Thanksgiving and The Will of God

           

I’ve been asked many times by young believers and others, “How can I know the will of God for my life?” While the Bible addresses every issue of life by principle, it doesn’t give “chapter and verse” on specific details. For instance, it doesn’t give the name and address of one’s future spouse or place of employment. But it does reveal attitudes and practices which please God, and place one in the way for future direction and success.

            One example is found in 1Thess. 5:18, “In everything gives thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you.” Thanksgiving is more than an annual Holiday; it’s to be an on-going attitude of gratitude to the believer. “Thanks-living” would be more in line with the “will of God.” Notice that the verse says, “In everything give thanks,” not necessarily for everything. We’ve all gone through difficult times, without the sense of God’s presence. But faith says, “I know all these things are working together for good, and for God’s purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) It doesn’t make any difference how much pain and suffering is involved. The ultimate example is found in the agonizing Savior’s cry in Gethsemane, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39)

            It’s interesting that in the Bible thanksgiving is considered a “sacrifice of praise.” In light of Christ’s redeeming Cross-work, the Old Testament animal sacrifices became extinct. Christ Himself became the Lamb, who forever “takes away sin.” Now the believer is identified with Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. The debt of man’s sin has been paid in full, so that now the believer becomes a witness to that fact. (Acts 1:8) As Heb. 13:15 exhorts, “By him (Christ)…let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”      

            Since we are naturally an unthankful people, how does one become thankful? The basic answer lies in the “new birth,” where a lost sinner by faith in Christ becomes a new creature. (2Cor. 5:17) As mentioned above, he enters into Christ’s death, and the power of His resurrection. This new life, by the Holy Spirit, produces an “attitude of gratitude,” and the ability to “rejoice always” becomes reality. (cf. Phil.4:4-6) This goes hand-in-hand with thanksgiving, and fulfils the “will of God.”

            Finally, let’s consider the basic meaning of the word “thanksgiving.” The original word is eucharist; it is comprised of eu, meaning “well”, and charis, meaning “grace or gift.” (The word “charismatic” is derived from this root) So a thankful person is literally “well-graced,” or filled with grace. But that’s not all, within the root charis is chara, meaning “joy.” So one who is thankful is not only “well-graced,” but is “well-joyed;” i.e. filled with “joy unspeakable and full of glory!”

            Only those filled with grace and joy can truly be thankful to the glory of God. Most people are filled with self, unable to see the ongoing handiwork of God in their lives. Bellyachers are never thankful. Life “under the sun” is mundane at best; only those who live “above the sun” in the Son can rejoice in His grace. May God give us an “epidemic” of such people!

It just crossed my mind that someone close to me fills this bill---my beautiful granddaughter. Significantly, her name is Charis Joy; and as a young lady she exudes the very essence of “thanksgiving.” I humbly thank God for giving her the qualities of her name sake, “grace and joy,” which in turn project an “attitude of gratitude.”

            This is the starting place in finding the ‘will of God” for our lives. A thankful heart puts us in the way of God’s blessing and direction (cf. Prov.3:5&6). If we stay on that “road,” it will always lead us to the right place.

Do Atheists ‘Worship’?

            Evidently they do, according to recent reports of the tremendous rise of “atheist mega-churches” across the world. How can this be when by common definition an “atheist” is one who does not believe in God? The agnostic is one who questions God’s existence and, for the most part, simply ignores the issue. But not so with atheists, who have become increasingly aggressive and even militant in recent years.

            Significantly, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, the crusading atheist in the 1960s, was responsible for removing the Bible and prayer from the public school arena. The results of that “legislation” have brought devastating consequences on our nation to this day. Amazing how someone not believing in God could be so intent in removing God’s Word from the public work place! If she “didn’t believe in God,” why make an issue about it? Why not just let “believers” alone? Ironically, her own son, Bill, became a Christian and later a Biblical evangelist.

It’s interesting how aggressive atheists can be with their message of “unbelief.” This is evidenced by their prominent spokesman, Richard Dawkins, who is considered the outstanding atheistic “evangelist” of our day. In his book, The God Delusion, he expounds his thesis of the irrationality and harm caused through “belief in God.” It’s obvious that he’s serious about his “Godless faith,” and intent on “preaching” it. How bizarre is this scenario?

            Now we have some idea as to why atheistic “churches” are springing up worldwide. They are copying the format of Christian congregations, with “rousing music, an inspirational sermon, a reading, and some quiet reflection. The only thing missing is God,” says an AP release. The Sunday Assembly, as it’s called, embraces the motto, “Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More;” further, it “taps into that universe of people who left their faith but now miss the community church provided,” said Pitzer College Professor Phil Zuckerman.

