1 John 4. Test the spirits. There is the spirit of God, and then there are many spirits of the Antichrist. Remember: “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We know God through love and we see God through love, “We love him, because he first loved us.”
Proverbs 24 completes the sayings of the wise, and begins some more sayings of the wise. The two last verses are notable: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Psalm 137. When the Jews were exiled into captivity they were forced to sing songs on their way. So somebody wrote a psalm about it. Compare that to when Paul and Silas were put in jail, they voluntarily sang songs of praise to God.
Psalm 138. David, as psalmist reminds us that God will honor His word and perform it to completion.
Psalm 139, of David. God knows everything, and He knows me much better than I know myself. Fittingly, the Psalm ends up with a song: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 140, of David. A heartfelt prayer for deliverance from evildoers.
1 John 3:11-24. We are children of God. As children of God we no longer sin,but it is important we love and show the outworking of love, for in it is the spirit of truth.
Jonah. The short but great story of Jonah, the famous solar eclipse of 763 B.C. the great solar eclipse of 2017, the coming eclipse of 2024 and the tearing down of statues.
Psalm 136 is called the Great Hallel (or Great Psalm of Praise). Each one of its 26 verses repeats the phrase, “His mercy endureth forever.” It was sung responsively by the Levites and the assembly of people at both Solomon’s and Zerubbabel’s temple dedication and is now sometimes sung or recited at the Passover Seder.
1 John 3:1-10. We are children of God, or as the King James Bible calls it “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:” As children of God we do not continue to sin, for if we do, we don’t have the spirit of God in us.
Proverbs 23, Sayings of the Wise. Do not be a glutton, do not desire riches, do not be a moocher, do not argue with a fool, do not change ancient landmarks, do not withhold correction from a child, do not envy sinners because they are having fun, do not drink wine to excess, do not despise your mother when she is old, honor your father and mother, keep away from harlots, stay sober and do not succumb to alcohol.
Psalm 134 is the last of the songs of ascents. 3 verses short and to the point. Bless the Lord and He will bless you from Zion.
Psalm 135 is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving to the uniqueness and superiority of the LORD, His name and all that He has done! Compare that to the worthless idols!
1 John 2:18-29. The Apostle John explained there will come a last hour’s deception, so let the truth abide in You. Remember you are children of God.
Obadiah is a prophecy on the coming judgment on Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Edom mistreated his brother and this will lead to Israel’s final triumph.
Psalm 131. This is the shortest of the songs of ascents, only 3 verses. David showed his contentment in hoping in the Lord.
Psalm 132. This is the longest of the song of ascents, 18 verses. Remember God’s promise to David, to Israel and to the future Messiah.
Psalm 133, a Song of Ascents, of David. This Psalm too has only three verses, and the point of it is that it is good to dwell in unity.
1 John 2:1-17. The Apostle John explained for us how you can test if you know Him, warned of sin and was concerned for their spiritual state.
Proverbs 22, Proverbs of Solomon. This is a great chapter of wise advice, how to handle riches, and if not – how to come to poverty, how to raise children properly and how not to be a sluggard. It also contains some sayings of the wise.
Psalm 127, a Song of Ascents. This Psalm is written by Solomon, and tells that God is the real builder of houses, cities and families.
Psalm 128, a Song of Ascents. It states that the fear of the Lord gives blessings to families, it will go well with them, and they get to live to see their grandchildren.
Psalm 129, a Song of Ascents. In spite of many afflictions, Israel prevails thanks to the blessing of the Lord.
Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents. “Out of the depths” God helps and forgives. Wait for the Lord in hope, and He will redeem Israel.
1 John 1. From the Beginning, what was heard, seen and touched we proclaim, that is the Word of Life. How can we have fellowship with God and with one Another? The Word of God through the Apostle John tells us how.
Amos 6. The prophet issued woe to Zion and woe to Samaria. God abhorred the pride of Jacob.
