In Deuteronomy 28 we are told: “If you will only obey the Lord your God, by diligently observing all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth; 2 all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord our God: 3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your livestock, both the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock. 5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” 

The following words are from Lincoln’s 1864 Thanksgiving Proclamation: 

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come… They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”

 The Word of God and the words of Lincoln have never been more true. We are indeed a nation divided and neither politicians, nor laws, nor violence, nor temper tantrums by alleged adults acting like three-year-olds is going to change that. Both the Word of God and President Lincoln have the answer to our division, our arrogance, and our corruption. 

The answer is to recognize that all our blessings did not come from our own intellect, our own achievements, or from the government, but from God. The answer is a return to God. Whether we are willing to recognize it or not, all of our blessings come from God.

How long has it been since you, since this nation has seriously sat down and prayed to God? On this Thanksgiving, let us take a moment before we “dig in,” and simply pray, “Please bless me for the sake of your son Jesus Christ. And thank you for all the blessings you have already given and will continue to give to me from now through all eternity. Amen.” God bless you as you have a thankful Thanksgiving. 

Veritas, Curt