America

Day 23 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“And he will be called: Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

Have you noticed there is a difference between physical peace (absence of bodily harm) and internal peace?  Have you noticed that we can have physical peace and not have inner peace?  Of course we want both.  What does Jesus promise us?  In John 14:27, he says, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  And in John 16:33 he says it even stronger.  “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

He promises that whatever you experience externally in our world today, that he will give you a GIFT of peace, a shalom for your heart and mind!  And that no matter the trials and sorrows we face, that we can actually take heart, or be encouraged, because he has overcome the world,  through the cross and empty tomb.  Incredible.

Will you shift your focus from the chaos, confusion, division, strife and warring of society, to the Lord Jesus?  Will you receive this gift he earned for you on the cross, and step into this lifestyle of peace?  Notice that even when Jesus was tortured and undergoing incredible pain prior to and on the cross, he never lacked peace.  That’s what he offers freely to you now.  

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I receive your peace now.  Even if I can’t fully understand it, I know you are the Prince of Peace, so I trust you.  Help me to shift from the world’s flawed version of peace, and into your bulletproof shalom.  Guard my heart and mind from the evil one, and help me to enjoy you in full confidence and peace.  May the Prince of Peace in me cause others around me to experience your peace as well!  In Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 22 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“And he will be called: Everlasting Father.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

Do you find it interesting that Jesus (“for a child is born to us…”) is also named “everlasting Father”?  Is this because the Father and his Son, Jesus, are one?  In John 14:9-10, Jesus says to his disciples, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…the words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.  Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me”.  If we want to see who the Father is, how he feels about you and me, and how he treats us, we can look at Jesus in the narratives of Scripture!  And notice how “fatherly” Jesus is with his disciples.  He calls them “children”, and loves them as a good father would love his children.  He doesn’t blast them or expel them, but lovingly calls them upward, as though he believes they will eventually get it!  This is how he treats you and me, lovingly calling us upward, to believe and trust in him more and more.  

In a country undergoing a “crisis of fatherlessness,” we long for good fathers, fathers who will stand for truth, who are wise, who self-sacrificially protect and care for their children.  No matter how old you are, will you let the Lord Jesus, father you today?  Will you allow him to love you, protect you, speak words of wisdom and direction into you and care for you?  Will you let your guard down, and let him speak life into the dead places in your heart?  I believe he so longs to do this, even more than we crave it ourselves.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, father us, as you fathered your disciples and followers of your day.  Help us overcome our distrust, reluctance and even rebellious tendencies.  And then, allow us to serve your people around us, that we may carry on Jesus’ ministry of fathering in your winsome, kind way.  And one by one, may we see a revival of people changed from the inside out, and full to overflowing with your love!  In Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 21 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“And he will be called: Mighty God.”  Isaiah 9:6

We all know powerful people – in business, government, military, even in entertainment, etc.  But often we fear those people and what they might do, because we have seen how power often corrupts.  We crave Someone strong and powerful who will protect us from the bullies.  Humans let us down, but God never does.

The people in Jesus’ day recognized him as a “prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19).  And the only ones who feared Jesus were those who opposed him.  He used his power to save the lost, heal the sick, raise the dead, forgive the sinner, defend the weak, etc.  He is completely trustworthy and faithful.  He will do what he did then for you today.  As you place your life in his hands, you will experience his might in the most wonderful ways.  His power to overcome your biggest bully, the evil one, will change your life.  Will you let him?  

And someday soon, when Jesus returns through the clouds, with a “loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), all the world will see his might with our own eyes.  Will you acknowledge Christ Jesus today as your mighty God?

Prayer:  I acknowledge you, Jesus, as my mighty God.  I come under your authority, and give you permission to lead me.  I pray for the people of our nation, that more and more people would place their allegiance in You alone. Work through me to help accomplish this!  In Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 20 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor.”  Isaiah 9:6

Each society has people considered to be experts, people who are smart and gifted.  Yet we discover how their wisdom often falls short, and that they too are flawed people.  We need a Counselor, someone who is all wise, who knows us best, who understands our situation and gives us brilliant counsel.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).  Paul points to Jesus Christ as the “wisdom of God” (:30)

We can get angry at our governmental leaders, or the experts in their respective fields.  But really what we need is to acknowledge Jesus as our “wonderful Counselor”, and to take direction from him.  In confessing him as your Lord and Savior, you are doing just that.  His wisdom doesn’t play by our world’s rules, but brings heaven’s brilliance to your problems and issues.  Will you listen to him?  Will you heed his advice?  Will you step out in faith and do what he suggests?  I promise the more you do, the more you’ll recognize how wonderful a counselor he actually is!

