The Hidden Mystery of God in Christ Jesus

Joshua,

Thank you for the invitation to post. I can see you have a hunger for God’s Word. 

Your post on May 5 shows a passion for the Word of God, a hunger which the Father uses to draw you to the unveiling of His great mystery kept secret since the world began. Rom 16:25  

God’s purpose for mankind was a mystery hidden throughout the ages revealed by God in God’s timing for God’s glory. Yes, you rightly discern “He’s been repeating it for thousands of years now”. However, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 

Jesus said “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 

God has revealed the mystery of His purpose to the born again believer through His Spirit. “For the Spirit searches all things, yes even the hidden depths of God’s purposes.” (1 Cor 2:10)

For no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God makes known to you the things that have been freely given to you by God 1Co 2:11-12  

The natural man cannot discern what God has freely given to you, nor does he receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned by those who are spiritual who have received the mind of Christ. 1Co 2:14-16. And such you are as born again believer.

The mystery is simple and different from every other religion in the world. Most religions of the world have a supreme being, a problem and their solution that requires your personal effort. The difference is their gods can only be please or appeased by their actions and sacrifices. Here is where God’s mystery differs. the Supreme Being is God Almighty, the problem is sin and the answer is love so great that the Son of God, Jesus Christ died for the ungodly. Rm 5:6 God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rm 5:9. For God made Christ who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Co 5:21  

Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set you free, so you have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of your sins, according to the great riches of His grace, making known unto us the mystery of His will, and make known to you the secret plan He had already decided to complete by means of Christ, all according to his good pleasure and undeserved mercy. Eph 1:7, 9 Yes, it pleased the Father through Christ to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Col 1:19-20  And you at one time, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, who were dead in trespasses and sins, far away from God and were his enemies, walking according to the dictates of the spirit of prince of the power of the air– the kingdom of darkness. He has reconciled  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight. Col 1:21-22

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, so it isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. Eph 2:8-9. ONLY GOD Who reached down to you with His Free Gift of Grace, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord can reveal the mystery to you and invite you take accept His free gift offered to you.

The Judgement seat of Christ is where the saints will stand to receive their rewards. The Great White Throne is the seat of judgement for all who do not accept God’s free gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jn 3:16

You know the message of the gospel, hopefully these messages posted in your blog will plant and/or water the Good News of reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ, which God will give the increase. We are God’s representatives that He has committed the message of reconciliation, as though He were pleading through us on Christ’s behalf – Be reconciled to God!” 2Co 5:19-20

May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be yours!

The Father draws you to the unveiling of His great mystery kept secret since the world began. Rom 16:25  

God’s purpose for mankind was a mystery hidden throughout the ages revealed by God in God’s timing for God’s glory. Yes, you rightly discern “He’s been repeating it for thousands of years now”. However, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 

Jesus said “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 

God has revealed the mystery of His purpose to the born again believer through His Spirit. “For the Spirit searches all things, yes even the hidden depths of God’s purposes.” (1 Cor 2:10)

For no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God makes known to you the things that have been freely given to you by God 1Co 2:11-12  

The natural man cannot discern what God has freely given to you, nor does he receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned by those who are spiritual who have received the mind of Christ. 1Co 2:14-16. And such you are as born again believer.

The mystery is simple and different from every other religion in the world. Most religions of the world have a supreme being, a problem and their solution that requires your personal effort. The difference is their gods can only be please or appeased by their actions and sacrifices. Here is where God’s mystery differs. the Supreme Being is God Almighty, the problem is sin and the answer is love so great that the Son of God, Jesus Christ died for the ungodly. Rm 5:6 God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rm 5:9. For God made Christ who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Co 5:21  

Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set you free, so you have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of your sins, according to the great riches of His grace, making known unto us the mystery of His will, and make known to you the secret plan He had already decided to complete by means of Christ, all according to his good pleasure and undeserved mercy. Eph 1:7, 9 Yes, it pleased the Father through Christ to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Col 1:19-20  And you at one time, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, who were dead in trespasses and sins, far away from God and were his enemies, walking according to the dictates of the spirit of prince of the power of the air– the kingdom of darkness. He has reconciled  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight. Col 1:21-22

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, so it isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. Eph 2:8-9. ONLY GOD Who reached down to you with His Free Gift of Grace, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord can reveal the mystery to you and invite you take accept His free gift offered to you.