            This movement is spearheaded by two British comedians (no joke!), Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, who are presently touring the U.S. and Australia raising “donations” to launch new assemblies. They don’t “bash believers,” but want to find a “new way” to engage in community life, and “make their presence more visible…” Jones got the idea while leaving a Christmas carol concert six years ago. He relates, “There’s so much about it (concert) that I loved, but it’s a shame because at the heart of it, it’s something I don’t believe in.” He then extolled the church, and its singing of “awesome songs, hearing interesting talks, thinking about improving yourself and helping other people…What part of that is not to like?”

            I am somewhat enamored by this whole development. Some may not “believe” that godless atheists are seeking a “faith” of their own choosing. But this scenario proves that every human being is born with the desire to seek the Creator. God has placed the “light” of conscience into every human being, which can be ignored, hardened, or rightly utilized. Bottom line: I’m convinced that there are no “atheists,” just those who are in denial. This “mega-church” movement proves that! If there’s no God, then why do they keep “pushing” their “unbelief?” What are they really saying?

            If it were not for this sense of right and wrong in the human soul, there would be no system of justice. There would be no anticipation of a future accountability or judgment before the Creator. I think that atheism, along with evolution’s denial of God’s creation, is attempting to stamp out God-consciousness, so as to escape the validity of morality. Yet, atheists are “trying to be good” like other “believers;” How come? I say, “It’s built in!”

            It must also be said that there are many so-called “Christians” in “mega-church” settings that need to reevaluate their “faith.” Is it possible that many are swept up with the “assembly program” and not with Jesus Christ Himself? How many practicing “atheists” are there among “professing” Christians? Is it possible to be an “unbelieving believer?” Just asking.

A Case of Judicial Success

            The verdict is in! The jury is recommending that Louis Mann “serve the rest of his life behind bars for murdering his parents two years ago.” This was met with varied reactions, for some wanted the death penalty, which would have been warranted; others wanted imprisonment with possibility of parole in 25-30 years. Two “expert” psychologists with faulty evidence tried the “mental illness” and insanity route. But the jury spoke.

             Some two years ago, I wrote a Tribune column called “Life is Fragile, Handle with Care.” My thoughts were instigated by the above incident where the precious lives of Philip and Frances Mann were brutally snuffed out by their rebellious son. In a “fit of rage,” he strangled his mother with a clothesline, and “took 31 years of rage out” on his father’s head with a flashlight! My concern at the time was that true justice be served for this horrendous crime, without being explained away by the “mental health” profession. I said the following:

            “Let’s put the blame where it belongs. May the court have clear wisdom, and may there be proper closure, especially for a grieving family. Moreover, may we be spared from the defense’s attempt to blame the deceased parents or society for some imperfection which would justify such a travesty.”

            Interestingly, that’s exactly what happened, propounded by two “psychologists” who didn’t know the parents, and on hearsay tried the “sex molestation card” to excuse the defendant. They were willing to accuse and slander the deceased parents who could not defend themselves. I guess, that’s what they got paid for---that’s shameful! Thankfully, both Trumbull County Prosecutors Chris Becker and Gabe Wildman, challenged the disingenuous findings of these psychologists; Wildman questioned the validity of Dr. Fradkin’s fees, while Becker took issue with the well-worn “mental illness” defense; he later commented, “I do remember…when a sin was a sin and not a psychological disorder.” Good for him!

            In my opinion, this case was a judicial victory. Of course there’s no way to undo what’s happened; it’s done. But there’s some redeeming value to consider. I commend Judge W. Wyatt McKay for his leadership and expertise in seeing this case through. How blessed we are in this Warren community to have judges that truly deserve the title “Your Honor.” Hats off to the prosecution team who diligently pursued justice and closure. It’s good to know that we have prosecutors with integrity and tenacity, who are dedicated to finding truth. As lawlessness and rebellion continue to rise in our country, effective and fair verdicts of justice will become more difficult and sparse.

            That leads me to Mr. Louis Mann himself. While in no way excusing his hideous crime, I must commend him for “manning up” to what he did. When I previously addressed this crime, I thought Louis would take the “not guilty” plea, and lay that extra forensic burden on the court. After all, who pleads “guilty” anymore for anything? At least, he faced the situation and verdict squarely. He told the court that before killing his parents, he was a “druggie, a loser, and a bad father.” Some would use that testimony to explain or justify his crime; but those actions were his fault, no one else’s; they were results of sinful behavior, rather than causes; like bad fruit growing on a tree with bad roots. Evidently Mr. Mann faced this situation for what it was, and found the remedy for his sinful condition.

            After Jail Chaplain John Russell’s report on Mann’s “Christian conversion,” I can hear someone saying, “Yea, he got that ‘jailhouse religion.’” The inference being that it’s a phony “escape hatch from Hell.” But in reading Russell’s account, there seems to be a serious “turn-around” in Mann; other inmates testify that Louis is not a “holy-roller,” but a serious Bible student, demonstrating new “fruit.” It must be said, that Mann has no intent of “escaping” jail time, but expects the worse. “I’m never going to be free. I’ll be in a cell 23 hours a day until I get executed,” he said. His personal sin is forgiven in Christ; his debt to society for his crime must still be paid.

