Archive for the ‘devotional’ Category
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Friday, July 30th, 2010
Going Beyond Garden Variety
Lee De Forest was on trial for fraud. What did he do? He invented the audion tube, a device that would make radio broadcasting possible. But at the time, the idea seemed so ridiculous De Forest was brought to court, where the District Attorney told the judge that "De Forest said … that it would be possible to transmit human voice across the Atlantic. Based on these absurd and deliberately misleading statements, the misguided public has been persuaded to purchase stock in his company." De Forest was eventually acquitted, but not before the judge suggested that the inventor "get a common garden variety of job and stick to it."
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When you turn on your radio today, it probably doesn’t even cross your mind that you are enjoying an amazing invention that was once thought utterly implausible. But what about those prayers – the ones you feel, deep down inside, will never be answered? The critics and the pundits will not have the final word … because everything is possible for him who believes.
As you pray for the nation today, remember that God is not limited to "garden variety" prayers. He’s in the business of making the impossible a reality.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 99 <- click to read or listen
J.R. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Mindful of God’s Promises
This astounding statement is what Jesus told His disciples after He cursed a fig tree. They marveled at how quickly the fig tree withered. Christ also said, "You can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done." (v.21) Fortunately, He didn’t demonstrate.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.Matthew 21:22
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Hebrews 11:6 says there are two elements of faith: you must believe God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Believing happens in the mind. What is going on in your mind? Do you believe all your problems are going to do you in … or are you confident, as it says in Romans 8:28, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose?" Instead of looking at a situation as impossible, perceive it as an opportunity to prove that with the Lord all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Meditate on God’s promises. Fill your mind with them so your faith will rise up … and allow you to receive whatever you ask for, in the name of Jesus and according to His will, for the President, this nation and its future.
Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:1-12 <- click to read or listen
C.P. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
Coming Soon … A great new exciting prayer tool!
Imagine a great number of Christians — like yourself — being able to receive daily news and informational briefings as they occur within our nation. Now imagine that same group bringing those concerns before the Throne of Heaven!
Introducing … PRAYER BRIEFINGS … "Prayer resources at the speed of a click"
Since our inception in 2001, PPT has led the nation in utilizing email to mobilize Christians to pray. Now, and in response to suggestions from some of our Prayer Team members, we are embarking on a 24/7 news watch with reporting directly to you.
News sources will include our own Prayer Team’s connections with more than 40 national and worldwide news services, and a direct feed from The White House and other Washington D.C. newsmakers.
James 5:16b reminds us, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." And we know that change happens when people pray!
Our anticipated start is mid-August. If you are already a Vantage Point subscriber, the PRAYER BRIEFING will come automatically as part of this devotional! If not, sign up now, and tell your friends, prayer circles and church leadership.
America stand tallest — when it is on its knees!
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Today’s Devotional
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Got Faith?
Obstacles to your faith are inevitable (Luke 17:1), and Jesus warned His disciples about the dire consequences of being a stumbling block to new believers. It was a sobering thought to His followers then and still is. Yet though the disciples were strong in their faith by comparison to new Christians, they obviously weren’t very secure with what faith they had … thus the question to Jesus in today’s recommended reading: "How do we get more?"
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you."Luke 17:6 |
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The Lord was telling the disciples and you today that it’s not how much faith you have … but what you do with what you’ve got. If a small amount of faith can uproot a tree or move a mountain, what might your faith accomplish?
Begin by praying for what may seem impossible for America. Pray that she will stand strong among other nations as a beacon of freedom and independence. Pray, too, for the protection of the military as they fight to keep us free. And ask Him to make you a help, not a hindrance, to those young in their faith.
Recommended Reading: Luke 17:1-10 <- click to read or listen
B.K. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
Coming Soon … A great new exciting prayer tool!
Imagine a great number of Christians — like yourself — being able to receive daily news and informational briefings as they occur within our nation. Now imagine that same group bringing those concerns before the Throne of Heaven!
Introducing … PRAYER BRIEFINGS … "Prayer resources at the speed of a click"
Since our inception in 2001, PPT has led the nation in utilizing email to mobilize Christians to pray. Now, and in response to suggestions from some of our Prayer Team members, we are embarking on a 24/7 news watch with reporting directly to you.
News sources will include our own Prayer Team’s connections with more than 40 national and worldwide news services, and a direct feed from The White House and other Washington D.C. newsmakers.
James 5:16b reminds us, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." And we know that change happens when people pray!
Our anticipated start is mid-August. If you are already a Vantage Point subscriber, the PRAYER BRIEFING will come automatically as part of this devotional! If not, sign up now, and tell your friends, prayer circles and church leadership.
America stand tallest — when it is on its knees!
Posted in devotional |
Today’s Devotional
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Undoubtedly Answered
Jesus taught a great deal about prayer … but never once referred to unanswered prayer. On this topic, Oswald Chambers wrote that if your prayers are in the name of Jesus – in accordance with His nature – the answers will also be in agreement not with your nature but with His. When you are in close communion with God by being in His Word at every opportunity and talking to Him daily, you will not be misled into believing that some prayers go without response. He answers the prayers of those who serve Him!
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So how can your prayers become faith-filled? Recognize that doubt and faith both originate from the same place – a confrontation with the unknown. Doubt concedes defeat; faith claims victory. Let your time in prayer be one of a growing relationship with the Lord – an opportunity for God’s will to be brought into focus. Be specific in your intercessions. Remember, you have not because you ask not.
Intercede confidently today as a prayer warrior for your family and for the leaders and military of this country. Declare His victory over your concerns and fears.
