Thanksgiving
“I can’t do it. I don’t feel like getting ready for the holidays this year. It’s too much work.” Following an illness and a medical procedure, with one more procedure looming in the near future, the thought of the hustle and bustle of the holidays was more than I wanted to think about. I was so tired.
“Just take one thing at a time,” my husband said. Don’t try to do it all at once. “You don’t have to do everything either. Let some of it go this year.”
It’s easy to lose sight of what we’re celebrating. This year, a major chain store is opening its doors in the evening so that “Black Friday” shopping can begin earlier than midnight when many stores open. Everyone wants more than their share of the pie—and I don’t mean pumpkin pie. So what do we have to be thankful for?
The “first Thanksgiving” Americans typically refer to, took place in the fall of 1621, following their first successful harvest, a point, they reached, not without terrible trial. They arrived at Plymouth in December of 1620, too late to plant and with little time to build shelter. Three months at sea in difficult, crowded conditions took their toll. They began dying of colds which turned to pneumonia and consumption. In January, the thatched roof the “common house,” where many of the sick lay, caught fire. By February only five men were healthy enough to shoulder the burden of caring for the sick. In all, forty-seven people died, leaving only three families intact, yet they held firm to their faith.
The official proclamation, naming the fourth Thursday of November as a day of national thanksgiving was set forth by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War. Lincoln cited “bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come… peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict…”
He went on to say, “No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
My attitude needed readjustment, perhaps yours does also. Set aside the busyness, and take time to contemplate the blessings God has given, even in the midst of trial, and give thanks.
Marshall, Peter, and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory. Copyright 1977 by Peter J.
Marshall, Jr. and David B. Manuel, Jr. Published by Fleming H. Revell a division of
Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pp. 125-136.
Thanksgiving
Obey Your Rulers
Many are happy the election is over; many are disappointed in the results. No matter what your political leanings, the presidential election last week affected every US citizen, and the whole world watched. This is Election Day in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” The results aren’t known as I write, but one thing is certain, God is in control.
We live in a nation which truly is a melting pot of nationalities, religions, and political ideas. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a democracy. The United States of America is a Democratic Republic. It is not ruled by the people, but neither does the government hold all the power. The government is divided into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The people vote for elected officials, but when it comes to the president, the Electoral College comes into play. It was established to keep the people from having the whole say and mob rule resulting, but the government can’t aside from the will of the people, thus leading to a dictatorship.
As Christians we differ in our political leanings. We have should have a unique understanding though, which should keep us from fear and despair, no matter who the winner is. Our faith and our hope rest in Jesus Christ, not in the government of men.
If thoughts of the future strikes fear in your heart, remember what God says about government. He is in control. Yes, we vote, and God sometimes gives us what we need rather than what we deserve. Sometimes He gives us exactly what we deserve. This has been a problem for Christians from the beginning. When the Pharisees asked Jesus whether or not they should pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus said to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. He upheld human government.
The apostle Paul told Christians to obey the government, in Romans 13. He said, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” We are to obey those who govern us.
No matter what your feelings about the election, commit yourself today to pray for our leaders. Do not allow yourself to give in to despair or worry for the future. Trust God to care and provide for you and your family.
Times of Trial
Exciting Changes!
We are excited by the growth of the 2MefromHim Ministries website. We passed 6,000 visitors this week, and average 250 visitors per week. As a result of the growth not only in the United States, but in Russia, Europe, Asia, the UK, Africa, and South America, we have added a new feature.
We now have a gospel presentation on the website with a link to Global Media Outreach where there are links to over 100 website on the Christian faith. We also share a link to Faith Comes by Hearing, a ministry which offers free audio Bibles, downloadable to your computer in 674 different languages.
It is our prayer that many will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through this and other websites, so that the message of Christ is spread around the world.
Blessings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Norma