The Judgement seat of Christ is where the saints will stand to receive their rewards. The Great White Throne is the seat of judgement for all who do not accept God’s free gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jn 3:16

You know the message of the gospel, hopefully these messages posted in your blog will plant and/or water the Good News of reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ, which God will give the increase. We are God’s representatives that He has committed the message of reconciliation, as though He were pleading through us on Christ’s behalf – Be reconciled to God!” 2Co 5:19-20

Where does wisdom originate?

Recently watching  the documentary Expelled, I was wrenched with the emotion how bright minds can be so blinded by darkness. But then I was awakened to the thought the wisdom of man comes from his fallen state. So, he can only perceive to the level he is developed. Thus the wisdom of man is incomplete.

The nature of man can only see what his limited intellect can comprehend as meaningful, true and logical. This of course removes faith, which is the substance of things not seen. Now there is an idea substance from nothing. Of course those who believe substance of necessity needs some substance to breed substance would cringe under the pressure to explain the “origin of substance” from nothing.

However, when asked where did the first substance comes from their thoughts are frustrate by the simplistic wisdom on nothing. Those more versed know that nothing begins with something. Yes, substance from nothing is the power of believe. 

When the blinders come off the wisdom of man by a transformation of deeper truth and greater understanding; then what was impossible becomes ordinary and the possible super ordinary. This is the power of believe.  When a person is blind to possibilities, the impossibility is alway possible. But when the eyes of the understanding are enlightened to a fuller depth of wisdom, which the wisdom of man does not understand nor is capable of understanding; then the wisdom of man strikes out in frustration having been bested by wisdom that makes foolish the wisdom of man.

You know the deeper wisdom of impossibility by removing the blinders of the wisdom of man to see the wisdom that voids all known understanding seen only in the “origin of substance” brought about by the power of belief.

God’s foolishness is greater than man’s greatest wisdom. Yes my fellow intellectual hybrids trained by the wisdom of man laid carefully out by the prince of this world; you are blind to the wisdom even greater wisdom than all you can comprehend because your wisdom is in darkness. Why do you lead the blind being blind? Because you do not know you are blind? No because you know no light.

Light drives out darkness. The wisdom of man is full of darkness. Reborn man has the capacity and understanding to know the greatest wisdom. This wisdom he is born with as the man of this world is born with dark wisdom from the prince of darkness. Do not think it strange, the wisdom of man is limited for man was limited from the origin of his first birth.

Enough words: the man of light is never at the mercy of the man of darkness because greater is the wisdom of light than the wisdom of darkness. For the wisdom of light sets free the man who accepts, and the wisdom of darkness shackless the man he holds.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His Saints

Psalms 116:15 reads, “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His Saints.”

God is deeply touched by your loved ones passing into eternal life. He understands death not only as God, but as the Creator of Life Eternal, which your loved one as entered. Only those left behind see death and mourn for the absence of the life they now miss. The arms of God welcomes His saints home and all of heaven rejoices in their coming home. 

God redeems the souls of His saints. All their days are planned God says in Psalms 139:16.  You may personalize this psalm to give comfort or to receive comfort for those of us left behind, while our loved ones move on to a new eternal life.  It does the soul good to hear the Word of God addressed to it personally.  here is a rendering to help with the hearing,  ”He saw (you or the lovved one) before he or she  was born, and every day of his or her life was ordained and recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” God is in total control of life and death. Neither happens without is purpose, plan and direction.

Earlier in Psalm 139:5 the palmist David writes, “You, O LORD go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.”

