I’m not sure how long Thanksgiving will even remain a Holiday in the United States. It has too much of a Biblical, Christian, even patriotic flavor to it.

But whatever day one might be reading this little Meditation, the Bible is clear for us who believe in Jesus as God’s Son, as our personal Lord and Saviour …

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Notice Paul did not command (the verb is an imperative) us to give thanks “for” everything. But “in” everything!

How can we thank God for the terrible shape America in which has placed herself?

(Other than simple fact that now I can understand why this Country is not mentioned in Bible Prophecy. Or why Israel will have few, if any, allies at Armageddon. Or why 2 Timothy 3:12 will more than likely become a stark reality in this place where most of us live!)

How can I give thanks that unrighteousness is “on the throne” and that “truth has fallen in the streets?” (Isaiah 59:14)

Maybe I can’t.

Maybe that’s not what Paul had in mind anyway!

This is what I’m saying …

IF we put the emphasis on the little preposition “IN” (again 1 Thessalonians 5:18) … “IN every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” … we could (for example) THANK GOD FOR SAVING US … “in” the middle of any condition life presents us!

Thank God for Grace “in” the middle of a crooked and perverse generation where we live, Philippians 2:15.

Thank God for Heaven, when “in” the intensive care unit at the hospital.

Thank God for Jesus … “in” any situation!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Just a thought this Thanksgiving Day, 2020, perhaps the saddest America has ever faced in my lifetime.

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