"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority..." 1 Tim 2:1-2a KJV We can count ourselves blessed to have a President who has been so uncommonly outspoken about his belief in Christ. While this is a cause for rejoicing, it is also a serious cause for concern. (I will explain shortly.)
Bush's candor about, and willingness to share his faith has been remarkable: The morning after officially becoming President-elect, the very first thing Bush did in public was to attend a prayer meeting at a church in Austin were he sought God's blessing and guidance. In his speech launching his Presidential campaign, Bush said, "I believe in grace because I've seen it, and peace because I've felt it, and forgiveness because I've needed it." He regards himself as a "lowly sinner" who is saved by God's grace, a concept that has humbled him. Bush says he prays every day in all kinds of situations, and has been seen to quietly bow his head and pray before news conferences and important meetings.
"I pray for guidance. I do not pray for earthly things but for heavenly things, for wisdom and patience and understanding."
Bush reads through the entire Bible every other year; he chooses relevant Scriptures during the alternate years for his daily devotions. This was also undoubtedly helpful during the years he taught Sunday School. Asked in a debate what "philosopher" he admires most, he responded, "Christ, because He has changed my heart." (He took much flak for saying that.) He continued, "When you turn your heart and your life over to Christ, when you accept Christ as Savior, it changes the heart and changes your life, and that's what happened to me."
Bush's autobiography, "A Charge To Keep," takes its title from a Charles Wesley hymn, "A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify..."Those last four words go unspoken, but are apparently very much a part of Bush's philosophy, and, for those who make the connection, are enlightening. As governor of Texas, Bush sent a memo reminding his staff that "we serve One greater than ourselves." Will his beliefs affect what he does in office? Bush's brother, Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, says there is no question about that. He says his brother will "inspire people to act on their faith, not just to focus on one's salvation, but to define our activities and our faith in a way that will help others." It's all about "walking the talk." Even Bush's closest associates say the faith he professes is genuine, not something merely "worn on his sleeve" for attempted political gain. But Bush's stand is also a reason for grave concern. I am certainly not a prophet, but there is no doubt he will be under the harshest fire and most stinging condemnation you have ever seen from those who don't share his faith. He will be vilified by the humanist left. Just look what the opposition did to attorney general nominee John Ashcroft, an ordained Assemblies of God minister and, by the way, a lover of Southern Gospel music. (He sang as part of the Singing Senators quartet that appeared at the National Quartet Convention a few years ago and was heard at the time on my program.) In fact, look at the agony Bush himself has already been put through for those 30-some days after the election when the outcome seemed in doubt. Surely only his faith could have sustained him through such trying time. And undoubtedly his faith was strengthened by going through the fire. But was the outcome really in doubt? My wife prayed harder about this than anything in recent times, and, when it was humanly impossible to know what the outcome would be, she awoke one morning with a peace that God knew and had everything under control. Of course. When the opposition threw everything it had against Bush, it wasn't enough. It reminded me of what the Lord told Zerubbabel, saying, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," (1 Zec. 5:6.) The bottom line?
PRAY!
Pray daily and fervently for our new President. Why? Well, the simple answer is because Scriptures tell us to do so, for one thing (see above). But also...
PRAY because President Bush will be the target of a merciless attack by those incensed by his Christian values.
PRAY for his protection and physical safety and that of his family.
PRAY that his strength may be renewed daily through his faith in Christ.
PRAY that God will grant him Solomon-like wisdom in leading and healing this nation and encouragement to stay the course.
PRAY that God will grant him godly counselors and associates.
PRAY that his enemies (we're talking about those incensed by his faith-based stands) will be thwarted in their attempts to demean him and to twist and distort his views for their own purposes.
PRAY that our new President will, in all things, provide a godly moral example (in stark contrast to what that office has produced the past eight years). And
PRAY that this nation will once again accept and follow such an example.
By Paul Hiel
http://www.gospelgreats.com/
Listen to the Coyote Country Music Band
The Inspirational Home Page