Yes, today there is rejoicing in heaven, while there is sorrow on earth in the death of a loved one. But in the rejoicing and sorrow, God is near to all. In fact, God promises a blessing to His saints, whose earthly father has passed on to the next life. In Pslams 68:5, the blessing reads God will be “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His Holy Dwelling.”

So precious in the eyes of the LORD is the passing of His saints that He even blesses those who are left behind. May you be blessed and the God of All Comfort, comfort you and give you peace this day.


Amen.

Words of comfort given to a close friend in the loss of a parent.

Thinking about God influences your generosity and cooperation

Thoughts related to God cultivate cooperative behaviour and generosity, according to University of British Columbia psychology researchers.

In a study to be published in the September issue of Psychological Science journal, researchers investigated how thinking about God and notions of a higher power influenced positive social behaviour, specifically cooperation with others and generosity to strangers.

UBC PhD graduate Azim Shariff and UBC Assoc. Prof. Ara Norenzayan found that priming people with ‘god concepts’ – by activating subconscious thoughts through word games – promoted altruism. In addition, the researchers found that this effect was consistent in behaviour whether people declared themselves believers or not. The researchers also found that secular notions of civic responsibility promote cooperation and generosity.

“This is a twist on an age old question – does a belief in God influence moral behaviour”” says Shariff. “We asked, does the concept of god influence cooperative behaviour” Previous attempts to answer this question have been driven by speculation and anecdote.”

The research, conducted between September 2005 and July 2006 with 125 participants, is the first of its kind in North America. According to the researchers, there is little replicable empirical data using moral behaviour and religion as measures. As Shariff notes, UBC is the first to apply an implicit priming technique to capture and assess subconscious motives or goals, and their associated behavioural outcomes, to this area of concern.

Priming is an experimental procedure used by cognitive and social scientists, mainly in psychology and economics, to obtain indicators of social tendencies by implicitly inducing relevant thoughts. As priming operates largely outside explicit awareness, subjects are unlikely to consciously revise their behaviours or beliefs, the researchers say.

The researchers undertook two related studies. In both studies, groups were randomly assigned to the religious prime or to the control group. Participants in the religious prime group were given a word game and had to unscramble sentences (using spirit, divine, God, sacred and prophet). Those in the control group were given the same task with non-spiritual words. After this task, all participants played an anonymous dictator game, whereby subjects were given 10 one-dollar coins and asked to make a decision of what to keep and what to share with an anonymous recipient.

The researchers were surprised by the magnitude of the positive results for the religious prime in both studies. Sixty-eight per cent of subjects from the religious prime groups allocated $5 or more to anonymous strangers, compared to 22 per cent from groups where neutral or no concepts were activated.

In the second study the researchers also investigated the strength of the religious prime relative to a secular prime. They used concepts of civic responsibility and social justice to prime subjects (with target words civic, jury, court, police and contract) and obtained almost identical results.

“We did not anticipate such a subtle prime, simply getting participants to unscramble sentences with a few key words, having such a large effect on people’s willingness to give money to strangers,” said Shariff. “These are compelling findings that have substantial impact on the study of social behaviour because they draw a causal relationship between religion and acting morally – a topic of some debate. They by no means indicate that religion is necessary for moral behaviour, but it can make a substantial contribution.”

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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To see this article online Click Here. 

Azim Shariff
University of British Columbia 

How do children learn about God?

Parents and teachers: take heed. It is through you that children learn about those things they cannot see. Things like the fact the earth is round, not flat; that our thinking and other mental processes occur in our brains; that germs exist and that there is a God. But they do more than just parrot back what you say to them. They take what you teach them and add their own interpretations based, in some instances, on just how that teaching occurs.That’s the conclusion of a literature review about how children learn about science and religion, published in the May/June issue of the journal, Child Development.

