The Chicago Voice

07/17/2025

July 17, 2025
The Wrong Schematic by Dutch Sheets
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Recently, when I was a guest on Flashpoint with my friend, Gene Bailey, the subject of same-s*x marriage was brought up. It was mentioned that a significant number of Christians now believe that homos*xuality and same-s*x marriage are acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. None of us participating on the show agreed with this belief. We love those in the gay community, but we cannot compromise what the Scriptures teach: God created humans as male and female, and marriage is intended to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5; Romans 1:27; Leviticus 18:22).
The drifting of the church away from a biblical worldview, accepting Scripture as the final authority for all of life, has created great harm. The Bible must be our standard for truth, period. It is the benchmark from which all issues and boundaries must be measured. A humanistic standard that says there is no absolute truth, that all truth is relative, leaves us unmoored and guided by our own wishes, lusts, philosophies, moral standards, societal norms, and so on. This is the theme of the book of Judges: “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” The inevitable result of this philosophy during the period of the judges was chaos, violence, gross immorality, selfishness, and wickedness of every sort. In the body of Christ, it has led to heresy, a lack of power, dim lights, and savorless salt for society and our culture (see Matthew 5:13-16).
I made the statement on Tuesday night’s program that revival — millions of people being born again — will help us overcome the deception in our nation much more quickly. It took half a century to reshape Americans’ thinking away from God and biblical principles. It need not take 50 years to transform our nation back to His ways and will.
Our opening verses for today’s post are very insightful in this regard. Verse 2 of Romans 12 tells us to be transformed, not conformed. Conformed is from the Greek word suschematizo.(1) You can easily see the word schematic in the second portion of this Greek word, which is a diagram or drawing, blueprints that serve as the plan from which something is built or formed. The word carries the connotation of forming, shaping, molding, or fashioning something according to a particular pattern or design. In biblical times, it was actually used for pressing something in a mold. The prefix of this Greek word, sun (the “n” is dropped in this usage), means “together with.” Putting these definitions back into the verse, the Holy Spirit is saying, “Don’t changed from without. Do not allow the culture around you to be your schematic. Don’t allow your thinking and beliefs, and therefore your actions, to be designed and shaped together with the world around you.”
He then gives us the alternative: “be transformed.” This comes from the fascinating Greek word metamorphoo,(2) from which we get the English words metamorphosis and metamorphose. Think caterpillar and butterfly. And its important to remember that the transformation or metamorphasis that occurs in a caterpillar does not occur from without, but from within. The end result, a butterfly, is already encoded into the caterpillar’s DNA. It simply becomes…what it is! We could never take an earthworm, wrap it into a cocoon, and nurse it into a butterfly. Not in a million years. It simply isn’t in the earthworm’s DNA. But a caterpillar can transform into a butterfly, and a born-again person can transform into the image of Christ.
This verse in Romans 12 is telling us not to be shaped from without, but be transformed from within. The Message Translation says, “be changed from the inside out.” J. B. Phillips’ translation says essentially the same: “Let God remold your minds from within.” When we are born again, our spirits are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and God writes His laws in our hearts (Hebrews 10:16). Through this “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). As we draw near to the Lord through worship and spending time in His Word, He metamorphoses us — transforms our thinking from the inside out — according to this image of Christ He placed in our spirits when we were born again. Second Corinthians 3:18 says we are transformed, metamorphosed, into His image from glory to glory.
The “renewing of the mind” in this passage refers to allowing God to fashion our thinking and actions into what He has already created and written in our hearts or spirits. The nature of Christ is encoded into every believer’s spiritual DNA. Discipling believers and nations, therefore, (Matthew 28:18) does not rely solely on the power of information. Rather, as believers read or are taught the Word of God, this information bears witness to what is already written in their hearts. This is why I state that revival — millions of people being born again — will enable us to change mindsets in our nation much more quickly.
The heart or spirit of every true believer knows it is wrong to kill a baby in the womb. The heart of every true believer knows God created humans as male and female, and that marriage between two men or two women is unnatural. The heart of a true believer knows that s*x outside of the marriage covenant is sin. Romans 12:2 instructs us to allow this truth in our hearts and in God’s Word to renew our thinking and shape our actions.
And finally, I would add that we must not allow ourselves to be intimidated by those who misrepresent our beliefs and actions. It is NOT hateful to agree with God by stating our belief in HIS standards and laws. We CAN love someone who commits sin, even as we disagree with their actions or lifestyle. We CAN love and respect those with unbiblical lifestyles, without accepting their actions as appropriate. Do not allow the world to shape you through their accusations and mislabeling. Never compromise what God teaches in His Word. Never.
Pray with me:
Father, we, the body of Christ in America, have compromised regarding Your Word and ways. We have allowed those around us to conform us to their beliefs. We are now paying a heavy price for this. We have a disoriented and confused generation. Our kids believe their bodies are a mistake, and professors, legislators, and Supreme Court justices state that they can’t define a man or woman. Children try to change their gender, doing irreparable damage to their bodies. And preachers are afraid to talk about it. Please forgive us. We repent, and ask You to help us reverse the damage. The power of a true revival will change our nation.
Send the “greatest of all revivals” You have spoken of. Write Your laws and truth on millions of hearts. Remove deception, erase lies, and restore soundness of mind. We know You will do this in love and through Christ’s redemption, not through condemnation. You said the preaching of the gospel, the good news, releases Your power to save (Romans 1:16). Raise up powerful messengers to proclaim the good news with fire and love. We ask for this in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare the eternal and infallible Word of God, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

