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Heaven Rules in this Election

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The Bible is immensely political This may surprise many because most consider the Jewish and Christian Scriptures to be purely spiritual material. And for many religious people, politics is off limits or something they want nothing to do with. Yet when I read the Bible, I see politics everywhere.

For starters, lets understand what the words politics and political mean. To get to the original definition—one, which by the way, still stands—I go to Daniel Webster’s dictionary as published in 1828.

Politics: “The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of it safety, peace, and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.”

Political: “Pertaining to policy, or to civil government and its administration.”

This being clear then, it is safe to say that the Bible is chock full of politics. When you read it, you not only see it playing out in history, but the very foundation of all true political activity being established by God Himself. In fact, one could reason that politics and spirituality cannot be separated; since politics has its origins with God, it cannot be separated from God. Out the window, then, with the separation of church and state.

Even the structure of the U. S. government, with its three branches, derives from the holy writ. In Isaiah chapter 33, verse 22, we have the words, “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King” — the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, explains the source of and the reason for human government. In admonishing everyone to be subject to the governing authorities, he writes, “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist are established by God.” He goes on to cite its purpose: “It (the government, the governing authorities) is a minister of God to you for good. But is you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (see Romans 13).

Government—and those who serve in it, those who bear authority over others—are God’s ministers? This is what the Scripture teaches.

Note that Paul was writing to the church in Rome, and was here speaking to those under Roman rule; which, if you know anything at all, you understand that Rome was not only ruthless, but perverted and anti-God.

We find political stories, statements, and advice all throughout the Bible. The book of Proverbs is full of political wisdom; every leader at any level of government would do well to read it regularly.

Here is a statement made by one of the most famous kings of all time, King David. As recorded in 2 Samuel 23:3 he says, “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” The benefits of such a person in power? “He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain” (verse 4).

David’s son Solomon, who assumed the throne after him, says things like this:

“The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it” (Proverbs 29:4). And, “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked” (29:12).

That God is neither complacent nor absent in the political affairs of men, and who governs them, Daniel affirms: “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Daniel 4:17).

Even Mary the mother of Jesus weighs in on how people come to power. In what is called The Magnificat, she says, “He (God) has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble” (Luke 2:51-52).

We are at the height of the presidential election cycle with but 11 days to go until the votes are cast. The contest between the two candidates has been nasty, ugly, embarrassing, perverted, demeaning, and disappointing. I’ll not here go into any of the details, but I will say that according to the Bible, God is actively engaged in all this.

Yes, God is engaged in the 2016 presidential election. He cares about America, its leaders, and its government. He is concerned for its future. Whoever emerges as the chief executive of this great nation will be of His choosing. How could I possibly say that? Believe me, it is a difficult thing to admit, but it is true. If I understand Scripture, and I believe I do (at least a little bit), then I understand that God has a purpose, and what He does and why He does it is not always clear, but He will have His way. What is clear is that He is involved in this election—of this I am certain. Listen to what the Psalmist says,

“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is Judge; He puts down one and exalts another” (Psalm 75:6-7).

We may cast our votes—and we must! And the Electoral College theirs. Whoever emerges the victor may not be to our liking; he or she may even prove to be detrimental to what we think this nation ought to be. Yet, if we believe the Bible—more so, if we believe what God says in the Bible, we shall end up with whom God elevates to this high office. It may be what we deserve or what we need, God knows, but whatever the outcome we can be sure that “it is Heaven that rules” (Daniel 4:26).