Recommended Reading: Matthew 14:22-33 <- click to read or listen
J.K. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Lord first
The two women had been "bestest" friends for almost 65 years. They grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same schools and church, and moved to the same state within a year of each other. When they meet, as one says, they "pick up in the middle of a sentence and go on." The friends would do anything for each other. But one has never asked the other to kill one of their children to prove their love as God did Abraham (Genesis 22).
And he was called God’s friend.James 2:23 |
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Although Abraham had other children, Isaac was special because he was a child of Abraham and Sarah’s old age. But when God asked Abraham to offer his son as a burnt offering, Abraham obeyed. And therein rests the secret of Abraham’s friendship with God: obedience. No matter the cost, Abraham was ready to obey, because he recognized that his friend was also first and foremost his Lord.
What about you? Let your cry today be one of willingness to obey God. This prayer will result in a more godly life, a more loving family and, ultimately, a stronger faith and nation as you learn to lovingly intercede, in whatever way God requires, for your President and leaders.
Recommended Reading: John 15:11-17
D.G. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Incredible, Invisible
If you wanted people to think you were a complete nut, there was an easy way to do it in the 19th century: simply urge people to wash their hands. Back then, the theory that germs – bacteria too small to see with the naked eye – could exist was considered preposterous. Doctors routinely went from the autopsy room to the delivery room without so much as a drop of water. Oliver Wendell Holmes advocated hand washing in 1843, but he was widely ridiculed. And Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, a physician in Vienna, proved that mortality rates could be reduced dramatically with hand washing, yet his findings were greeted with hostility.
By faith we understand … that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.Hebrews 11:3 |
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Now, of course, the truth is evident. Germs may not be visible, but you can certainly observe the devastation they cause. Sadly, some scientists in this century would claim that there is no evidence for the existence for God. But just look around you … His handiwork is everywhere.
If your faith is waning today, take the time to enjoy and think upon His incredible creation. And ask Him to strengthen your faith as you stand and pray as a beacon of truth in your neighborhood and in the nation.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 77:11-19 <- click to read or listen
J.R. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
God Eyes
Without a guide dog, the sight impaired need to rely on a cane, with their reaction time limited to a step or two in front of them. With a dog, they are free to move about, as the animal acts as their eyes. As those with blindness learn to rely on their guide, human and dog develop an intimate bond.
Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.Isaiah 50:10 |
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Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." When you trust in yourself, you are like a blind person slowly tapping his way along with a cane. But when you rely on the Lord, you’re free to allow Him to be your eyes. He can see far beyond what you can. And human and God develop an intimate bond.
Allow God’s Spirit and Word to guide you as you pray for the country, its leaders and troops. And pray that government leaders will learn to trust in the Lord, not in their own wisdom or ability.
Recommended Reading: John 1:1-13
C.P. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Not Your Will, But His
"The Mystery of Prayer" was the theme of a Newsweek magazine article a few years ago. A woman mentioned in the article had prayed unsuccessfully to win the lottery, but when she prayed for a sister who needed a kidney transplant, God answered her prayer.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”Mark 11:24 |
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Even an unbelieving world knows, instinctively, that asking God to win the lottery is fruitless. They know that the Lord doesn’t work that way. Yet even believers sometimes fall into this trap. Just because it’s the desire of your heart doesn’t mean it’s the desire of His…for you or those for whom you intercede. But He knows what you need before you ask, and I John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Jesus expected his disciples to understand the premise behind “whatever” in today’s verse: that all petitions – even His own – must be in complete harmony with the Father’s purposes.
When you pray for the nation and its leaders, earnestly seek His will first. Then “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22) with a willing spirit, knowing that the Lord’s destiny for this great land will be accomplished.
Recommended Reading: Mark 14:32-38 <- Click to read or listen
B.K. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Deliberately
Faith must have an object of its attention. Today’s verse states that “…anyone who comes to him must believe.” So what are you to believe? The proper object of faith is God. It is crucial that you believe that “he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6b) But when you seek the Lord, a casual glance in his direction is hardly sufficient.
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Give your deliberate attention and priority to learning more about the God of your salvation. Christ transforms and is able to give you new life and hope you have not known before. Then, when you call to Him in prayer, He “will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) Your desire will be obedience to the God whose grace and mercy in your life is immeasurable…and He will be pleased with you.
Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24) and was “commended as one who pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5) Keep a deliberate faith…trusting that in this time of great wickedness, God will answer your prayers for your family and the leaders of this nation.
Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-20 <- Click to read or listen
J.K. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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Today’s Devotional
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Faint but Strong
In 1972 NASA launched the exploratory space probe Pioneer 10. Its primary mission was to reach Jupiter, photograph the planet and its moons, and beam data back to Earth. Scientists regarded this as a bold plan, for at that time no probe had ever gone beyond Mars, and they feared the asteroid belt would destroy Pioneer 10 before it could reach Jupiter.
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But Pioneer 10 accomplished its mission and much more. Swinging past Jupiter in December 1973, Pioneer 10 was then hurled toward the edge of the solar system. For years, Pioneer 10 continued beaming back signals that scientists could use. When last contact was heard in January 2003, Pioneer 10 was 7.6 billion miles away. At that distance, it took more than 11 hours and 20 minutes for the signal, traveling at the speed of light, to reach Earth.
A faint message can travel a long way. Similarly, prayers delivered with even small faith can reach the heart of God, whose great strength can work the impossible. As you pray for the nation, make asserting your faith in God your primary mission. No matter how weak you think it may be, your faith will be honored by Him.
Recommended Reading: Mark 11:12-14, 20-26 (NEW – click verse reference to read or listen)
A.C. – Your Prayer Team Writing Staff
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