Prayer:  Lord God, you are brilliant, I acknowledge that.  Help me trust you and take one small step at a time as you direct.  I pray for a nation full of people who acknowledge Jesus as their Wonderful Counselor and walk in his ways.  May your infectious wisdom in me draw others to you, Lord!  In Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 19 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.”  Isaiah 9:6 NLT

The prophet Isaiah predicted the Messiah would come as a child, that he would save the world and that he would have God’s kingdom authority behind him.  The angel of God said to Mary, “you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David” (Luke 1:31-32).

Since we couldn’t save ourselves, God sent his only Son, to save us, and to usher God’s Kingdom into our world. Jesus came to show us, in a personal way, what God was like, how he thinks, how he treats people, his character and kingdom values.  By reading the pages of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) we see how this baby became a man and radically changed the world, one person at a time.

What is your citizenship?  Through faith in Jesus, you are first and foremost a citizen of God’s Kingdom.  We are only temporarily citizens of countries of this world.  As you spend more time with Jesus in prayer and reading his Word, you will experience yourself reflecting God’s Kingdom in every aspect of your life.  Will you let him transform you?  

Prayer:  Lord, we can see that this messed up world needs Kingdom-minded people.  Will you change me and work through me to help the people around me?  Through me, would you bring others to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ personally?  In Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 18 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible Text John 15:13 (KJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

More than 240 years ago the “Stars and Stripes” flag was adopted as our American flag by the Continental Congress. Since then our freedom has been bought by a price by those who sacrificed their lives to defend the freedoms we have today. But even before that, almost 2000 years ago, Jesus sacrificed His life. He went to the cross for our freedom, too. So let’s join in prayer for America. Let’s give thanks for our freedoms and pray for their preservation. Those freedoms secured by the many who gave their lives for America and let’s celebrate and share the freedom secured on the cross by the one and only Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Some great ideas:

• Pray for America

• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance and include “One nation, under God.”

• Sing the National Anthem, “Star Spangled Banner”

• Sing-a-long with Pastor Kevin’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic” https://youtu.be/yTrx92wCWao

• Sing or listen to other great patriotic songs like, “My Country ’Tis of Thee”, “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless the USA,” “God of Our Fathers,” “Home on the Range,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “This Land is Your Land,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” They can all be found on Youtube.

• Watch – LIVE FREE by Pastor Dodge – https://youtu.be/4tTe-PKUuks

Prayer: Pray for the veterans and their families. Thank God for the freedoms we have in America. Ask for His protection of those freedoms. Thank Him for the ultimate gift of love we received through Jesus Christ.

By Ann Goehner

Day 17 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible Texts:

Matthew 8:24-26 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

James 3:17-18  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

So much dissension, arguing and anger it’s like a raging sea. That storm is not just causing ripples, but waves that are divisive and destructive to the core of what America stands for. 

The waves cause some of us to be fearful and afraid, others of us jump right in and join in the storm. However, we are called to trust in God when fear comes and we are called to be peacemakers. So if our reaction to the storm is to be afraid, God commands us, “Fear not!” His promises are true and we can trust that when He says He will strengthen us, help us, and be with us, that is exactly what He means.  We are also called to be peacemakers. This doesn’t mean we water down the truth or don’t speak it. It means we speak Jesus’ truths in love, with a heart filled with kindness and gentleness and with a desire to be part of calming the storm. We sow peace when we act peacefully. 

Prayer: Cry out to the Lord today on behalf of America and her people. Ask the Lord to quiet the storm and the waves. Ask Him to bring peace into our hearts that we might walk fearlessly into our day knowing He is always with us.  Ask Him to give us the strength to be peacemakers when our reaction is to join the storm or make it bigger.   

By Ann Goehner

Day 16 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time (it)…will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”  Isaiah 9:1-2 NLT

What a great promise!  Jesus was, is and will be the fulfillment, and we will witness and experience His glory and light.  The people of Isaiah’s day had messed up and brought on the consequences, of darkness.  Are we any different?  And that’s the very reason for Christ coming, suffering, dying and then rising from the dead.  He took on our punishment, so that we, by repenting and placing our faith in Jesus, could experience his glory and light.  

