There’s a palpable malaise that rests heavily upon our nation and our soul. There’s something gravely wrong, we know it and we feel it, but like sheep we are being led astray, swept along and forced to relinquish freedoms we formerly enjoyed. We are told to accept, believe, even promote things that are a lie, contrary to nature, repulsive and, most importantly, an abomination to God and in direct violation of His word. Those that don’t tow the line can be discredited, ridiculed, threatened, cancelled, even killed.
It’s difficult for me, and I’m sure many others, to be thankful for the direction our country is headed. In many ways, insanity abounds.
I know there are many redeemed, God fearing people, yet, unrighteousness, deceit, lying, wickedness, pride, greed, envy, murder, strife, every unholy, lustful thing, seems to be on the increase. It saddens me greatly, even makes me angry, that a nation so blessed by God is willing to cast Him aside and embrace anti-Christ spirits. We are in a major spiritual battle for the heart and soul of America, and sadly most people either embrace it or are not aware of it. American history is being rewritten so as to cast doubt on our Biblical heritage, stir up doubt, confusion, fear, and hopelessness.
I know this all reads as terribly negative, as it should. But, the Bible states very clearly the condition of man and that his nature is bent toward evil. As God and His word is rejected, evil increases. We are seeing that very clearly.
Be sober in spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
So why do I consider it a time of sober Thanksgiving? Because it is with a sedate, earnestly thoughtful solemnity that I consider these things. If this world is all there is and all we have, then we are in a desperate situation indeed…BUT, it isn’t all there is. For those that know God, who have been called and have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins…then, there is A LOT to be thankful for, and we don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful. (Click image to enlarge and learn more)
“All For God’s Glory” – 9.5″ x 8.5″ – Oil
Let me list just a few things I am thankful for:
I’m thankful to know that God has shown me that I am a sinner in need of forgiveness.
I’m thankful that He has shown me that His Son, Jesus Christ offered Himself as an acceptable sacrifice, taking upon Himself my sin and its justified punishment.
I’m thankful God has given me the grace of faith to accept the Son and have all my sins, past, present, and future, forgiven, and cast from His sight as far as the east is from the west, never to be brought up again or held to my account.
I’m thankful God has sealed me with His Spirit and granted me eternal life and an incredible inheritance with Him forever and ever.
I’m thankful God is holy, righteous and just. He cannot lie, does not change, and keeps His word.
I’m thankful God is my peace, healer, provider, comforter, shepherd, sanctifier, protector, keeper, and helper.
I’m thankful I will dwell forever with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I’m thankful I will be resurrected to a new life, given an incorruptible body, never again to experience sorrow, pain, sickness or death.
I’m thankful nothing escapes God’s sight. He’s knows every thought and motivation of every individual, good and bad, and deals justly with each.
I’m thankful that the wicked will be judged, that no one escapes God’s righteous judgment.
I’m thankful that this world and its system will pass away, never to be seen again, and the prince of this world will be cast into the bottomless pit where he will remain forever, never again to cast his evil spell on humanity.
I’m thankful that Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and His kingdom will reign forever.
Do you want more? It’s all right there in the Bible. I would gladly give up every single book in my large library for this one…the Bible. No other book is worthy of mention in the same breath.
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John Pototschnik is an Art Renewal Center Living Master. To view his art and bio, please click HERE
