Being Thankful For The Greatest Blessing

Philippians 3.20-21

Phone call from Jay Bergers this week, his prayer, thankful for our family, for God's family, for good health, but more than anything that we know You Jesus!

Our country's heritage has in it a Day dedicated to giving thanks to the LORD God Almighty.

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

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 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 Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our 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 which we experienced 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 hath 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 a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a 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 shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease 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.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. We give thanks for our country today and pray that God might heal its every flaw.

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of the heavenly lights (James 1.17)
As we sang this morning, knowing you Jesus, there is no greater thing!
There are so many blessings associated with knowing Jesus!
We only have time to look at a few this morning.

As we thank God for His Indescribable Gift, let us be thankful that as believers in Christ Jesus:

1. Our Citizenship is in Heaven.

We have been born from above. It is now our home country.

Our names are written down there!

Politeuma Grk word, politics are at the forefront of the news. Jesus is LORD! This world is not our home.

We belong to heaven. Our actions should reflect where our citizenship is.
We are getting ready for heaven.
That is our goal.


2. We Eagerly Await A Savior From There.

Look for.
Look up! Luke 21.28

Expect. Looking for Jesus to come soon.
We purify ourselves. I John 3.3

With the turmoil in the Middle East (God's Time clock) we realize that the LORD foretold this, our hope is in Him.


3. He Will Bring Everything Under His Control.
He is control. Sin still rampant.
He does ride out His purposes on sin's results.
Ex/ grief group, Hurricane Sandy, erc.
Be careful not to share this with others this before they have discovered it themselves.

Maybe you are down this morning over the situation in the nation or the world. Things seem out of control? He will bring everything under His control!

4. We Shall be Like Him!
One Day!
I John 3.2
Soon.
Revelation 22.20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!