Yesterday was a day that was set aside many, many years ago through the proclamation,
written and spoken by Abraham Lincoln. To paraphrase the first two lines of Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation: "This year has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. Even though we constantly enjoy these things, we forget their source, along with other bounties, so extraordinary that they must soften hearts grown insensitive to the ever watchful care of Almighty God."
It almost seems ironic that Thanksgiving is declared a ‘National Holiday’ and yet so many who are employed by our nation don’t even want "In God we Trust" on our currency anymore. They have removed the Ten Commandments from public places because it might offend those who do not believe in the God of creation. Supposedly prayer in schools are not allowed but I bet praying is still going on. It amazes me that in this country many want to do disgraceful and unthinkable things and call it freedom. We certainly do live in a sinful and perverse world. This has become a country that is an abomination to the teachings of Jesus! Our job is to not become like the world! Our job is to show the world by our actions that all they say is good , is not even a shadow of what good looks like. It is full of hypocrisy, filth and deceit!
I received an email from the Lemke’s who are missionaries to the Ukraine. Janice says; "We have much to be grateful for. Americans look at the falling stock market and worry about retirement. People in other parts of the world wonder if they will eat dinner. Americans hope new political leaders can protect our standard of living. People in other parts of the world hope loved-ones and livelihood can survive marauders or tribal warfare. Those on welfare in the US rank among the world's wealthiest citizens. We are indeed blessed. I did nothing to deserve the blessings that go with American citizenship, but remember that to whom much is given, much is required".
The Christian community had a chance to let the world know that the Good News was not dead. But a man who believes in abortions and the gay right movement towards marriage was placed in office anyway. How thankful we should be that God can use anyone for His good purposes. We may be unhappy about the choice but we should be extremely happy and thankful that God is still in control. How sweet it is to know that we may make bad choices but even then as we read Romans 8:28 we are comforted with; "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. We, the church have been called!
Our country may be in jeopardy because of the element of evil, but all earthly things will eventually pass away but the Love of our Lord will live for ever and ever. What more can we give thanks for than knowing that Our Lord will never forsake those that belong to Him. Let us pray with thanksgiving that we never forsake Him while living in the flesh so that upon our graduation, we step through the door of eternal salvation with thanksgiving, peace and joy in our hearts. "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for His ways are good and His love endures forever"! Psalm 107:1 Hallelujah, what a Savior! Jane Ann/Janice Lemke