{"id":21759,"date":"2017-11-23T00:05:28","date_gmt":"2017-11-23T08:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=21759"},"modified":"2017-11-20T11:34:44","modified_gmt":"2017-11-20T19:34:44","slug":"november-23-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2017\/11\/23\/november-23-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"November 23, 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cNow the LORD had said to Abram: \u2018Get out of your country, from your family and from your father\u2019s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.\u2019\u201d<\/em> Genesis 12:1-2<\/p>\n

A New Frontier<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The words of today\u2019s Scripture were spoken to Abraham when the Lord began to lead him out of his country into a new land that was to become a nation of God\u2019s own people, Israel. He was leading them to a new frontier to create a separate nation. By God\u2019s design, He would be their God; Israel would be His people. \u201cI will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians\u201d<\/em> (Exodus 6:7).<\/p>\n

I imagine this is how the Pilgrims felt as they left their homeland in their tiny ship, Mayflower<\/em>, and sailed for the unknown land we now call North America. They were burdened by the religious demands regulating their church services, and keenly felt the desire to be free to worship as they felt led. \u201cI will rescue you from their bondage\u2026 And I will bring you into the land\u2026\u201d<\/em> (Exodus 6:6, 8).<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not aware of the exact words God may have spoken to those called Pilgrims in our history books. I don\u2019t know the final straw of what happened to push them into setting out for a place of freedom in worship. But somehow, God led this small band of travelers to this land of plenty, and in time, \u201cone nation, under God\u201d was established.<\/p>\n

We would do well, on this day set aside to give special thanks, to remember that we, too, are pilgrims and sojourners in this life, on a journey initiated and led by God to a Promised Land. We \u201cseek a homeland\u201d <\/em>(Hebrews 11:14), \u201ca better, that is, a heavenly country\u201d <\/em>(vs. 16).<\/p>\n

God has honored and blessed this country since its inception. He honored the intents of the heart and the prayers of our founding fathers. This may be changing, though, even as I write these words. \u201cRighteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people<\/em>\u201d (Proverbs 14:34).<\/p>\n

Take it from Abraham\u2026 take it from Moses\u2026 take it from Joshua\u2026 take it from the Pilgrims\u2014the grass really is greener on the other side when God is leading us to \u201cthe city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God\u201d <\/em>(Hebrews 11:10).<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, You who give life and breath and all things, we thank You today and always for Your unprecedented, unparalleled gifts, provision, and blessings. Forgive our nation of her sins, and may we seek You once again with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We pray in the unequaled Name of Your Son. Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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