Little by Little

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The apostle Paul lets us know how we’re to interpret the Old Testament. In Romans 15:4 he writes, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
One thing we learn from the ancient writings is that things don’t always happen at once. For sure, there are suddenlies. In fact, there are a lot of suddenlies. But not when it comes to nation-building. Or character.
In Exodus 23 God is speaking to Moses, telling him what he’s to say to the children of Israel. He’s telling them what they can expect when they enter the land promised them. He’ll give them victory, He’ll drive out the inhabitants of the land–that’s something to get excited about. But wait, He says something else. It’ll be little by little; it’s not going to happen all at the same time.
“I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. I will send hornets ahead of you so that they will drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before you. I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land” (Exodus 23:27-30).
For the zealous believer this can be annoying. We want everything God has for us, and we want it now. The problem with that is that we can’t handle everything God has right now. Like the beasts of the field, we’d get eaten alive or otherwise ruined of God gave us everything we wanted, right now.
Graham Cooke tells us God is a God of process, He loves process. You could say He is all about incrementalism; what He does, what He is, comes to us incrementally. He knows what we can and can’t handle. Before promises are realized, He’s work to do.
The one thing that builds muscle is resistance. Imagine God giving Israel the promised land without a fight; Israel would remain the bunch of weak grippers and complainers they were in the wilderness. Imagine if everything were free; there would be nothing then of value. Think of an army without and training whatsoever; they’d be a pushover.
Personal examples come to mind.
I deal with physical things almost constantly and I have to on my game to resist them. I remember the day when I didn’t have any; the idea of healing rarely entered my thinking. I didn’t memorize healing Scriptures. I didn’t make healing declarations over myself. Now, my faith is being built in this area, my thinking is changing; there is resolve on my part. Little by little I am overcoming these things. I have to, lest I be overcome.
I thing too of years ago, when week after week I heard the voice of a God calling me. The words and the visions were so grand, so big I couldn’t bear them; I almost felt crushed under the weight of them. I didn’t reject them; no, I just couldn’t handle them. That 30-35 years ago, and I have grown in faith and in character. Now the words come back. Now I’m getting assurance from God that these will be full-filled.
Nothing that comes quick and easy is of lasting value. We learn war by having to fight. We grow in faith by having it challenged. The promises come little by little so that we appreciate them when they’re realized.
There is another passage in the Bible that brings home these principles. In Judges 3:1-2 it is written, “Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly).” God left some of the people groups in the land of Canaan in order for the Israelites to have to fight them. In other words, God allowed enemies for a reason.
The thing is, everything God does has a purpose. What we’ve to grasp as Christians is that what God is doing in each one of us is conforming us to the image of Jesus. We don’t get there all at once, and it doesn’t come easy. There are steps to be taken, hurdles to overcome, and enemies to fight. We make our way little by little, and once we gain ground we’ve got to have the wherewithal to keep it. It’s one thing to win a battle, another to win a war. It’s one thing to get a breakthrough, another to hang onto it.
Little by little is the way of God–at least it is ‘a’ way. We shouldn’t be surprised that there are still enemies in the way of the promises God has made. They are there for a reason.

Dead Faith

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My Bible opens to James 2:26 this morning; apparently I had been on that page last night, but I had no intention of reading here this morning. But landing on these words bring conviction to my soul; it seems it is the word of the Lord for me today.
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
As the spirit to the body, so are deeds to faith. Faith and works are inseparable; you cannot have the one without the other if faith is to be valid at all.
Of course, a man can have works—there are all manner of people doing good works, and many of these works far outdo those of Christians. But their works cannot save them; they will go to hell doing good things. Faith in Jesus Christ saves a man, but let that man have actions that demonstrate his faith.
An example is the matter of giving in the Corinthian church. It is apparent they made a commitment to participate in an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem. At the tail end of chapter nine, Paul writes, “Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ” (9:13).
Better yet what Abraham did. “Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together.”
Hmmm. . . faith and actions, working together. This is an accurate picture of biblical faith.
A man can say he believes in Jesus Christ and yet by what he does you would never know it. Another man may not say anything at all, but by his deeds you will know he is a Christian.
What sort of deeds go together with faith? I would say any action that faith either requires, the Bible commands, or that expresses what you believe. It may be large or it may be small, but if it is an outworking of your faith, if it is inspired by faith and done in faith, it is a valid deed.
It is amazing the statement, “his (Abraham’s) faith was made complete by what he did.” Or, as the NASB puts it, “as a result of the works, faith was perfected.” The thing is, faith grows by reason of the things we do with it. Christians want to grow, and to grow your faith has to grow, and for your faith to grow, there has to be some action on your part. Like I said, faith and works are inseparable.
It is interesting that when the disciples asked Jesus to increase our faith, the conclusion of His answer was, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we had done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:1, 10).
I said I am convicted by James words.
For sure, I have much to verify my faith—I could list the things I do that demonstrate that I believe in Jesus Christ. But there are many things on the table, things I believe, things I believe the Lord has said to me, which I have received, that I have not done. Yet. The thing is, my faith with regards to these things is quite worthless unless there is corresponding action on my part.
This not to say that waiting for the unction of the Holy Spirit is invalid—for example, I believe I am to go to Israel. Yet I am waiting until I have that inner witness that now is the time and this is the venue. I think this is okay. I believe I am to make disciples, and by God I am going to—God knows I will. I am, and I will. I believe I am to teach, and to write, and to be generous. And I am and I will. Yet I am convinced there is far more that I can and should be doing in these regards.
Dead faith is completely action-less. There is nothing accompanying it. I think it can describe a professing Christian whose profession is not seen one iota in actions, or it can describe a person like me who has many deeds to testify to my faith, but who has faith for such and such but does nothing with it. There is dead faith as it relates to salvation, and there is dead faith as it pertains to a particular thing—like a trip to Israel, or paying off a mortgage, or fasting. Either way, faith without works is dead.

