Thanksgiving is actually critical theme to a spiritual awakening in America. This part of our foundation is specifically Christian, and it is uniquely patriotic. No other nation in the world has a day set aside to give thanks to the God of the Bible for sparing and providing for those early pioneers.

Let's make sure we include the reason for there being a Thanksgiving in our celebration. Let's make sure we give thanks not only for our own blessings, but let us give thanks to God for America and its Christian foundation.

Too many people are accusing preachers of mixing Christianity and politics or patriotism. Those who understand how this nation was founded are jealous for her godly heritage. There is nothing wrong with a love for nation as long as it is grounded in a love for Jesus Christ.

There is, however, something wrong with a professing Christian who voted for a party and an anti-Christian platform that is pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, anti-Israel among many other things and who say that portions of the Word of God are hateful and judgmental. When they utter such things, we know the portions they mean. They are crusading to defend every sexual sin condemned in the Bible.

Let us be thankful to God for America, and let us pray that the Word of God may continue to have free course and be glorified in our nation. Let us pray also to be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men who do not have faith.

" Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may quickly spread and be glorified, even as it did with you. And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all men have faith" (2 Thess. 3:1-2).

Let us also pray and give thanks for all men, especially for our president and those in authority.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

Notice that thanksgiving is a part of this prayer. Too many have a sense of entitlement when it comes to America. The question now seems to be "What can my country do for me?" not "What can I do for my country?" There are many more ungrateful people living in our nation than ever before.

Notice also the reason we are to give thanks and pray for those in authority. It's so strife, division, hatred, conflict and potentially unrest and war can be prevented so we can live in peace. And for what reason? So that the gospel can move, and more people can come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (v. 4).

Those who accuse us of being too political or patriotic and placing American politics before the gospel don't fully realize the connection.

America is still the greatest nation on the face of the earth and I am grateful for the many privileges and blessings of my citizenship. There are many enemies from within who want to take those privileges and blessings away from us. There are many who want to transform this nation into something God never ordained or intended.

Thanksgiving is a great time of year to remember our roots and rejoice and give thanks for our nation and the many freedoms and blessings we still enjoy.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.