“My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands” (Isa. 65:22).
Part Two
When I was preparing for the ministry, I was part of a religious group with a rigid caste system. A person’s rank was reflected by the type of car he drove.
The top executive leaders of the church drove luxury cars. People in a supervisory capacity drove top-of-the-line-cars. Pastors with ten to twenty years seniority drove medium-sized cars. Those just starting out drove modest cars.
Students fell into a category of wrecks, old bombs, junkers, and high-mileage used cars. This unofficial “pecking order” was not written anywhere in a manual, but eyebrows were raised if anyone dared to “get out of line.”
To do so was supposed to indicate pride – a deadly sin. To the hapless offender, the message was loud and clear: “Stay in your realm!”
On the very bottom rung of this organizational ladder, I as a Bible school student, was put into a top-of-the-line luxury car by an interested friend. When I saw the negative reaction caused by my “impertinence” and “conceit,” I purposed to sell the offending vehicle and settle for something more “becoming my low estate.”
On my way down to automobile row, the Lord gave me this verse and this message: “I gave you this car to use and enjoy. Don’t let man’s opinion dictate to you or man’s traditions dominate you. You will be doing a lot of driving. I want you to arrive at your destination safe and rested. Keep this car. Drive it. Enjoy it!”
I did just that. This verse became to me a promise of long-term duration. I had a good car plus a precious promise from a loving, caring, heavenly Father.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.