When God’s’ People Pray

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When God’s people pray, they rule the world.
It only stands to reason. In the beginning, at the onset, Adam—the son of God—was given dominion. It was told him, “Rule,” but he lost that in the disobedience. In Christ Jesus it is restored. John writes, “He has made us kings and priests” (cf. Revelation 1). Christians not only minister on God’s behalf, they also reign. At least that is God’s intent.
When God’s people pray, God listens. Scripture tells us He does not hear the prayer of the wicked, nor of the one who turns away from His law-word, but He does lend His ear to the prayers of the righteous. They pray according to His will, and when they do that, He hears, and if He hears (John tells us), then they have the things for which they pray.
What is astonishing about God is what He promises regarding prayer. He says, in effect, ‘Whatever you want and ask for, I give it, you have it.’ And this, not only for people and things outside us, but for ourselves too. In one instance Jesus commands we ask—something for ourselves, whatever it is that we want (John 15:7 Wuest). This is well and good, but we’ve a greater purpose than ourselves. We are called to rule the world. There comes a day when we will do so from real, political offices. Some will be mayors, some governors; others will be commissioners and supervisors. This is the lesson of the parable of the minas. In the meantime, we do so through the medium of prayer.
When God’s people pray, He moves leaders’ hearts. Proverbs reveals that the hearts of kings are like watercourses in the hand of the Lord; He directs them wherever He wills. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He definitely changed Nebuchadnezzar’s. Cyrus’ heart He moved upon to aid the Jews in the rebuilding of the Temple.
When God’s people pray, He heals lands. That is, a country that has gone astray in rebellion against God—and is suffering the consequences, God can and will heal that land, if His people pray.
When God’s people pray, the Spirt falls, He comes down and the nations bear witness. They see and hear things they’ve not heard before. They come under the conviction of God and are led to repentance.
When God’s people pray, chains fall off and prison doors open; captives are freed.
When God’s people pray, the angels of God do battle in the heavenly realms, making their way to the pray-er with God’s response.
When God’s people pray, cities, states, and nations are spared God’s judgment.
When God’s people pray, their enemies are scattered; they even turn against themselves and self-destruct.
When God’s people pray, those commissioned by God experience open doors for the Gospel.
When God’s people pray, they are emboldened to speak the word of God themselves.
When God’s people pray, all kinds of things happen: needs are met, sickness and disease are healed, demons flee, circumstances change, battles are won, strength is regained, peace comes, hearts are comforted, relationships are restored, wisdom is imparted, discernment is given, and creativity flourishes. When they pray, a bulwark is established, a banner erected, and a refuge established. When they pray, the Lord Himself and all His host are mobilized.
There is no greater power on earth than the prayers of God’s people.
Not ISIS, nor Islam, nor North Korea, nor China or Russia, nor any bomb or missile or cyber assault. No philosophy, no government, no Supreme Court or Congress or President. No foreign army. Not even Satan himself—over whom God’s people have been given authority. Not one person, place, or thing, natural or spiritual, in heaven or on earth, or under the earth, compares in power to that inherent in the prayers of the saints of God.
The saints rule the world, and they do it through prayer. No prayer, no rule. Pray, the Scripture promises, and you get what you ask for. All power and authority vested in Christ Jesus is issued God’s people to be exercised through prayer. We pray therefore, God, hallowed by Your name; Your kingdom come and Your will be done—right here, right now, in our day and in our time. Heal our land—heal us! Move upon the hearts of our leaders. Turn the hearts of the peoples who have shunned You. Restore us to our original foundations as a nation. In Jesus’ name.

