“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” Psalms 128:2

Thanksgiving is one of the national holidays that I supremely enjoy. A time to give thanks to our Awesome Benefactor for the bountifulness of this great country.

To reflect on this unique country and its history makes one realize how blessed as a nation we truly are. From the pilgrims first settlement, to my parents immigrating after World War II, to the illegal aliens willing to risk their own lives to come to this country, makes one realize how special this nation truly has become. Yet we also cry inside as we watch this country throw out the baby with the bath water.

When you read the writings of many early American historians, you note at least three common characteristics most often expressed that made this country great: God, Family, and Character. This God of our early history wasn’t an idealistic idea, but a Providential Ruler. Thomas Jefferson, a deist, was even inspired to acknowledge that America’s independence from England was a right bestowed by this Creator when he framed the Declaration of Independence. This God was allowed to be involved in early governmental affairs. Today however, we disavow His involvement in public affairs and the price paid is becoming more costly each year.

In the early years of American life, family was the backbone of community success. Families would need labor to operate farms and therefore having one dozen children was not unusual but a necessity to assist with the chores. Families learned to depend on each other for survival and entertainment. Children learned practical survival skills that included hunting, farming, and Biblical common sense. Today, we don’t depend on family for such necessities of life. As a result the nuclear family is disappearing and the favorable fruit it produced is likewise dying. Instead of learning how to work-out problems between two people, we now exit the situation. We have placed our individual needs before others. Wonder why today’s younger generation has been labeled as the most narcissistic generation since the keeping of records?

Of course, it took work and sacrifice to build America into the economic powerhouse under the Providential Benefactor’s blessings within an idealistic land and climate. It wasn’t about seeking easy street. It was about discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and willing to risk everything for a better life. Why is it that families coming into this country with nothing leave an estate for their children that rivals wealthy people around the world? They know the sacrifice and hard work that is required to live a dream. Today we have raised a generation where many want the American dream, but lack the character to make it happen.

Jesus came so we may participate with Him in His new creation. A life of abundance. A life that is a transformation from the Old Human to a New Human. That new Human involves the development of godly character. The same character that God employs in His eternal travels through the universe. His goal is for you and I to fully realize what it means to be human in this life and the life to come. Apart from Him though, it cannot be done. So when you accept His authority in your life, allow His Spirit to lead you and influence you in your decisions and choices, you participate in a journey of transformation in Christ that leads to an enjoyable life now and for eternity.

That is why I am truly Thankful this time of year. It always reminds me that no matter what is going on around, God is Good. Family is Good. Godly Character is Good. And I enjoy the Good in Life.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

Learn. Integrate. Grow.