07/16/2025

July 16, 2025
The Greatest Move of God by Dutch Sheets

I want to encourage you in a moment, but first, I want to mention the attacks on our ICE agents. In the past six months, there have been 79 assaults on ICE agents, an increase of 690%. Numerous individuals on the left are total anarchists, including many of their leaders. Their lust for power has driven them to shocking levels of corruption and depravity. This craving for power influences them more than the 300,000 “misplaced” children, the trafficking of many of those children, hundreds of thousands of fentanyl related deaths, the future fulfillment and procreative ability of thousands of children, the misuse of billions of taxpayer dollars, and so much more. These lawless elements of the Left are liars, thieves, anarchists, racists, God-haters…and they are violent.

The anarchists have now targeted ICE agents for harm. These law enforcement officers have been shot, hit with rocks and bricks, assaulted with clubs, shoved, and hit with fists – all for enforcing America’s laws. Shockingly, elected officials on the Left are attempting to aid these anarchists in identifying agents, in order to terrorize and harm – not only them – but their families. We must pray for the protection of these officers. Without supernatural intervention, one or more of them will likely be killed.

A Word from a Patriarch

Now, for some good news. I have profound respect for Dr. Bill Hamon, founder of Christian International, and without question, the patriarch of the modern-day prophetic movement. Bishop Hamon is 90 years old and has been in ministry for 70 years. There is no one whose prophetic voice I trust more. He recently shared the following:

“I want to share with you something God stirred deeply in my spirit during our Day 7 Rally Cry of the Global Prayer Watch.

“The Lord spoke to me clearly that we are standing on the edge of the greatest move of God the earth has ever seen. His glory is not coming in a trickle – it’s coming like a flood. The waters are rising, and it’s time for the saints to take their place as warriors and decree with authority.

“This is not a season to be silent. We must rise up, join our shields of faith, and release prayers that shake nations. When we pray in the spirit, we enter enemy territory, uncover strategies of darkness, and release Heaven’s counterattack.

“We’re not just praying—we’re legislating in the spirit. I may be in my 90s, but I’m still in the fight. And so are you. The enemy has tried to convince many of us that we’ve lost our authority. But I’m here to remind you, Jesus gave us ALL power, and now is the time to use it.

“In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). In His name, we cast out devils (Mark 16:17). In His name, we bind and loose (Matthew 16:19). In His name, we decree, and it is established. (Job 22:28).

“Don’t let how you feel dictate how you war. You may feel weak or tired, but your words still carry the full backing of heaven. Take your stand. Speak with boldness. Intercede with fire. And believe that what we birth in the spirit will manifest in the natural.

“The devil is a liar. The watchmen are awakening, and the church is rising in power. The knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea (see Habakkuk 2:14).

“And we’re going to see it in our day!”

There is much to process in this word. I suggest you read it again and truly digest it. Among other things, it states that we’re moving into the church’s greatest hour, and that the earth is about to experience the greatest move of God in history. It encourages us to prepare.

We must cast off discouragement, push through tiredness, and remember whose we are. “Speak with boldness,” the prophet said, “intercede with fire, and believe that what we birth in the spirit will manifest in the natural.” Take this to heart from this giant of the faith.