A Lament for America

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America, America, my heart mourns for you
I feel broken inside because you have faltered
Why does my heart mourn for you?
Why do I feel broken inside for you?
You taught me what it means to love my neighbor
You taught me to respect those in authority
You showed me what a healthy family looks like
I saw the value of the marriage covenant
You taught me there’s a reward for hard work
I learned these things in your schools
I learned them in your churches
My parents taught me
Because they had been taught
Because of you I have walked in liberty
I’ve worshiped freely
I’ve gone where I wanted
And done what I pleased
I’ve had everything I’ve needed
For you my fathers put their lives on the line
They labored, they prayed, they fought, and they died
Even today your men and your women lay down their lives because they believe in you
In you, and because of you, the nations of the world have benefited
The world is richer because of you
My heart mourns for you
I ache on the inside because of you
Where did you go?
Where have you gone?
You who were once the fairest of nations
You’ve taken a turn to ugly
Somewhere, somehow, someone lied to you
You have been successfully deceived
Somewhere, somehow, someone snuck in and poisoned your collective mind
Your heart has become sick
Your fruit rotten
They’ve taken your treasures because they hate you
Not your silver or gold, but your foundations
They knew, yes they knew, that if your foundations are destroyed,
What can anyone do?
They lied to you and deceived you because they hate you
They detest your freedom and liberty
And you, America, listened
You, America, bought their lies
I will tell you what I will do for you
Because my heart mourns for you
And my insides ache for you
I will pray for you
I will pray for a revival of your national soul
For the heart that went out to the nations of the world
You not only fed them food, but the good news that leads to liberty
You taught them the truth that free men prosper
You fostered good in the world
You held sacred those laws and principles and values that made you great
You drew people from all over the world because they wanted to be free
You took in the poor, the persecuted, the bound, the war torn
You fought other nations wars because it was the right thing to do
You valued life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Therefore you did these things
I will pray for your restoration
My heart mourns for you, O America
And because my heart mourns for you
I will work to rebuild what is broken down, lost, and forgotten
I will hold high what made you the America we’ve known until now
I will do what I want you to do:
I will do what is right
I will speak the truth
I will remain faithful to my wife
I will conduct my affairs with honesty and integrity
I will overcome evil with good
O America, you’re not done yet
It’s not over for you
Your best days are ahead
How can I say that?
I can say it because my heart is not the only one mourning
Mine are not the only prayers
What forged you before will forge you again
The seeds that made you great are being sown again

