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Why were the tears suddenly filling my eyes until they began to stream down my cheeks? Just a few moments earlier, my hands were lifted to heaven in worshipful praise. I had noticed Betty’s hands also lifted, along with many others, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw my daughter Rhonda with hands lifted high, tears filling her eyes, as she, too, praised our Savior. But now my head was nearly in my lap, and I was weeping.

We are approaching the celebration of the greatest gift God ever offered. I am referring, of course, to the birth of our Savior the Lord Jesus. Through this gift all mankind can receive forgiveness and fullness in this lifetime, as well as eternal life. God so loved all of us that He not only offered grace through this Child, but life through the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of His only begotten Son. God is love and, without a doubt, love is expressed in giving.

Sensitive, discerning people can easily read the signs indicating the potentially catastrophic consequences resulting from a liberal, progressive philosophy. The trend makes slavery under Pharaoh’s prominence appear more understandable. Israel was trapped in bondage during a time of dreadful depravity. Likewise, much of the United States and free world have been misled in their thinking.

Years ago, just before my 18^th birthday, I turned every part of my life over as completely as I knew how to the Lord Jesus. I answered His call …

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. We have so much for which to be grateful. Betty and I are spending the next few days with our son, Randy; his wife, Debbie; and their four children. Our daughters, Robin and Rhonda, are joining together with their families in Oklahoma. We will likely be all together for Christmas. I hope you are enjoying time with those you love.

When I consider all the things for which to give God praise and thanksgiving, the list is endless. Let me share just a few:

There are some dates you will never forget. September 11, 2001, is remembered as the day the Twin Towers fell in New York City. The whole world felt it. Many watched. None forget.

God has not only called me to preach, He has called me to prayer. It is important to note that Jesus commanded His disciples to preach, but He taught them to pray. The ministry God gave me was birthed and bathed in prayer and I am grateful that millions have heard the Gospel proclaimed and professed their faith in Christ.

Betty and I are encouraged by this week’s election results because they seem to indicate that Americans recognize we have been heading in the wrong direction. We see all positive change as answered prayer. But if people believe that a mere shift in leadership will somehow save us, they are dangerously mistaken.

The majority of Americans believe next Tuesday’s election is one of the most important in recent history. For me personally, I am convinced that our nation is absolutely headed in the wrong direction with a government out of control. Rather than wisely responding to present challenges, our national leaders and the general population have reacted foolishly and with extremely negative decisions.

Several years ago I shared a message God burned into my heart. I called it, “We Have a Choice: Humility or Humiliation.” What I shared remains, in my opinion, very important truth. We will either bow before God, or be broken before God. We will come to Him in humility as individuals, the church and the nation, or we will witness humiliation.