In respect to the first
Thanksgiving of the 21st Century, ponder the content of George
Washington’s Thanksgiving declaration over 200 years ago.
“Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the
Sovereignty 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
(signs) of Almighty God, especially to establish a form of government for
their safety and happiness. Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign
Thursday, the 26th day of November to be devoted by the people of
these States to be the service of that great and glorious Being (God), who is
the Benefit Author (Creator) of all the good that was, that is , or will be.” (
Official Holiday Declaration October 3, 1789)
There were so many great things
George Washington did for our country. His military skill and perseverance
as our first President established America as one of the greatest nations the
world has ever seen. But George was more than just a great military
strategist or politician, he was truly a man of God who did every thing he could
to influence America to embrace a saving faith. Some have
argued that Washington was a Deist. A Deist is one who only accepts God on
the basis of nature and reason, not on the supernatural revelations laid out by
Christianity. A Deist would reject the Bible as God’s revelation. A Deist
would never pray to Christ. But listen to the words of George
Washington when he was a young man. These quotes come from a prayer
journal he wrote when he was 23 years of age.
Monday’s Prayer
“Thou gave Thy Son to die for
me; and hast given me assurance of salvation, upon my repentance and sincerity
to conform my life to His holy precepts and example. O God, pardon me for
Christ’s sake, instruct me in the particulars of my duty, and suffer me not to
be tempted above what Thou divest me strength to bear. Bless my
friends and grant me grace to forgive my enemies as heartily as I desire
forgiveness of Thee my heavenly Father.”
George Washington could have
been content being our greatest military leader or President, but his goals went
far beyond those objectives. Washington like many of our other
forefathers wanted our nation to be truly under God’s guidance. So
when you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family this year think of what one
man’s faith did. Perhaps your sons or daughters will accomplish
mighty things for God in the 21st Century.
Teachable Moment
Before Thanksgiving dinner is
served develop a family acrostic with your children. Make a poster
or banner with this acrostic and post it outside where your neighbors can see.