Why We Should Be Active in Our Communities

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“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).
There is so much practical wisdom in the Bible; it is a truly spiritual book, yet true spirituality plays out in real-time—it does no one any good if it is not practiced in everyones sphere of influence, be it large or small.
Here, the Lord’s people—in exile because of their rebellion and worship of other gods—are instructed to work for the good of the place to which they’ve been sent. They’re to make the best of the situation, to build houses, plant gardens, start families, and so forth. The prophet knows they’re going to be there a while, so they may as well settle in. Yet in doing so they are to not only look out for themselves, but the place to which they’ve been sent—even under the circumstances, even in the kingdom and under the rule of a ruthless king, the one God used to punish them, destroy their temple, and ravage their beloved city. As they seek the welfare of the place to which they’ve been sent, they in turn will benefit.
This is a lesson for those of us who are strangers in a foreign land, pilgrims on the path to everlasting life. This world is not our home; we are looking for a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Christians are not of this world, just as our Lord Himself has said (John 17). However, we are to seek the good of the place we live and pray for its welfare. This principle the apostle Paul picks up and passes on to Timothy. In chapter two of 1 Timothy he writes,
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority.”
Why? “That we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” In other words, pray for them that it may go well with you; in their benefit you will benefit.
Strangely, many if not most Christians have little to do with the communities in which they live. For sure, there are churches and para-church organizations that do a lot of good in their cities; they’ve food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and various outreach programs. But I know of only a few believers who are actually active in their community. For the most part we Christians leave it up to the ‘heathen’ to run our towns, our schools, our businesses and associations. And, as we are seeing presently, this isn’t working out too well.
I am not saying everyone needs to run for a political office, but what I believe God is saying is that if we want things to go well for us, if we want to live in peace and see our churches grow, if we want to see people saved and come to know the truth, then it is not going to happen by going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. We have to engage the world around us.
John Boles and Gina Johnsen are two people I know who have been politically active. Pastor Kevin volunteers his time mentoring at St. Vincent’s home for children. Shari Montgomery is in the process of developing a ministry to help women rescued from sex-trafficking. Len Hill, at 82 years old, is still hard at work serving those who are incarcerated. Beyond these, I am not aware of many others. And we wonder why our nation and cities are in decline.
As for me, I’m barely engaged in anything outside my own little realm. Yes, I run a business, and yes, I serve on Montgomery’s board. In the past I’ve served on other boards and have been active in various clubs and associations, even holding office at times, but not much now. To be honest, I hardly think of the community in which I live. I definitely don’t do anything to better it, and I rarely pray for it. I stand corrected by God.
What then can be done? I don’t feel called to political activism or to run for office—though this is definitely an option. Some things come to mind that could apply to any concerned (and I might add, obedient) Christian: attend city council, township, and/or school board meetings; contribute to and/or participate in those organizations that provide services or run ministries to those in need; better yet, run the organizations; participate in the political process by supporting godly candidates for office, writing letters or signing petitions; write letters to the editor or op-ed pieces for the local newspaper; initiate, support, and participate in church outreach or service programs. The list might be endless.
One such program I’m aware of is in the Detroit area, where a fried of mine, Jim Russell, Jr., in working with his church, started what was at first a small clinic, where a couple volunteer doctors served those needling health care. This has exploded throughout the metropolitan area, with multiple locations and considerable staff.
The one thing about Christians that ought be true is this: wherever they are should be getting better. As the salt of the earth we’re to make life palatable and stave off decay. We’re to be the light shining in the darkness. Instead of things dying off (speaking of the culture), they should be growing greener and more fruitful. From what I know of history, it is Christians and their influence that has brought the world stable families, good government, respect for life, private property, the arts and sciences, hospitals and healthcare, higher education, and the like. Indeed, we have made the world a better place. And this is our responsibility. Now is not a time to let up.