Amos 7. The prophet had a vision of the Locusts, a vision of fire and a vision of the plumb Line. Amaziah told Amos not to prophesy bad things, but that is why Amos, a poor shepherd, was called.
Amos 8. The prophet had a vision of the summer fruit. That seemed good at first, but it signaled the beginning of the destruction of Israel.
Amos 9. The final chapter of Amos is depicting the destruction of Israel and the promise that Israel will be restored.
2 Peter 2. Even in the first century there arose destructive doctrines from a multitude of false teachers. They were all doomed because of their depravity and attempts to deceive.
Amos 1. The prophet proclaimed judgment on Tyre and Sidon.
Amos 2. The prophet proclaimed judgment on Moab, Judah and Israel.
The event that Americans commonly call Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims after their first harvest in 1621. History says it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. The gathering lasted 3 days. Our first President, George Washington, issued a proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789, after which it was celebrated intermittently. Abraham Lincoln issued one, as well, in 1863 and made it a national holiday. He called it “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
Washington’s and Lincoln’s proclamations are brilliant and can be found belowt. The verbiage is a bit different than ours today and somewhat challenging, especially for children. Then it is followed by Joe Biden’s contemporary version for contrast, not part of Dutch Sheet’s post. Instead, Dutch Sheets has written a contemporary proclamation . Agree with him as he reads it today:
Gracious Father, we in this blessed nation give You thanks today. America was Your idea. You had in Your heart to form a nation of nations – numerous Native American nations, Asians, Europeans, Africans, Latinos and more. Though the journey and process has at times been painful, even evil, due to our selfishness and rebellion, Your sovereign power overrode our flaws and formed the United States of America. And we thank You.
We are well aware that forming America was not just for our benefit but, like Abraham of old, was a covenantal partnership for the purpose of redeeming the world from sin and its curse. We are honored beyond words to be part of this plan and agree with the words of Robert Hunt at Cape Henry in 1607: the gospel of the kingdom will go forth from these shores, not only to this land, but to all the nations of the earth.
We thank You for preserving us in times of war, disease, sin, and chaos. In the war of our birth, we were saved through an appeal to Heaven; in the horrible Civil War, You preserved us through incredible bitterness and the loss of over half a million soldiers – sons, husbands, fathers, brothers; in two world wars, You preserved us from evil, demonized despots intent on ruling the world. Through all the trials and all the years, You have been faithful.
We thank You for the incredible prosperity we have enjoyed due to our partnership with You. Though some try to convince our people You had nothing to do with this, that America does not need Your gracious hand of blessing, we know this is untrue. Unless You build the house, the laborers work in vain; unless You protect the city, the watchman wakes in vain. You have blessed this nation – of You, through You, and to You are all things. Thank You, gracious and beneficent God!
And we thank You today for our Savior, the Messiah, Christ Jesus. Son of God/Son of Man, thank You for Your sacrifice in becoming a member of the human race. Thank You for discovering what hunger feels like, for experiencing the pain of a loved one’s death, of rejection and betrayal. Thank You for walking dusty roads to heal diseased bodies, taking detours to redeem thirsty hearts, spending sleepless nights praying over Your assignment. Thank you for exposing the futility of religion, the evil of pride and the power of love. Thank You for revealing the Father to us again, and making a way for us to find and reconnect with Him as our Abba. Thank You for paying such a high price for this: the beatings and lashing, Gethsemane, the mocking, the crown of thorns, the wrath of Hell, the hideous cross. Thank You.