Quote of the Day

And I leave you with the quote of the day, from then General George Washington, at the disbanding of the army after America’s successful War of Independence:

“I now make it my earnest prayer that God... would incline the hearts of the citizens... to entertain a brotherly affection for one another, for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field. And finally that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves, with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.”(1)

Pray with me:

Father, firstly we want to thank You for this encouraging word through Dr. Bill Hamon. We believe it to be true: we are moving into the greatest outpouring of Your Spirit in history. Your glory will cover the earth like the waters cover the sea. May we be found worthy of participating in something so holy. We take heed to His admonition to stir ourselves, as Paul admonished Timothy, remembering who we are in You, and our assignment of working with You. We can – and we will – cast out demons, bind and loose their activities, and make Spirit-led decrees for You.

Lord, we know that America will not fully turn around without the revival You spoke of through Bishop Hamon. It will break off deception and depravity, it will restore common sense, and it will tear down walls of hatred.

Also, we pray for our ICE agents and all those in law enforcement. We ask You to protect them as they operate in the authority given to them by the laws of our nation. We also ask for protection for their family members and homes. We ask You to expose and oppose the work of anarchists. Bring it to nothing. Dry up their funds, expose their plans, and unravel their networks. Save them, yes, but please also do whatever it takes to stop them. All of this, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our decree:

We declare that we will do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord, as the Scriptures state and George Washington prayed for us. (Micah 6:8)

07/14/2025

These States Get It! by Dutch Sheets 7/14/2025
The states of Tennessee and Louisiana have both declared July as months of prayer and fasting. Texas recently declared a day of prayer regarding the floods that have occurred there. Intercessors For America reports regarding these proclamations:
“Both Tennessee and Louisiana have decided to dedicate this month to prayer. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced this for his state at the beginning of July, issuing a proclamation. In this proclamation, he called ‘upon the people of Louisiana to come together during the month of July in a season of prayer and fasting, seeking God’s blessing, protection, and wisdom for our state and our nation.’
“Tennessee State Representatives Mark Pody and Monty Fritts introduced House Joint Resolution 51 earlier this year. The bill, signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in early May, establishes July as a month of prayer and fasting that will be celebrated annually. This comes after Tennessee also dedicated July, 2024 to prayer and fasting.
“These are not, however, the only states honoring the Lord in prayer. Texas also recently declared July 6 as a Day of Prayer. Governor Greg Abbott issued the proclamation in response to the devastating Independence Day floods, writing, ‘I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, safety of our first responders and public safety officers, rebuilding of communities, and restoration of the region struck by this disaster.’”(1)
Why This Is Significant
From a biblical and spiritual perspective, these proclamations are more than symbolic—they are strategic acts, rooted in the biblical truth that “the fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much” (James 5:16). These God-honoring proclamations serve several critical purposes:
1. Aligning the Heart of the State with God’s Heart
When a group of people declares a period of prayer and fasting, it signals a collective recognition that human efforts alone are insufficient to address the complex issues facing society—moral decline, economic uncertainty, racial division, and spiritual apathy. It’s an act of humility, acknowledging that divine guidance and intervention are paramount.
True change begins in the spiritual realm. Prayer and fasting are not just rituals but strategic tools for shifting atmospheres—breaking spiritual strongholds, awakening the church, and preparing the ground for divine breakthroughs.
2. Invoking God’s Favor and Intervention
Throughout Scripture, fasting and prayer are associated with seeking God’s favor during pivotal moments—such as Israel’s national fasts, Solomon’s dedication of the temple, and Nehemiah’s rebuilding efforts. Declarations today echo these biblical precedents, expressing dependence on God’s mercy.
By dedicating a time for collective fasting and prayer, states are asking God to intervene in their affairs—protecting communities, restoring morals, healing divisions, and revitalizing faith.
3. Fostering Spiritual Revival and Awakening
Obviously, all of America needs spiritual awakening, and this starts with God’s people humbling themselves and seeking His face. These declarations serve as catalysts by igniting hearts and mobilizing their states toward renewed faith and purpose.
They are also a call to the church to rise up, pray fervently, and become the moral and spiritual backbone of society. When churches unite in prayer, it creates a powerful spiritual synergy that can influence the entire region.
4. Breaking Strongholds and Overcoming Darkness
We know that cities, states and nations can be under the influence of principalities and powers—forces of darkness that seek to hinder God’s plans. Prayer and fasting weaken these forces. Scripture teaches that some spiritual battles require fasting to break certain strongholds (Mark 9:29). They are not just spiritual disciplines, but weapons in the believer’s arsenal. Declaring these months of prayer and fasting can lead to the breaking of strongholds, corruption, and deception.
5. Promoting Unity and Corporate Repentance
Such declarations create unity among churches, denominations, and citizens. When people come together in a common purpose, it fosters reconciliation and healing—both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with one another).
These proclamations call for repentance of sin, and as 2 Chronicles 7:14 teaches us, repentance is one of the prerequisites for corporate healing. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
6. Preparing for Spiritual and Societal Transformation
Finally, proclamations such as these position the states for transformation spiritually, socially, and morally. They lay the groundwork for policies and cultural shifts rooted in biblical principles, influencing education, government, and our communities.
Conclusion
In essence, proclamations of prayer and fasting by states like Tennessee and Louisiana are more than ceremonial gestures—they are strategic, biblical acts that acknowledge the spiritual roots of our societal problems. They call God’s people to humble themselves, seek His face, and declare His redemption over their land.
These declarations are crucial steps in the process of awakening and revival. They remind us that change begins with prayer—fervent, persistent, and united prayer. They are acts of hope, faith, and obedience, trusting that God is willing and able to bring about the transformation our states and nation desperately need.
May these months of prayer and fasting in Tennessee and Louisianna, and the day of prayer in Texas, serve as a rallying cry for the church to rise up, to intercede, and to believe that a spiritual awakening is not only possible but inevitable—when God’s people pray with faith and humility. May Texas find healing and recovery.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You humbly and boldly, lifting up our nation in prayer. Lord, we have acknowledged many times that we are in desperate need of Your intervention, and we do so again. We ask for Your forgiveness for the sins that have tainted our land—disobedience, rebellion, corruption, division, and neglect of Your truth. Wash us clean by the blood of Jesus, and renew a right spirit within us.
Father, we pray for a spiritual awakening across our nation. Stir hearts to seek You earnestly, to turn away from darkness, and to embrace the light of Christ. We thank You for states like Tennessee and Louisiana that would take the bold step of proclaiming entire months as periods of prayer and fasting. Raise up more states to be so bold, becoming beacons for our nation.
Pour out Your Spirit in revival, transforming lives, families, communities, and leaders. We pray for moral integrity to rise again in our society. Instill values rooted in Your Word—truth, justice, mercy, and humility. Heal the wounds of division and strife, bringing reconciliation and unity. Remove the blindness that blinds our leaders and citizens alike, opening eyes to Your truth and guiding us in righteousness.
Lord, we trust You fully, and believe that You are turning this nation around. We declare Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We thank You for Your faithfulness and for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. May Your glory fill our land once more.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare that the redemptive mercies of King Jesus are being released over America to heal our land.

