The South African national anthem asks God to hear our prayers and petitions. God's Word reminds us that nations need to humble themselves and turn to God for Him to hear us. How do we do this? We start with the person in the mirror.

The South African national anthem gives us some helpful guidelines for prayer. But - instead of praying for our nation to be glorified, let's pray for GOD to be glorified in our nation.

After a rough week in South Africa, we've been reminded of the importance of praying for our nation. Are we, the people of God, rising up in prayer for our nation? Paul urged the early church to do so.

At age 103, Jim was still sharing the love of Jesus however he could. To please his Maker remained his primary mission, his whole life... How about you and I?

Jim's greatest challenge as a Christian was to forgive the man who had orchestrated the Pearl Harbour attack. General Fuchida had become a Christian, and discovered the mercy of God for even him.

Do you have someone to forgive today? If God can forgive Fuchida, so you and I are to forgive those who have hurt us.

When a typhoon threatened to bring chaos on a local town, Jim and his fellow Christians began praying earnestly for God's intervention... and sure enough, the typhoon reversed its course and disappeared.

Are you praying boldly today?

Jim Downing was deeply admired by his friends and peers. Someone said of him "his life means more to me than all the sermons I ever heard"... The example of a life lived in Christ is perhaps the greatest sermon you or I could ever preach.

Jim Downing survived Pearl Harbour, and realized how urgent was the mission to share the love of Jesus. In today's world of COVID, with death all around us, surely we can learn the same lesson.

In the midst of the attack of Pearl Harbour, Jim experienced something amazing - the overwhelming peace of God.

Do you have peace in the battles of life? Give up worrying, and focus on God.

On the infamous day of the attack on Pearl Harbour, Jim rushed to defend his country, and as he went his wife shouted a Bible verse after him! She had that verse ready to go for the time of disaster. This is a great practice for us as Christians. Let's be people of the Word.