THANKSGIVING! 2009

Today is Thanksgiving 2009! Washington and Lincoln signed proclamations and even the New York Governor appointed an annual Thanksgiving Day in 1817 but it wasn't until President Roosevelt, in 1941 that it became a matter of federal law. The new law resolved all the states differences 68 years ago today. This is a national holiday and so even if you aren't a Christian you get the day off and usually have a feast with the honored guest, a turkey.

Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever! It sort of brings the whole idea of thanksgiving into perspective because down through generations, Godly people have always given our Lord thanks. In spite of adverse conditions and seeing the cup being half full or half empty, we are truly a blessed nation with much to be thankful for. As Christians we don't need a special day because we have everyday to be thankful.

Seeing how the first Thanksgiving came about should help us to be mindful that we are the current generation who is reaping what those people sowed so many years ago. We are the generation of today and we still have a special day to remember our blessings and the bounty God has provided. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could say that each generation that followed stood tall and that down through the years, the dreams of our forefathers came to fruition? However, just as generations before us, we have failed to keep the dreams alive. The dream of a country that believes that God is and ever shall be the ruler of all mankind. A country that holds truth above all things and knows that it will fall unless the inward parts are built on nothing less than Jesus Christ.

Our forefathers knew that this country would not be perfect but they thought that Godly people would be able to "Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world." Philippians 2:15 Today the world wants to put our lights out! Are you willing to keep your generator running? I am!

I received an email from missionaries to the Ukraine; The Lemke's. 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 livelihoods can survive marauders or tribal warfare. Those on welfare in the US, rank among the wealthiest citizens; We are indeed blessed!"

Sometimes my heart breaks when I see the evil that surrounds us in this world. Evil that rapes our children and devastates our land. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act." Psalms 37:5 We are earnestly warned against worrying about earthly things. Instead we are to put our trust in God; claiming His promises and thanking Him in advance for His answer to prayer. "Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 We are to thank Him in advance for His answer at the time we make our requests known.

I pray that you, who know our Savior, know He is patient. He waits at His table wanting His people to call upon His name. He is waiting today, to hear your words of thanksgiving and your thoughts of praise. He is waiting to hear your prayers and supplications and of thanksgiving. How blessed our nation is that we have a special day set aside just for that! Thank you Lord for this day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/18/09