07/10/2025

The God of Providence by Dutch Sheets 7/10/25

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, brilliant Founding Father Benjamin Franklin called for prayer to end the contentious impasse being experienced. We quoted from his speech in a recent post [7/2/2025]. A portion of his appeal stated:

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that ‘except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.”(1)

Without question, Franklin and those gathered with him at the Continental Congress believed that God wanted and needed to be involved in the birthing of America. On that specific occasion, they asked for His help in fashioning the Constitution of the United States of America. Just let that sink in. God was involved in every facet of forming this nation, including our Constitution. In this challenging time when some are trying to remove the influence of America’s Judeo-Christian roots, keep yourself reminded of this.

I am always shocked and bewildered when I hear Christian leaders ignorantly deny that America was God’s idea. In their ignorance, they sometimes sign onto the blatantly obvious attempt to silence patriotic Christians by using the ridiculous phrase “Christian nationalists.” Many of them contend that the only nation God has ever birthed was Israel. However, Job 12:23 tells us, “He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others” (The Message). It is contradictory, at best, to assert that God would form a nation (Israel) in order to birth the Messiah, but wouldn’t do so for the primary purpose of spreading the good news of His redeeming sacrifice. To believe that God formed America for the purpose of propagating the gospel in no way insinuates that other people or nations do not also exist for divine purposes. As believers, we are all called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and extend His Kingdom on earth. The assertion simply means that this was the primary purpose for America’s existence.

The Delivering Fog

In Franklin’s passionate appeal for prayer, partially quoted above, he also referred to God’s frequent help during the War of Independence, describing it as “frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor.”(2) Some of the testimonies of God’s intervention in the Revolution involved the weather. Moms For America recounts one such example:

“The Battle of Brooklyn found the American forces surrounded by 32,000 British soldiers, trapped near the East River. The British dug trenches around the Americans, planning to finish them off. They awaited British ships to arrive to cut off any possible escape route.

