Remember...

It is Thanksgiving Day 2006. I first of all want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I hope your day goes well no matter how you choose to spend it and celebrate the day.

In the book of Joshua, the Bible tells us that a generation arose after Joshua had died, who did not the know the God of their fathers nor the things He had done for them. Herein is the nature of thanksgiving, to remember what someone has done for us. When the Hebrews did not remember God they fell away into sin and pursued other gods. They failed to glorify God or to worship Him in any kind of acceptable manner (in fact, they did not worship Him at all). They didn't care. In the way the Hebrews acted, we see a pattern of the history of humankind.

Things happen and somehow we get out of trouble. Maybe God intervened or maybe God worked through someone else to bring things into a good resolution for us. Of course, we are happy and grateful. But then the crisis passes and we begin to forget. After a while, we hardly remember at all. The thing we used to celebrate and feel gratitude for now hardly moves us at all. We take it for granted, then eventually, we stop caring altogether.

So remember this Thanksgiving Day ... remember what God has done for you. And let us remember the many blessings we enjoy. Remember our families, especially our children, who are gifts of God to us. Remember that we live in a great and a free nation. Remember our men and women in the military and their families. They are making great sacrifices so that we can be safe at home enjoying the freedoms we have. Remember our law enforcement and fire and rescue communities. They work hard around the clock (even on holidays) to keep us safe at home. Remember that many other blessings that God brings to your mind. But first and last, remember the Lord your God. The life you have today, even your very breath, is a gift to you from Him. Happy Thanksgiving Day.