Why We Pray

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“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
I wrote of this yesterday, more or less focusing on the “so that” — we’re to pray in this way, for others welfare, so that we may live peaceful lives. “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” Paul continues, and then we have a revelation: God “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (verse 4). That is, we are to pray all kinds of prayers, not just for our leaders, but for all men, with God’s heart in mind: He wants them saved.
John Chrysostom comments, “Since He wishes that all should be saved, do you also wish it? And if you wish it, pray for it? For prayer is the instrument of effecting such things.”
Honestly, I don’t—meaning, I rarely do. I say this to my shame. If it is God’s will that all are saved, then it ought be mine too. If God went to all the trouble of sending His own Son out of a deep, deep love for men, shouldn’t I then at least go to some trouble? What does it take to lift up a few prayers for others?
It’s not that I haven’t. For years I designated each day of seven for a certain people group. There was immediate family, extended family, neighbors, employees, customers, the brothers, and then my Life Group. All these I would put before the Lord, and for a time I would pray a specific prayer, helped by an acronym (which now I cannot remember). I have held to this to some degree, but offering prayers is one thing; there being the heart of God behind the prayers is another. I admit, this is lacking.
I think God looked down from heaven and couldn’t stand it anymore. Paul writes of Christ coming and dying “at just the right time.” I think maybe His heart was ready to burst if something didn’t happen; so He sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those under the Law.” It was when “the fullness of the time came.” That is, He just could not wait any longer.
I have met people who have a passion for evangelism—I’ve had a passion for evangelism. My goodness! How often have I written of it, longed to do it, prayed to be used of God for it! Yet evangelism, of itself, is not God’s heart; people saved are. Evangelism is the means to that end. God’s love for people is the fuel of it.
When Paul exhorts we pray for all men, it’s because of the love God has for people. Peaceful, tranquil lives can be the fruit of it—Rome was a much better place to live under Constantine than Nero. But the purpose of the prayer, the ultimate goal is that folks are saved.
Make no mistake—not all will be saved, but they’ve not a chance if there are no prayers. And there are no prayers without a heartfelt love for people. Love for people, unbelievers and believers alike, is the core of effective prayer. The good news was (is), “God so loved the world” — this was the message of the Christ, these were Jesus’s words. Those born of God ought feel the same way.
I believe love must be cultivated. It is sown in our hearts, yes; but it must be recognized and acted upon. Prayer is the getting on place. We pray for people because we love them, and if we’re not feeling that then we pray for them because we want to love them.
The ultimate need of men is salvation.
Trueblood’s words come to mind:
“No one whose life has been truly touched by the life of Christ is free to leave the matter there; he must, as a consequence, extend the boon. No one to whom the love of Christ has been mediated so that he is in some sense a new person, is free to let this stop so long as he lives. If he has been, in any sense, liberated, he must join in the eternal fellowship of liberation. If the enkindling fire which Christ said He came to light has in any sense entered his soul, he cannot rest until he lights a many other fires as possible.”
So then, “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority.” Why? Because God “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” Such is the reason for the exhortation, and such is the heart and soul of prayer.

My Statement of Faith (A Prayer)

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Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are my Father; You have adopted me through Your Son, Jesus Christ.  I believe with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I believe He died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day.  He is my Lord and Savior–really, my All in All.  

I thank You that You, Father, have accepted me in the Beloved.  You have reconciled me to Yourself, given me of Your very own righteousness, and have given me a purpose in life.  I belong to You; You bought me, paying a very high price for me, placing worth on my life.  It was the Blood of Jesus shed for me; I believe in the Blood of Jesus, one drop of which destroys all the power and work of the evil one.  

I believe in the Name which is above all Names, that all-powerful Name, the Name Jesus, Yeshua, Jehoshua,  Iesous. I believe in the Holy Spirit–Your very own Spirit, Who is with me and in me, Who leads me and guides me. 

I believe Your Word-I believe You, Father; all Your Words are truth.  I believe the Bible is the Word of God, Your Word.  The whole of it is truth, as well as every single word.  It is inspired, living, active, and powerful, and I build my life and work upon it. 

Heavenly Father, I believe You are good, completely and utterly good.  You are unchanging, reliable, and trustworthy.  I trust in You–Who You are and what You are like.  You are sovereign, totally in control, and You know me inside and out.  Father, I know You have my best interests at Heart.  I am at rest in You, knowing and believing, as I do, these wonderful verities about You. No matter what happens to me, whatever befalls me, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You are with me, You love me, and You are for me. This gives me great peace and comfort.  

Heavenly Father, I am the most thankful that I can come to You at any time, regardless of where I’m at or what I’m doing.  I can speak with You and hear You speak to me.  Our relationship is my most prized possession.  