The review, by Paul L. Harris, PhD, professor of education at Harvard University, and Melissa A. Koenig, PhD, of the University of Chicago, enhances and challenges existing theories about how children learn, note two commentaries in the same journal. “The issues discussed by Harris and Koenig are crucial if we are to take seriously the importance of culture in cognitive development,” says the author of one, Maureen A. Callanan, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Dr. Harris notes that the analysis reveals three key points about how children learn about objective and subjective nonobservable objects.

ƒÞ Children extrapolate beyond what they’re told and formulate more powerful interpretations of what they’re told. So, for instance, if they learn the earth is round, they figure out that if they start out at one point and continue around the world, they end up back at the same point, even if no one explicitly told them they would. ƒÞ Children bring their own contributions to what they learn. So, for instance, if you tell them that the brain enables humans to think, they take that information to the next step and deduce that switching the brains of two people would also switch the individuals’ personalities. ƒÞ Children appear to be more confident about the information they’re given about scientific subjects they can’t see, such as germs, than about spiritual subjects they can’t see, such as God.

“We don’t have a firm view on why it is they’re a bit more confident on the scientific information,” says Dr. Harris, “but one possible plausible reason is that when we talk about things like germs or body organs, we talk in a very matter-of-fact fashion. We don’t say, “I believe in germs,” we simply take it for granted that they exist.” In talking about religion and other spiritual matters, however, adults tend to assert the existence of God more strenuously, possibly raising doubts in children’s minds as to the existence of an unseen deity.

Cultural differences also likely play a role, he says, even socioeconomic differences that affect the way adults present information.

“It’s intriguing to think that parents might talk differently to their children about science and spirituality, and I¡¦d imagine there is a great deal of cultural variation in those discussions,” says Dr. Callanan, “I look forward to seeing what future research reveals.”

As a second commentary by Brian Bergstrom, PhD, Bianca Moehlmann, PhD and Pascal Boyer, PhD of the Department of Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis notes: “Harris and Koenig draw our attention to an aspect of cognitive development that is too often neglected: the need for children to rely extensively on culturally transmitted information while simultaneously erecting safeguards against misleading or deceptive input.”

The authors of both commentaries, as well as Drs. Harris and Koenig, note that these new theories require new directions in research on children’s cognition, including the extent to which children differentiate between the scientific and the spiritual realms.

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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Contact: Andrea Browning
Society for Research in Child Development

Summarized from Child Development, Vol. 77, Issue 3, Trust in Testimony: How Children Learn about Science and Religion by Harris PL (Harvard University) and Koenig MA (University of Chicago). Copyright 2006 The Society for Research in Child Development, Inc. All rights reserved.

Religion has positive impact on physical and mental health

Research shows that religion and spirituality are linked to positive physical and mental health; however, most studies have focused on people with life threatening diseases. A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia shows that religion helps many individuals with disabilities adjust to their impairments and gives new meaning to their lives.

According to the study, persons facing impending death may use religion to help them accept their condition, come to terms with unresolved life issues, and prepare for death. However, the study suggests that religion may be an equally, if not more important, coping mechanism for persons with chronic disabilities such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and arthritis.

“Although many individuals with disabilities turn to religion to help them deal with their situations, to date, religion is infrequently discussed in rehabilitation settings and is rarely investigated in rehabilitation research. To better meet the needs of persons with disabilities, this needs to change,” said Brick Johnstone, professor of health psychology in the MU School of Health Professions.

The study notes that few practical suggestions exist for how to address religion in health care. Heath care providers should encourage religious practices important to individuals, such as yoga, reading of religious texts, meditation or laying on of hands. Students should be taught about various religious beliefs and how they might be used to the patients’ advantage in a rehabilitation setting.

“Although some professionals may feel uncomfortable obtaining information about patients’ religious beliefs, it is no different than inquiring about their sexual, psychological, substance use and legal histories,” said Johnstone, who also is the director of the MU Spirituality and Health Research Project at the MU Center on Religion and the Professions.

Praying with patients may be appropriate in some cases, according to the study. Rehabilitation psychologists, counselors and chaplains also should work together to initiate forgiveness interventions. Patients who were injured as the result of the actions of others may be better able to work toward recovery if they can use their religious beliefs to work through emotions surrounding the cause of the disability.

