With thanksgiving only yesterday, you can add to your list of gratitude the events of these three Decency Minutes; what an awesome God we serve! While you listen to Bill Johnson narrate these scripts by clicking on the title, be thankful that you live in a country where the decision makers are answerable to the governed, that God intercedes on behalf of His people, and that Jesus brings hope and IS our hope!
One of the greatest benefits I find from the puritans is their constant pointing to God, even in the midst of affliction – O for that godly spirit! Truly, they followed, as should we, he Apostle Paul’s admonition to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Here are two short quotes to help you continue with a spirit of thanksgiving:
“He enjoys much who is thankful for a little.” (William Secker)
“The thankful heart shall never want mercies from God to be thankful for.” (George Trosse)
Michigan Democrats are Stealing Authority from Local Municipalities
“The government closest to the people governs best.” Yet Democrats in power are wresting away the authority given to local government and the people who elected them.
Here in Michigan, Democrats passed a bill to strip townships of their authority to pass zoning ordinances to block solar panels and wind turbines in their area, and citizens will lose their right to vote on these issues which impact them locally.
It’s not about controlling the climate; it’s about controlling us. But we can learn a lesson from the good citizens of Michigan’s Green Charter Township who voted out their entire township board after they ignored the voters and approved the Gotion Chinese battery plant in their area.
It’s vital we not become despondent when it seems as if tyranny is prevailing. We Christians, more than anyone, should not lose heart, for we know Who ultimately is in control.
Xi Jinping is merely a man, albeit one, like so many others throughout time, who desires to rule the world. The arrogance of would-be world leaders, as they seek to destroy God and His people, will not go unchecked. Jesus, the True world leader, sets a limit to man’s evil before He intercedes.
The God of the Bible is still sovereign today, addressing men’s hearts and minds. I wonder which Biblical king’s example Xi Jinping will follow.
Will Xi be like pride-filled Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled for seven years before he came to his senses and repented? Or, will Xi emulate Herod, who refused to recognize God’s sovereignty?
Acts 12:23 reads, “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”
Please, pray for president Xi and the Chinese people.
“He rules the world with truth and grace/And makes the nations prove/The glories of His righteousness/And wonders of His love…”
When we read the news, this verse of the carol seems to ring hollow. Hamas’ terrorism in Israel happened under Christ’s rule? Is the recent strengthening of abortion laws proving the glories of His righteousness? Are the so-called trans kids who’ve been convinced to mutilate themselves proving the wonders of His love?
This Advent season, the news of the world is, indeed, dark. But Christ brought hope at a dark time at His first coming – it’s why He’s called the Morning Star. His birth was the first glimpse of light, the light has grown over the millennia since, and our ultimate hope is for the day that His full glory will be revealed at His final Advent. The increase of HIS government will have no end.
Let Earth Receive Her King!
Puritan Samuel Ward gave his readers an inventory of things for which we can give thanks. Too often we take things for granted or, by reason of idle words and thoughtlessness, send complaint rather than praise heavenward. So, I pass this “Thankful Man’s Calendar” on to our readers as well. May you be greatly blessed, rightfully reproved, and immensely encouraged by it:
Behold, therefore, I give thee here a register or inventory which I wish thee to keep and use as a table of thanks due to God…
A Thankful Man’s Calendar
Public – Consider in what times and places the lot of my life hath fallen: in what king’s reign, in what nation, in what town, under what magistracy and ministry.
Domestical – What parents, schoolmasters, and tutors: what wife, children, and servants hath God blessed me withal?
Personal and Privative – What sickness have I been delivered from? What dangers, casualites by sea or land? What suits and vexations by law or otherwise?
External – What talents of wealth, birth, office, authority, repute?
Mental – What faculties of understanding, memory? What helps of arts, sciences, education, etc.?
When and how my conversion to God was wrought? What assurance of God’s love in Christ, what peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, etc.? What progress, growth and increase have I made in grace and in good duties of my place and calling? What victory over tentations (temptations) and special sins, old and inveterate customs of evil?
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