July 9, 2025

Giving Thanks for Answered Prayer

Today, we give thanks for the breakthroughs we have received. There are varying opinions regarding the Big Beautiful Bill. Some conservatives rejected it, believing that it still spends too much money; many others, however, believe it is a good start in turning around our nation. Without getting into the weeds of the bill, which I would not even be qualified to do, here are some victories we should all celebrate:

• The bill bans Medicaid payments (yours and my tax dollars) to clinics offering abortions—even for non‑abortion care. There will be no federal funds for abortion. Planned Parenthood took a huge hit. 

• $350B was allocated for border walls, enforcement, and deportation of illegals. We can take another step toward appropriate immigration, vetting those who come into America (thereby stopping criminals), requiring that they learn our history, agree with our ideals, and ensure that they assimilate into our culture. We want compassionate, but also wise, orderly, and conditional immigration policies (just like heaven). 

• Medicaid (yours and my tax dollars) is no longer permitted to pay for “gender transitions.” No money for surgeries or blockers. 

• When able, a person receiving Welfare and Food Stamps (SNAP) must work, as the Bible teaches (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

• The Child Tax Credit received a slight increase.

• Up to $25K of tax-free income in tips, and up to $12,500 in tax-free overtime pay (which would be $25,000 when a couple files jointly). This may not sound like much, but to lower-income households, it is huge. The bill also ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation’s economy.

• The first national school voucher plan was approved, which will help all but the wealthiest families pay for private school and other educational expenses. It is a compromised plan, and states must opt in, which, of course, most liberal blue states will not do, but it is a good beginning. We are making progress. 

Thanks For Leadership Changes

Passing a comprehensive piece of legislation often resembles a complex political ballet, requiring deft and complicated negotiation, strategic compromise, and relentless persistence. The recent journey of the “Big Beautiful Bill” through Congress exemplifies these challenges, particularly for House Speaker Michael Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who played pivotal roles in shepherding the legislation to passage.

From the outset, the “Big Beautiful Bill” faced significant hurdles. The bill’s expansive scope -- aiming to overhaul infrastructure, bolster economic growth, and address pressing social issues -- generated both enthusiasm and opposition across the political spectrum. While many advocates championed its ambitious vision, others raised concerns about its costs and potential unintended consequences. 

For Speaker Johnson, the challenge was especially difficult in balancing the diverse priorities within the House, and he demonstrated incredible wisdom and skill. The bill required not only broad support but also careful navigation through a fractious caucus with varying ideological perspectives. Building consensus meant making difficult concessions, trimming certain provisions, and addressing ideological objections. The Speaker’s leadership – and no doubt his stamina — was tested as he worked tirelessly to unify moderates and conservatives, engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations and offering assurances to secure enough votes for passage. Herding cats would be easy compared to herding our Congressional politicians. 

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Thune faced similar complexities. He had to negotiate with moderate as well as ultra-conservative Republicans, often using amendments and procedural tactics to gain consensus. The intricate process was further complicated by the need to reconcile the Senate version with the House’s amendments, requiring delicate negotiations and strategic compromises.

Both leaders also had to contend with external pressures, including lobbying efforts from interest groups, public opinion, and media scrutiny. These two men, relatively new in their positions, did exceptional jobs of balancing the legislative priorities with political realities. 

Ultimately, the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" was a testament to their skill, wisdom, perseverance, leadership, and political acumen. It demanded immense effort, strategic negotiation, and the ability to find common ground amid diverse and often conflicting interests. The successful passage marked a significant legislative achievement, showcasing the leadership of Johnson and Thune in navigating one of the most challenging legislative endeavors in recent history.

And, of course, President Trump helped shape the bill and push it through the finish line. Much of it included his “promises made, promises kept.” We are told he made numerous calls, explained his positions effectively, as well as offered assurances regarding future progress in areas of concern. It truly was a team effort. Thank you, President Trump, and thank You, Lord, for placing him in office.

We give thanks for all members of Congress who are standing up for righteous and honorable legislation, often having to deal with threats of physical violence, endure false accusations, face political threats, and even persecution to do so. God is answering our prayers and sending righteous leaders to serve in Congress. It is a challenging – and often thankless -- responsibility. We thank them, and we certainly give thanks to the Lord.

Our responsibility is to continue doing our part in the spiritual realm. Prayer releases the power of God, and our spiritual warfare binds demonic plans and activities. Divine-human cooperation is always needed to see His plans move forward, including restoration. The necessary involvement on our part has begun, and we will not stop. We will not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10), nor will we settle for them.

Pray with me:

Father, we thank You for President Trump and the team he has around him, Speaker Johnson and righteous House members, Majority Leader Thune, and other godly Senators. 

We are grateful for the incredible changes taking place in our government and the turnaround occurring in our nation. Though this has only begun, we give You praise. We ask that You would continue to remove the ungodly from our government, and give us wise, righteous leaders in Washington, D.C. We also ask You to protect these leaders, their families, and staffs from harm.

We also pray for the continued transformation of our judicial branch of government. Thank You for the victories we have experienced, but we know much greater transformation is needed. Give us judges who honor You, Your Word, and the Constitution. We ask You to remove those who oppose the principles of Scripture, and who legislate from the bench. 

And finally today, Lord, we pray for the leadership in the body of Christ. Give them wisdom to lead with insight and understanding. Open their eyes to receive the revelation of Your will and Word. Renew passion where it has waned, restore any loss of “first love” for You (Revelation 2:4), break off from them any “hope-deferred” (Proverbs 13:12), and heal them from the wounds of betrayal and rejection. Increase the anointing of Holy Spirit on their lives and ministries, strengthen their homes and families. 

All of these things we ask in Christ’s name, amen. 

Our decree:

We declare that we will persevere in our responsibility to partner with God in prayer, and in opposing the plans of satan’s kingdom.

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