And gracious Father, wonderful Savior, and blessed Holy Spirit, though we as a nation have dishonored You, rejected You and mocked You, Your love endures. Though we have worshiped idols, embraced false religions, shed innocent blood, defiled Your marriage covenant and expelled You from our schools, causing our children to reject You, Your mercies endure. Though our government, in pride, deception, and rebellion, has risen up against You, rewritten Your laws, legislated murder and immorality, and has determined that You are no longer welcome in their functions and procedures – You have demonstrated amazing patience. And though the church should be Your instrument of preservation from these ills, she has grown lukewarm, complacent, and ineffective. Yet, in spite of these and many more evils, You have said You are coming to save us again. You have promised to renew our purpose and destiny, healing our brokenness and returning our hearts to You and one another. Our prodigals are coming home, a lost generation is being found by You, the fire of passion is returning to the church, millions will be saved, and America will be reformed. We will once again become a powerful voice of the gospel of the kingdom throughout the earth, partnering with You through the power of Holy Spirit. For this we give You thanks.
Father, we are thankful for the United States of America. We are thankful for the covenants our Christian forefathers made with You. They sacrificed more than we can ever imagine in order to fulfill Your will in their generation. They knew they were sent here to dedicate this land to You and Your divine purposes. Therefore, we thank You, Lord, for those sacrifices made so long ago. May those that prayed, endured much hardship, fought, and established America be forever honored by future generations of believers. We are so grateful for the blessings of the covenants that were established with You in those days.
May every believer today remember to thank You for those covenants. Your promises are eternal. We may break them, but You never do. You will always find a way to partner with Your Ekklesia to see them restored, when we humble ourselves in prayer before You. For that mercy extended to us time and again, and so many other things, we thank You. Provide our leaders with the grace they need to lead this great country. Provide mercy for America to maintain our covenants with You. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
By Dutch Sheets. He can be found here , and especially his daily message Give him 15
President 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 shown 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 increase 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.” (George Washington)
President Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation:
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. The population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.
“In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
“Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth. By the President: Abraham Lincoln.”
Now compare these proclamations with today’s proclamation by Joe Biden:
A Proclamation on Thanksgiving Day, 2022
This Thanksgiving, as homes across America fill with laughter, favorite family foods, and the joy of friends and relatives reuniting, we give thanks for everything that is good in our lives and reflect on the many blessings of our Nation.
This American spirit of gratitude dates back to our earliest days, when the Pilgrims celebrated a successful first harvest, thanks to the generosity and support of the Wampanoag people. It inspired George Washington to give his troops a day of prayer and thanks amid fierce fighting for American independence. It also moved Abraham Lincoln to proclaim Thanksgiving a national holiday, honoring America’s bounty and asking God to bring us together to care for one another and heal our Nation.
Today, Jill and I share that same gratitude for America’s promise and for the millions of heroes across our country whose selflessness and care for their communities represent the best of who we are.
We are grateful for our family and friends and for all of our fellow Americans, even those whom we may never meet but rely upon nonetheless. We are thankful for the scientists, researchers, doctors, and nurses who have kept us safe through a pandemic, and for the frontline workers who have kept essential services going by growing and providing food for our tables. We are grateful to faith leaders for their counsel, comfort, and support. We thank our brave service members and veterans who sacrifice so much for our freedom, and the first responders who put so much on the line to keep us all safe.
As Scripture says: “let us rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” This is a special time in the greatest country on Earth, so let us be grateful. America is a great Nation because we are a good people. This holiday, we celebrate all that brings us together, grounded in history and our shared hopes for the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2022, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States of America to join together and give thanks for the friends, neighbors, family members, and strangers who have supported each other over the past year in a reflection of goodwill and unity.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
And finally, here is the full video of Dutch Sheet’s post:
2 Peter 1:12-21. The Apostle Peter reminded the faithful of his approaching death and kept emphasizing the trustworthiness of the prophetic word.
Proverbs 21, Proverbs of Solomon. Yes, there is a difference between a wise and righteous man, and an evil, foolish and lazy man, thinking only about himself and his pleasures, and “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”
Psalm 123, a Song of Ascents. This is a short but fervent prayer for mercy.
Psalm 124, a Song of Ascents. This one is of David. Thank God! Only He can do the impossible.
Psalm 125 is a song of Ascents, sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to one of the three yearly prescribed feasts.
Psalm 126 likewise is a Song of Ascents. One verse: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 