Today, you are to let your light shine on others (Matthew 5:16). As you pray, ask God to shine His light through you, on your loved ones, neighbors and nation.

Recommended Reading: I John 1:5-2:6

J.R. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Sunday, May 8th, 2011

Good Mothers, Good Sons

Not many people would be happy after being shot three times, but Mary Reed was. Mary went with her 17-year old daughter Emma to a Tucson Safeway store to see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. When Mary first heard the noise, she didn’t know what was happening. But she instinctively pushed Emma up against a wall, cradling and covering her with her own body.

After being struck with the first bullet, she saw the gunman. “It was terrifying,” Mary told a reporter, “but I had to save my daughter.” Shot in both arms and the back, Mary was just happy her family was safe. “I’m very blessed,” she said.

As you celebrate Mother’s Day today, thank God for mothers who love unconditionally, give generously, work tirelessly, and stand willing to sacrifice everything to protect those they love. Few of our nation’s leaders would be where they are today without the love and prayers of mothers, whose selflessness and faithfulness exemplify the love of your God, your shield. Napoleon Bonaparte once said: “Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons.” That’s a fitting prayer for America today as well.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 31: 25-31

J.R. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Saturday, May 7th, 2011

Stuffed Turkey

Benjamin Franklin had a lot of good ideas, but you might be happy this one wasn’t adopted. In 1784, America’s Founding Fathers debated choices for the national bird. Franklin didn’t like the proposal for the bald eagle, arguing instead for the turkey. The turkey, he said, “is a much more respectable bird…a true original native of America.”

Certainly, the turkey as the national bird would have made thanksgiving dinners awkward, so, fortunately, the Founders stuffed Franklin’s suggestion. Most would agree the bald eagle – symbolizing strength and freedom – is a superior choice. The eagle is large and powerful, with a wingspan of six to eight feet. The psalmist was thinking of just such a creature to describe your protection in the shadow of the Almighty.

Under God’s wing, you are concealed from the enemy and protected from his evil attacks. America, too, has enjoyed the benefit of God’s protective wing…but there is no guarantee that will continue. His blessings upon a nation depend on the actions of the citizens (II Chronicles 7:14). As you intercede for your president and Congressional leaders today, pray they will boldly acknowledge the One upon whom America’s safety truly depends.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40: 25-31

J.R. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Flee the Fleas?

The Great Plague of London, a lethal disease spread by fleas, killed 100,000 people – about 20% of the population of the great city. Understandably, anyone with the means was getting out of town. One such person was the Earl of Craven, a wealthy aristocrat who owned a home in the country.

As he was making frenzied preparations to depart, he overheard one of his servants say to another: “I suppose – by my Lord’s quitting London to avoid the plague – that his God lives in the country, and not in town.” Convicted by those words, Lord Craven decided to stay in London and help those afflicted. “My God lives everywhere,” Craven said, “and can preserve me in town as well as in the country.”

There is something to be said for caution and prudence, but never forget that God’s protection of you is based on His grace, not your geography. Sometimes He keeps you in undesirable places because that’s where you are needed to make a difference. As you continue to pray for your nation’s ills today and this weekend, ask God to make you useful today…right where you are. Strive to make a difference for Him by putting actions behind your intercessions for America.

Recommended Reading: John 5:19-24

J.R. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Stand Firm

Many in this country scheme to destroy the freedoms America espouses. Just a month ago, The Freedom From Religion Foundation lost a case which would have declared the law requiring the President of the United States to proclaim a National Day of Prayer as unconstitutional. The court ruled that people can speak in opposition to it, but they are not allowed to silence the speech of others.

The Lord says that the wicked will lay snares for those who love Him. According to Psalm 140, violent men will plan evil things in their heart and will make plans to trip up your feet. The right response to such danger is to reaffirm your trust in God and to ask him for help. Guard your way by staying in His Word. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law…Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies…are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:18, 23-24)

On this National Day of Prayer, intercede for the nation and its leaders. Believer, know that the Almighty will protect you from the snares of the wicked. Stand firm in the faith. Do not waver.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

J.K. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Confident Decision

Written on the United States currency are the words, “In God We Trust.” The question is: “Do you?”

Psalm 40:1-3 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up…out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and…put their trust in the Lord.”

Undoubtedly, there has been a time when things did not go as you had planned. Cars break down, roommates disappoint, job loss puts your family’s well-being in jeopardy or a loved one dies. Where do you put your trust? Can you make it on your own? Do you become bitter?

Friend, there is no better decision than to put your confidence in the Lord and giver of life. Commit yourself to the always faithful God. Pray this country’s leaders will be guided by His Word. Then, be an example others follow so they will put their trust in the Lord. Remember, the Father provided the way of salvation through Jesus, so He is certainly able to carry you through difficult times.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 1:3-9

J.K. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Impregnable

Masada may be one of the most well-known fortresses in Israel. Located near the Dead Sea, it was constructed on the top of an isolated rock plateau. Cliffs on the edges of Masada are about 1,300 feet high on the east and about 300 feet high on the west. Three narrow, winding paths led to the fortified gates of the city with walls 15-25 feet thick and over 25 feet high.

As impregnable as this fortress may seem, the psalmists and prophets called on God’s people not to rely on their fortified cities but to remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Warning a disobedient, stiff-necked Israel of their impending defeat by Babylon, Jeremiah proclaimed, “Your fortified cities in which you trust they shall beat down with the sword.” (Jeremiah 5:17)

The psalmist, David, proclaimed that the Lord was his rock and his fortress…his deliverer in whom he took refuge (2 Samuel 22:2). Make this claim your own. Find protection from the attacks in your life in your Almighty God. He is strong to save. Then intercede for this nation that its greatest fortification will be the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 14:26-34

J.K. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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Today’s Devotional

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Disobedient or Directed

The Homestead Act of 1862 gave applicants up to 160 acres of undeveloped land if they would improve the land and file for title to it. Faye Lewis tells of her not-so-easy life in South Dakota. “ ‘There’s nothing to make a shadow,’ mother said. ‘If we could just see some shade somewhere, it wouldn’t seem quite so hot’.”

Shadows…shady areas that bring relief and cause you to tarry. Today’s verse gives the invitation to you, believer, to linger in the shadow of the Almighty. To stay in His presence for protection and peace.

Disobedience almost robbed Israel of God’s presence as He sent them into the Promised Land. But Moses interceded for the people and asked God to show him His ways and His glory. The Almighty chose to place Moses in a cleft of a rock, cover him with His hand, and pass by him (Exodus 33). Moses saw the glory of the Lord, and knew that He was Israel’s sure defense.

Have the same confidence! In times of danger or challenge, personally or for the nation, allow God to rule in your decisions and direct you. You will have peace if you abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 51:7-8, 12-16

J.K. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

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