Tag Archives: Charles Colson

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Who’s On Your List?

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America’s founders established a system of government with “checks and balances” so that no individual or branch of government would have too much power. But it has always been an imperfect system. The late Charles Colson, who would become known for his ministry work with prisoners, was once President Richard Nixon’s feared “hatchet man.” Many who criticized Nixon appeared on an “enemies list” which Colson compiled with the idea of having the Internal Revenue Service and other government agencies harass those individuals.

That we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

I Timothy 2:2

Notwithstanding the “dirty tricks” used by Nixon and other presidents, it is every citizen’s right to object, criticize and even protest. But even while doing so, you should pray for those in high positions, whether you agree with them or not. Scripture demands it while also alluding to the practical benefit that often follows – a peaceful and quiet life.

Today, pray with gratitude for your leaders, and remember that your influence will grow as you expand your list of friends, not enemies. Then seek to be a person who is loving and helpful to your neighbors or coworkers, godly and dignified in all you do.

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:14-21

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Facing Our Past

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Our Daily Bread

Acts 9:20-30

He tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. —Acts 9:26

Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, spent 40 years helping people hear and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. When he died in April 2012, one newspaper article carried the headline, “Charles Colson, Nixon’s ‘dirty tricks’ man, dies at 80.” It seemed surprising that a man so transformed by faith should be identified with things he did as a politically ruthless presidential aide decades earlier before he knew the Savior.

The apostle Paul’s conversion and his early Christian witness were greeted with skepticism and fear. When he began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, people said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose?” (Acts 9:21). Later when Paul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, they were afraid of him (v.26). In years to come, Paul never ignored his past, but spoke of it as evidence of the mercy of God (1 Tim. 1:13-14).

Like Paul, we don’t need to parade our failures or to pretend they didn’t happen. Instead, we can thank the Lord that through His grace and power, our past is forgiven, our present is changed, and our future is bright with hope for all He has prepared for us. —David McCasland

Transformed by grace divine,

The glory shall be Thine;

To Thy most holy will, O Lord,

We now our all resign. —Burroughs

Only Jesus can transform our life.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 41-42; 1 Thessalonians 1