Whereas it is
the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey
His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection
and favor; and – Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint
committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day
of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with
grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by
affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for
their safety and happiness.” Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign
Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people
of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the
beneficent of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then
all unite in rendering to Him or sincere and humble thanks for His kind care
and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a
nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of
His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree
of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the
peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish
constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the
national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with
which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful
knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has
been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly
offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations,
and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us
all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative
duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government of wise,
just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed;
to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown
kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord;
to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the
increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all
mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
(George Washington, President of the Unites States, October 3, 1789)
[James 2:14-26]
No society is greater than its god. Morality depends on one’s perspective of
God. When a nation turns from God it is, indeed, in a precarious position. Long
ago God sent His prophets to proclaim His message of repentance. Some people
listened, others did not. However, if one’s faith in God does not govern
behavior and the choices one makes, such “faith” is dead and worthless. Ezekiel
spoke God’s message concerning Jerusalem and the way the people lived. Did they
have faith in God? Certainly! Did they live as God wanted them to live?
Absolutely not! Would their faith, apart from their obedience to God, save
them? No! In Ezekiel 22, their sinfulness is laid out before them. They were so
consumed by sin that they were not able to discern between the holy and the
profane (vss. 23-26). God could not and would not disregard their sinful
behavior. God said that Israel was nothing but worthless dross. Any nation that
doesn’t have godly leadership is on its way to ruin! Let us who believe have
the courage to stand in the gap, pointing the people to God. We are becoming a
godless society, where our wants and rights are more important to us than a
“thus says the Lord” obedient, just, free, and happy society.
[Ephesians
5:15-21] Give thanks always, for all things, to God, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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