What is that?  It’s everything we yearn for – his unconditional love and kindness.  It’s joy that’s not circumstance-based.  It’s a hope that looks forward to what God has promised you.  It’s a peace that stills you in the midst of turmoil.  When Jesus’ three disciples witnessed Jesus’ radiance, brilliance and glory on the mountain (Mark 9), they wanted to stay there forever!  That’s what you and I are going to see very soon, when Jesus returns through the clouds.  And FOREVER is His promise to you!

Prayer:  Lord, we stand on your promise that you are bringing your glory and light to this dark world of ours.  And not just for ourselves, but for those around us – our family, co-workers, classmates, neighbors and friends.  Even now, shine your brilliant light into the hearts of all who live in darkness.  And start a movement of Light seekers, Lord, in Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Kevin Schuessler

Day 15 of 40 Days of Prayer for America

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Bible verse:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:7-9

Peter tells us to cast all our anxieties on the Lord Jesus Christ and rely upon Him, These are trying times and anxiety and worry and fear can take hold, but Peter says to cast ALL anxiety on Jesus because He cares for us. Cast – is literally saying to throw them over to Jesus and then rely on Him, His love, His comfort, His strength and His power to carry our every burden.

Peter follows that with, “Be alert and of sober mind.” Be alert, the Greek word is gregoreo. It means to be awake. Be awake to what God is doing. Be awake to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact is, we are in the midst of a battle and our struggles are not against flesh and blood, they are instead struggles against principalities and powers of darkness in the heavenly realms. Peter says, “[Be awake] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The enemy is not the little cartoon figure who sits on the shoulder and whispers in the ear while the little angel sits on the other shoulder. He is an evil enemy, and the only way you and I can resist and withstand him is in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ who has given to His children both the right and the privilege to call upon Him.

Peter then says, “Resist him [the enemy], standing firm in the faith.” We will depend not upon our own ability or our own strength, but upon Jesus’ strength to resist the enemy and to stand firm in our faith. We will cast – throw – our burdens and our cares, our worries and our anxieties over to Him. We will call upon Him, upon His strong name to give us everything that we need even in the most difficult of situations.

Prayer: Call upon Jesus to take your worries, struggles, burdens, anxious thoughts. List them each individually and tell Him you are letting go of them and casting – throwing – them over to Him. Pray for the Lord to show His power and strength to those who are feeling discouraged. Pray for Him to comfort those who are hurting. Pray for Him to bring peace to those who are angry. Pray for a mighty move of God through the power of the Holy Spirit to sweep across America.

By Pastor Chris Dodge

Day 14 of 40 Days of Prayer

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Bible verses:

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14

“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

It is very important for us to realize there’s a war going on. We are living in the midst of spiritual warfare, a battle that has been going on since the garden of Eden and is going to continue until the day our Lord Jesus returns. But we also know how it’s going to turn out. This is what we read in the book of Revelation 17:14. It is a powerful word. It says, speaking of those who do not believe in the living God and who are under the control of the evil one, He says, “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”  He wins, and because He wins so do we.

So let’s return to Jesus’ Authority for one more devotion. When we go through difficult times, like the current turmoil in our country, one of the things that we need to understand, not in our heads, but rather internalized with our hearts, is that all authority has been given to the Lord Jesus Christ! He is our Savior. He is our Lord. He is King of kings, Lord of lords and He is the Lord of our lives. And HE WINS! And because He wins, so do we! Therefore, we will turn everything over to Him. Rather than becoming fearful, discouraged, and overwhelmed, we will instead hang on to the authority of the Lord Jesus and in His name renounce those things that destroy, that burden, that breakdown, that cause no end of sorrow or anxiety or worry. Not because we are strong, but because He is!

He has all authority. We are in the middle of an ugly spiritual war and we need to rely upon Jesus’ authority as never before. And then we can be bold in sharing the hope and confidence we have in Jesus’ authority.

Prayer:  Thank God for the authority He has given to Jesus and thank Jesus for His obedience to the Father in accepting that authority and being our Victor! Take time claiming the victory of Christ over areas of your life that you need to place under Jesus’ authority.

By Pastor Chris Dodge