Blessed is the Nation

It took men with a biblical worldview to create the freest, most prosperous nation in the history of the world.  And it will take men and women with a biblical worldview to preserve and defend and, in some cases, restore these same liberties.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”

Here’s the Garlow paraphrase: If you want to see America thrive politically, morally, economically or any other way, it will first need to apply spiritual truths from the Word of God.  The Word of God is true and has the answers for a nation adrift in anti-biblical values . . . and I’m praying God raises up a bold, well versed people who’ll proclaim biblical truth to power—taking captive every unbelieving thought and making it obedient to Christ—the Source of all Wisdom!

What is the Blessed Life?

What does it mean to have a blessed life? 

The blessed life comes from a series of decisions we can make that result in the glory and presence of God upon our life.  They’re decisions that seem small at first, maybe not obviously important, but when you add them all up, their cumulative impact is undeniable.

Psalm 1:1 lays out one path of blessing rather concisely: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”  Many people in the church are being fooled into embracing bad theology and un-biblical practices because they choose to take on the lifestyle of people in bad company.  Instead of seeking out others who share a hunger for and love of God’s Word, they look for people they think are more exciting.

The old saying is true: Choose your friends wisely!

The Thanksgiving Gateway

Offering thanksgiving at all levels is great, but don’t stop there.

I think of Thanksgiving as a “gateway” attitude.  Being grateful implies something very precious to God: Humility.  Indeed, Micah 6:8 reveals that you are to “walk humbly with your God.”  It’s the polar opposite of something God hates, as He tells us in Proverbs 6:17: Haughty eyes, otherwise known as pride.

Humility leads to submission.  Submission leads to obedience, following His ways, His will, His word, His commandments.  Blessings naturally follow.  And it all flows out of a heart filled with gratitude.

So this Thanksgiving, be thankful for all you have.  Be grateful regardless of circumstances, in times of plenty and during trials.  Praise God for all He’s done; praise Him for who He IS.  It’s a formula that can’t lose!

From Praise to Worship

What’s the difference between praise and worship?  Quite a lot, actually.

It’s not about what God gives, for which we come to Him with thanksgiving and gratefulness.  It’s not even about what God does, for which we offer praise.  There’s a fourth level . . . the HIGHEST level . . .  about who God IS.

In Jeremiah 10:6, we read, “No one is like you oh Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.”  That’s just one of many scriptures worshiping God.  “How great you are, Lord; how amazing you are!”  We’re not used to that, are we?  It’s easier to thank Him for all the blessings than for His very being.

So let me suggest this Thanksgiving season you don’t stop your prayers short.  Thanksgiving, Gratefulness, Praise?  Yes, of course, but lace those prayers with plenty of Worship!

Praise God for What He’s Done

During this season of Thanksgiving, do you praise God for what you have . . . or for what He’s done?

Thanksgiving comes in multiple levels: Simple thankfulness for the things you have, gratefulness even in the face of trials, and then . . . PRAISE . . . Praise for what God has actually done.

Remember when the children of Israel faced the Red Sea, which God miraculously parted?  Beyond ensuring their safe passage, the Lord then inundated Pharaoh and his armies.  Miriam led the people in a song in Exodus 15:21, in which she exalts God by detailing the great things He’s done.

What about you friend?  Think of the little things He’s done in your life.  More importantly, reflect often on the BIG thing: Sending Jesus to give you His righteousness and bear your sins . . . so you will enter His heaven.

Thanksgiving in Multiple Levels

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, we’d do well to fully understand all its dimensions.

Think of Thanksgiving as a concept in multiple levels.  The first level is simple thankfulness for all you have: a home, family, nutritious food to eat, clean water to drink . . . even air to breathe! There’s nothing wrong with that kind of gratitude.  It shows you take nothing for granted and don’t live with an entitlement mentality.  But I consider it only a starting point.

It’s easy to be thankful for all the good things in life, but what about the BAD?  That requires the next level of Thanksgiving . . . that is GRATEFULNESS . . . thanking God when you either don’t have a lot of the good, or when you have too much of the bad.

That, my friends, is where real faith comes in.  And we should aspire to nothing less!