I have just completed the book Faith Of George W. Bush By Stephen Mansfield. This book is real intriguing in that it details where the President came from spiritually. The people that influenced him and where he is today.
In 1984 George W. Bush encountered Arthur Blessitt. Arthur Blessitt is an evangelist that in 1984 was holding a crusade in Midland. At the time Blessitt was walking across the country carrying a huge wooden cross. While in Midland a friend of George W. Bush asked Blessit to meet with the Vice-President’s son George W. Bush. When they met George W. Bush said I wouldn’t feel comfortable attending the meeting but could you tell me about Jesus and the account in the book and Blessitt’s website record the start of the conversation like this.
“What is your relationship with Jesus? I said.
He replied, “I’m not sure.
“Let me ask you this question. If you died this moment do you have the assurance you would go to heaven?”
“No” he replied.
George W. prayed at that time to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
Several years went by and the entire Bush family were vactioning up east, and Billy Graham was there, he and George W. took a walk on a beach and George W. had a life affirming moment.
The interesting thing about George W. is that he refuses to be the only man alone in a room with one woman, he refuses if he is recording a show that will air in several days to say today, he considers that a lie. While in Midland he had a regular Bible study with business leaders. Now while in the White House he spends time every day studying his Bible.
The most interesting aspect of his life is his meeting with James Robison. James Robison at one time was an evanglist that traveled the country, today he and his wife Betty host a daily television program entitled Life Today. James and Betty are headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas today. In a meeting with James Robison before becoming a candidate for President George W. said
“I feel like God wants me to run for President. I can’t explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happen… I know it won’t be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it.”
This has birthed George W.’s “A Charge To Keep.” He feels that he has been given a charge and insist on keeping it. The book with the same title written by George W. Bush and Karen Hughes during the campaign is based on the Methodist Charles Wesley hymn “A Charge To Keep”. Here are the words to the hymn.
A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engageto do my Master’s will!
Arm me with jealous care,
as in thy sight to live,
and O,
thy servant,
Lord,
prepare a strict account to give!Help me to watch and pray,and on thyself rely;
assured,
if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.
Words: Charles Wesley, 1762
Music: Boylston, Galway
This book is an excellent read, if your interested in a behind the scenes look at the make-up of this President. I am so thankful, everyday that George W. Bush was our President on September 11, 2001. God has his hand on George W. Bush and Bush is focused on his relationship with God.
This is a little good news, this Sunday morning.