“It is also very important that rehabilitation professionals be aware of the different religious customs that should be considered when evaluating and treating patients, including information regarding the appropriateness of physical touching by others, preferences regarding gender specific services, dress and hygiene customs,” Johnstone said.

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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The study has been published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation. It was co-authored by Bret Glass, of the MU College of Education’s Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology and Richard Oliver, dean of the MU School of Health Professions. The study was conducted under the MU Center on Religion and the Professions, a $1.5 million center funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Source: Jennifer Faddis
University of Missouri-Columbia

Giving Thanks to Almighty God

Being Thankful

By Jack Heckathorne

Author of the book “Separation of Church and God, The Final Judgment”

Some people are thankful for the blessings they receive from God. Some are not thankful at all. However, the Bible instructs Christians to be thankful for all things, good and bad, because even the bad things bring us closer to God.

In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Thessalonians 5:18

People often find it difficult to give thanks for suffering and discipline in their lives but without a taste of evil intruding in our lives, we would never be able to appreciate the magnificent character of a good God. This also teaches us how to use our faith, which is necessary to please Him.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Suffering and faith go hand in hand. Faith is not only a belief; it is acting upon that belief and by so doing we please God. God can turn cursing and suffering into a blessing for the Christian who is truly thankful.

“O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 136:2″

“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.” Psalm 75:1

“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.” Psalm 30:12

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High” Psalm 50:14

“Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.” Psalm 106:47

When you sit down for your thanksgiving dinner remember to give thanks not only for the food but also for all things. For the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ every day, every moment is Thanksgiving.

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:30

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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Jack Heckathorne is available for comment:  ”A Great Thanksgiving Message”

Contact: Keith McCahey, 210-643-0934

 

President Bush 2007 Thanksgiving Radio Broadcast

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week our Nation celebrated Thanksgiving. American families and friends gathered together to express gratitude for all that we have been given. We give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. We give thanks for the loved ones who enrich our lives. And we give thanks for the many gifts that come from this prosperous land. Thanksgiving is a time when we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come not from the hand of man, but from Almighty God.

Earlier this week, I visited Berkeley Plantation in Virginia. The story of this historic setting goes back nearly four centuries to another day of thanks. In 1619, a band of 38 settlers departed Bristol, England for Berkeley. At the end of their long voyage, the men reviewed their orders from home. The orders said, quote, “The day of our ship’s arrival … shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.” In response, the men fell to their knees in prayer. And with this humble act of faith, the settlers celebrated their first Thanksgiving in the New World.

Berkeley’s settlers remind us that giving thanks has been an American tradition from the beginning. At this time of year, we also remember the Pilgrims at Plymouth, who gave thanks after their first harvest in New England. We remember George Washington, who led his men in thanksgiving during the American Revolution. We remember Abraham Lincoln, who revived the Thanksgiving tradition in the midst of a terrible civil war.

Throughout our history, Americans have always taken time to give thanks for all those whose sacrifices protect and strengthen our Nation. We continue that tradition today — and we give thanks for a new generation of patriots who are defending our liberty around the world. We are grateful to all our men and women in uniform who are spending this holiday weekend far from their families. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers. And we especially remember those who have given their lives in our Nation’s defense.

One of these brave Americans was Lieutenant Michael Murphy. In June 2005, this officer gave his life in defense of his fellow Navy SEALs. Michael was conducting surveillance on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan, when his four-man SEAL team was surrounded by a much larger enemy force. Their only escape was down the side of the mountain. The SEALs launched a valiant counterattack while cascading from cliff to cliff. But as the enemy closed in, Michael recognized that the survival of his men depended on calling back to base for reinforcements.

With complete disregard for his own life, Michael Murphy moved into a clearing where he could get a signal. As he made the call, Michael fell under heavy fire. Though severely wounded, he said “thank you” before signing off, and returned to the fight. His heroism cost him his life — and earned him our Nation’s highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor. This weekend, we give thanks for the blessings of young Americans like Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who risk their own lives to keep us safe.