I could go on, Father; I could tell of my faith in all Your benefits-like forgiveness, deliverance, cleansing, prosperity, healing, and health.  Suffice it to say, however, I believe in You, I trust in You, my life and all it represents belongs to You; I am Yours.  And because I am Yours, everything You have belongs to me; I have this wonderful inheritance, all because You have made me to be Your child.  You Word is true. My future is bright, because You are my Future.  What I have to look forward to is all wrapped up in You.  You are my Exceeding Joy.   Amen.

All About Process

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I am not a natural entrepreneur. An accurate picture of my experience in business would be of forcing a square peg through a round hole. That’s the point; to a large degree the time I’ve spent in business has shaped me into the man I am today.

Life in God is all about process; we begin at new birth and grow from there, our environment and experience molding us into the person God intended. It’s important we see things that way, by faith seeing the hand of God at work; otherwise, we give up and go, abandoning God’s purpose for us.

I’ve had to make this choice many times in my life. Though I believe God led me to start a business, it wasn’t my choice. I wanted to serve God through ‘ministry,’ and didn’t make the connection. As a result, I struggled for decades with the seeming dichotomy of sacred and secular work.

Thankfully, I had a mentor, whose life and work combined the two. Business for Jim Russell was his ministry; it was not only the means to an end, it was the end. It was was his service to God.

Jim would tell me, “Terry, your business is central to God’s call on your life.” I would agree outwardly, but inwardly I had my doubts. Time has taught me the truth of his words. God knew that this square man needed to be round in to fulfill his purpose. I am a different person than I was 30 years ago. Through loving pressure, the Master has forced me through the hole, making me a vessel fit for His use.

Business not only has been the means to this end, it has been the end itself. That’s the amazing thing about life in God; it’s all about the process. It’s more about the process than it is the end. Abraham’s experience is a classic example; he was a square peg too – Abram, but God called him to be Abraham. And so began the process. The result? He believed God, and “He credited it to him as righteousness.” The means was the end from the outset.

The will of God for every person is to be conformed to the Person of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t happen by osmosis; it comes about through heat and pressure. The process is the most important part; the outcome assured if we submit to the process. That’s how a man whose life and character was antithetical to God’s can become a man of God. And he might just use business or some other means to produce just that.

Transformation Thinking

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I’ll not forget sitting on the deck of my in-laws cottage on Lake George. It was early morning and I was reading my Bible–Romans 12 that day. I was fairly young in the Lord at the time and hungry to change. When I came to verse 2, the words “be transformed” jumped out at me. I could be different–totally transformed! How? By renewing my mind.

Since that day I have prayed most days as I open my Bible, “Father, thank You for Your Word. Please speak to my heart, renew my mind, feed my spirit, and heal my body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Learning to think differently has everything to do with everything in God. You will never be who God wants you to be, you will never do what God wants you to do, and you will never get where God wants you to go, apart from mind renewal. It is the means to total transformation. Success in God, albeit in relationships, health, finance, or ministry, hinges on a godly mindset.

The amazing thing about Romans 12:2 is that it points us to who were are on the inside.

Kenneth Wuest’s translation of Romans 12:2, a more literal rendering of the Greek, paints a picture we all need to embrace.

“Stop assuming an outward expression that does not come from within you and is not representative of what you are in your inner being but is patterned after this age; but change your outward expression to one that comes from within and is representative of your inner being, by the renewing of your mind.”

Pastor Dave Williams says that your outer kingdom is a reflection of your inner kingdom. Here it is in Scripture! The apostle Paul tell us we’re to be on the outside what we already are on the inside. What needs to happen is a change in our outward expression, and this happens by learning to think differently.

This simple truth has revolutionized my life. I have come to realize who and what I am in Christ; God has made me to be a completely new person, a new creation. My responsibility is to lay hold of this and work out in the day-to-day what God has already worked in me. I’m to be on the outside what I already am on the inside.

Transformation for the believer is akin to Jesus’ transfiguration on the mount. In fact, transformation and transfiguration are the same thing! Jesus was transfigured before the disciples. What He was on the inside showed up on the outside. This is God’s plan for us, and it all plays out as we learn to think about ourselves differently.