“The ships never arrived! Though the plan was set, the wind became still, and they couldn’t sail into place.

“It rained all night, and George Washington used all available boats to begin shuttling his troops across the river to safety under cover of darkness. As morning approached, he still had a large percentage of his soldiers awaiting transport.

“Their loss could mean disaster for the American Revolution.

“Then, a heavy fog settled over the American and British troops. Even after daybreak, the fog lay like a blanket upon both. When it finally lifted, the British were astonished to see every sign of their adversaries gone! The mysterious fog saved the American revolutionaries from capture, or worse.”(3)

“The event was documented by Major Benjamin Tallmadge: ‘As the dawn of the next day approached, those of us who remained… became very anxious for our own safety…At this time, a very dense fog began to rise off the river, and it seemed to settle in a peculiar manner over both encampments. I recollect this peculiar providential occurrence perfectly well, and so very dense was the atmosphere that I could scarcely discern a man at six yards distance.’”(4)

The God of providence came through!

Speaking of providence, Douglas S. Winnail recounts a providential miracle for the United States…before we even existed! When God was still shaping George Washington to be our first commander-in-chief and first president, Winnail said of the young Washington:

“…the fact that he lived to lead this young nation was due to Divine Providence—the intervention of God in mankind’s affairs for a purpose. In 1755, during the French and Indian War, 23-year-old Colonel Washington was one of 1,400 British troops under the command of General Braddock. They were marching to capture Fort Duquesne, near Pittsburgh, when they were attacked by a French and Indian force. During the battle, ‘Braddock was killed, and every officer on horseback was shot, except Washington.’

“The young colonel [Washington] later wrote to his brother, ‘But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation. I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, while death was leveling my companions on every side of me.’

“A Native American who fought in the battle stated later, ‘Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet! I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle and yet could not bring him to the ground.’”(5)

The God who declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) was preserving and shaping the first president of the United States of America…before there even was a United States of America! And this providential God is not finished with our nation.

Pray with me:

God of Providence, remind us today to keep our focus and gaze on You in this strategic hour of history. May we not be distracted by world events, the clamor of those who don’t like our patriotism, or any other tactic of the enemy. Keep us reminded that You are ruling in the affairs of men, and that we must listen carefully to You for our instructions and guidance. Six times in Daniel 7, You said of Daniel that he “kept looking.” After each time You gave Him a vision and instructions, he “kept looking.” We must do the same.

We ask for Your guidance as we pray for America and her role in the coming worldwide revival. We ask for this guidance for those working to restore our nation. Lead our President and his team, as well as our legislators and leaders at the state and local levels. Give us a strong America so that we might serve Your purposes in our generation (Acts 13:36).

Motivate the church to rise up as never before and contend for Your purposes. Fan the flames of intercession where they may have dwindled, and bring Your fire and passion to the church. Give a renewed hunger for Your presence and Your cause on the Earth. AND GIVE US LISTENING AND HEARING HEARTS! All of this, we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Our decree:

We decree that He who began a good work in America will finish it!

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/8UDds0PqqAY

___________________________

Benjamin Franklin. June 28, 1787. James Madison, Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 (1787; reprinted NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 1987), pp. 209-210. David Barton, The Myth of Separation (Aledo, TX: WallBuilder Press, 1991), pp. 108-109. Gallard Hunt and James B. Scott, Ed., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America, reported by James Madison (New York: Oxford University Press, 1920), pp. 181-182. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), pp. 122-124. George Bancroft, Bancroft’s History of the Constitution of the United States Vols I-X (Boston: Charles C. Little & James Brown, 1838), Vol. II. Stephen Abbott Northrop, D.D., A Cloud of Witnesses (Portland, Oregon: American Heritage Ministries, 19887), pp. 159-160.

Ibid.

https://momsforamerica.us/blog/5-surprising-miracles-from-god-that-helped-make-america-great/

https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2017/july-august/miracles-of-the-american-revolution

https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2017/july-august/miracles-of-the-american-revolution

Many are unaware of some of the details of America’s birth as a nation— including miraculous events that reveal the God of prophecy, who was working behind the scenes.

07/09/2025

Giving Thanks for Answered Prayer by Dutch Sheets 7/9/25

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.