We’re also blessed by the many other Americans who serve a cause larger than themselves. Each day our Nation’s police and firefighters and emergency responders and faith-based and community volunteers dedicate their time to serving others. While we were enjoying our Thanksgiving turkeys, tens of thousands of these men and women were on the job — keeping their fellow citizens safe and bringing hope and compassion to our brothers and sisters in need. And their sacrifice reminds us that the true strength of our Nation is the goodness and decency of our people.

Since America’s first Thanksgiving, we have changed in many ways. Our population has grown. Our people have prospered. And we have become a great beacon of hope and freedom for millions around the world. Despite these changes, the source of all our blessings remains the same. We are grateful to the Author of Life who blessed our Nation’s first days, who strengthened America in times of trial and war, and who watches over us today.

Thank you for listening.

The audio of the Presidents broadcast can be heard by clicking here.

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580
The White House

Fred Thompson 2007 Thanksgiving Message

Senator Thompson today released the following Thanksgiving message:

“Twenty-five years ago this week, in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, Ronald Reagan wrote that America was set apart from other nations in an uncommon way. 

“He said that it was his belief that ‘a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth, who had a special love of faith and freedom.’

“America’s love of faith and freedom is as strong today as it was 25 years ago, or indeed 225 years ago. 

“We are in a political season now, and sometimes it might feel that there is much that divides us.  But as we give thanks this week, let us all remember that no matter your political views or affiliations, we are all Americans and we are united by our core beliefs. 

“And let us also pause to give special thanks and praise to the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families, stationed across the globe.  If you are home today with your friends and family, take time to pray for those in uniform, whose sacrifice for our nation is as boundless as our love of the freedoms they fight to protect.

“The Thompson family wishes you a safe and joyous Thanksgiving.  God bless you and God bless America.  Thank you.”

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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Contact: Karen Hanretty, www.Fred08.com

Governor Riley Asks Citizens to Pray for Rain

Governor Bob Riley is encouraging Alabamians to pray for rain.

The Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley, put faith before politics issuing a proclamation declaring June 30 through July 7 as “Days of Prayer for Rain” in Alabama asking citizens to pray individually and in their houses of worship for rain.

“Throughout our history, Alabamians have turned in prayer to God to humbly ask for His blessings and to hold us steady during times of difficulty.  This drought is without question a time of great difficulty for our farmers and for communities across the state,” Governor Riley said.

Jerry Newby, President and CEO of the Alabama Farmers Federation, agrees.  “Alabama farmers have been through tough times before.  But, through God’s grace, they have learned to withstand whatever circumstances they faced.  The farmers have been praying for rain for weeks and they covet the prayers of their fellow Alabamians.”

Don Wambles, Director of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority, commends the Governor for recognizing the seriousness of our current situation and his willingness to call Alabamians to pray. “There are many references in the Bible to God’s assurance of answering prayer but maybe the most fitting for our current situation is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. ‘If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.’  We need God’s forgiveness and our land needs His healing.  This verse of scripture tells us how to achieve that,” said Wambles.

TEXT OF GOVERNOR RILEY’S PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS, Alabama is suffering from a devastating drought that threatens the livelihood of many of our citizens and reduces the quality of life for all citizens; and

WHEREAS, Alabama’s largest industry, agriculture, is dependent on sufficient rainfall; and

WHEREAS, low stream flows and lake levels are negatively impacting water use, recreation, navigation and power generation; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, Alabamians have turned in prayer to God to humbly ask for His blessings and to hold us steady during times of difficulty:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby encourage citizens of Alabama to pray daily for rain and proclaim June 30 – July 7, 2007 as Days of Prayer for Rain.

During this time, I encourage all Alabamians to pray individually and within their houses of worship for sufficient rain.

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Article adapted by God Only Weblog from original press release.
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Contact: Press Office