            One might ask, “Does God forgive murderers?”  The Cross of Christ covers all sin, evidenced by the criminal who hanged beside Him. That thief cried out for the Lord’s forgiveness and salvation, but still paid for his crime by crucifixion (death). (cf. Luke 23) The potential sin of murder lurks in every human heart; but acting it out makes it a crime or civil offense. Mann’s internal “rage” (sin) was manifested openly in the act of killing his parents. That constituted a crime, thus being subject to the appropriate penalty of the Law.        

Interestingly, Mr. Mann’s inner sense of conviction, along with God’s forgiveness, has inspired him to pay the price for his horrible crime. Hopefully Louis will experience inner “freedom,” while imprisoned for many years in a tiny prison cell. Irreparable damage and heartache still remain, but, thankfully, justice has been served.

Does Obama Really Care?

Does Obama Really Care?

            The “Obamacare” production of so-called “affordable health act” has saturated the daily news these days. Proving more to be “unaffordable” health insurance, our country is facing serious medical challenges. A growing number of wage-earners, I understand, are losing their private coverage, or being shackled by inflated deductibles and “out of pocket” fees. At the same time, those who are jobless and/or indigent, etc. can go to the ER with a “hang nail” and receive free medical care. There’s something wrong with this picture.

            Does President Obama, and his regime, really care that everyone has medical access? I doubt that, especially when under our present system no one with a legitimate need is turned away from the emergency room. No one will deny that our medical system has room for improvement, but that’s not what’s going on here. There’s a deeper and more subtle scheme in play here by political ideologs, who hide behind the “caring” façade.

            In his campaign for the presidency, Mr. Obama promised to “change” America. I assume that most folks really didn’t know his definition of “change.” We all wanted a stronger economy, etc., and what a shocker it was to realize that this president’s desire was really to make our republic a gigantic, socialistic state. Not working alone, he took advantage of a growing trend toward government dependence. This has been spawned by a lazy, immoral segment of society that has lost its way; now almost 50% of Americans receive some government assistance. A growing number of folks have figured out that they can do better financially through government aid, than by working for a living. This is not what our forefathers had in mind.

            Obamacare is part of a ploy to promote government control over the populace. The “haves” will have to give to the “have nots,” until the “haves” don’t have anything. This attempt to “level the playing field” is leading to a “classless society,” one of the classic tenets of Communism. They know that whoever controls the pocketbook (economy) and the healthcare system controls the citizenry. Sounds like “slavery” to me.

            In my opinion, we have a “Chicago thug” in the Whitehouse who is dedicated to destroying America as we’ve known it. Motivated by an insidious and distorted ideology, and bolstered by like minded cronies, he will defend and promote his socialistic agenda with no regard for truth. He’s a master in the art of “casuistry”---which is defined as “reasoning that is specious (apparently right), misleading, or oversubtle.” (Collins English Dictionary) Simply put, “the end justifies the means;” whatever it takes to achieve one’s goal is justified; therefore, misleading statements, bald-faced lies, etc. are of no consequence, so long as the desired purpose is consummated.

            This left-winged agenda has been effective in a country that has lost its moral compass. After all, there’s no right or wrong anymore, is there? Undermining the Bible, the Constitution, and legislative authority is the order of the day, becoming almost a virtue.

            In his recent article, “Is there a way out,” economist Walter Williams, labels the government entitlement program as “legalized theft.” Congress is “taking the earnings or property of one American to give to another, to whom it does not belong.”  The government has no funds or resources of its own; therefore, we are faced with the reality that “the only way Congress can give one American one dollar is to first—through intimidation, threats, and coercion—confiscate that dollar from some other American through the tax code.”

            This “hand out” mentality has become epidemic. It is rapidly leading to levels of federal spending that are “unsustainable.” But who cares? As long as folks receive the “goodies,” why sweat it? Liberal politicians make their re-election bid by playing Santa Claus, promising “freebies” that don’t belong to them. How would a presidential candidate fare if he declared, as James Madison did in 1794, “Charity is no part of the legislative duty of government?”

            Williams concludes that if we’re to avoid ultimate collapse, it’s going to take “a moral reawakening and renewed constitutional respect—not by politicians but by the American people.” Could this be an economist’s way of saying, “we can’t fix this thing without Divine intervention?”

It’s clear that we need an invasion of Truth into the hearts of a decadent, violent, and ungodly society. God’s blessing upon our nation has been evident, especially when His Word, the Bible, was revered; but now we are facing judgment, and our leaders are powerless to remedy the problem. I think it’s time to acknowledge our sinful pride and plead for God’s mercy. It’s time for our national motto, “In God we trust,” to be stamped not only on our coins, but on our hearts. Let the “turn-around” begin!