“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.”- Psalm 92:1

On the fourth Thursday of November the people of the United States, by proclamation of the President, are asked to pause from their ordinary pursuits of life to express thanks to God for the bounties with which he has blessed them throughout the year. In the hearts of many people, there is certainly a sincere feeling of appreciation to the Giver of every good gift, and they are happy to have this special opportunity of expressing their thankfulness. —James 1:17

GIVE THANKS EVERY DAY

It is true that we should look for every day to be one of thanksgiving—not merely one day in the year—for the blessings of the Lord which we enjoy at all times. These blessings are more than just the material good things of life—for food and clothing and shelter—but also for family and friends. Many in the western world are thankful that they still enjoy a measure of liberty to worship as they choose. The apostle Paul counsels us to “In everything give thanks.”—I Thess. 5:18

In addition we are especially thankful that the Lord continues to supply us with spiritual food—“meat in due season”—by which we are strengthened and enabled to grow in Christ Jesus. (Luke 12:42) We are especially thankful for the wonderful circle of friends with whom we enjoy sweet fellowship in the Lord, that as sons of God we are members of his family and share in common so many wonderful joys and blessings associated with that relationship. (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 3:26) Not the least of these is the privilege we have of working in the service of the Lord and of his Truth.

SING PRAISES

Our theme text says, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” It is a ‘good’ thing in the sense that it is appropriate and logical. It is “good” because a failure to give thanks to God for his blessings would indicate a lack of appreciation. If we truly appreciate what the Lord is doing for us from day to day, our thanksgiving will spontaneously go to him. It is also a ‘good’ thing to give thanks because it increases our own love for the Lord and our determination to please him and to be faithful to him. True appreciation of Divine blessings should be one of the motives in our zeal to know and do God’s will.

It is also a “good thing,” David writes, “to sing praises” to the name of our God. Giving thanks to God for his loving-kindness is done more particularly in individual and congregational prayers to him. In contrast, singing his praises seems to be more in the nature of a public proclamation by which others are informed of Divine love. The Apostle Peter, for example, speaks of showing “forth the praises of him who hath called you [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light.”—I Peter 2:9

In the verse following our theme text David speaks of showing forth the Lord’s “lovingkindness in the morning” and his “faithfulness every night”—or as the marginal translation states, “in the nights.” “In the morning” and “in the nights” suggests a continuous showing forth of the Lord’s praises. This is not something which we do as an obligation once a year. One whose heart has been touched by the loving-kindness of our God will not be able to refrain from showing forth his praises at all times, that is, on all suitable occasions and in all proper ways.—Psa. 19:1

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Barack Hussein Obama II, became the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. In response to the Great Recession, President Obama signed into law economic stimulus legislation in the form of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

Other major domestic initiatives in his first term included the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often referred to as “Obamacare”; the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Obama signed executive orders to limit carbon emissions and protect many illegal immigrants from deportation. Obama signed a major bipartisan bill that reduced the role of the federal government in K-12 education. In January 2011, he signed the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. President Obama also appointed Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.

In foreign policy, Obama ended U.S. military involvement in the Iraq War, increased U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan, signed the New START arms control treaty with Russia, ordered U.S. military involvement in Libya and ordered the military operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.

During his second term, President Obama has promoted domestic policies related to gun control, and has called for greater inclusiveness for LGBT Americans. His administration filed legal briefs urging the Supreme Court to strike down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and make state level same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional. In foreign policy, Obama ordered U.S. military intervention in Iraq in response to gains made by ISIL after the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, continued the process of ending U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan, promoted discussions that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement on global climate change, brokered a nuclear deal with Iran, and normalized U.S. relations with Cuba.

A New Administration

Despite all of these actions, promises of change, and the forming of alliances to protect our country from terrorism, we continue to live in a world of violence, and trouble. However, we have been given the assurance by God that His everlasting kingdom will soon be established on this earth. This kingdom, based on a new administration under the leadership of His son Jesus, will bless all of the families of the earth. Christ will be “the Sun of righteousness” who shall “arise with healing in his wings.” (Mal. 4:2) As the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,” Christ and his church will bring joy, peace, and everlasting life to all who wish to live on a restored, perfect earth forever. In Christ’s kingdom, the earth shall be full of “the knowledge of the Lord.”—Isaiah 11:6-9, NASB

For additional information please see our related booklets and videos below.

Booklet Christ’s 1000 Year Kingdom	Video God’s Promised Blessings to All Nations	Video The Times of Restitution of All Things
Booklet Kingdom of God	Video Bright Hope for the World	Video Way of Holiness
Booklet Peace Through Christ’s Kingdom

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As we study various characters in the Bible, we look to see how they were led of God, how they might inspire us, and how they reflect our Lord Jesus’ character since many figures in the Bible are referred to, or picture our Lord Jesus.

What would you do if your brothers hated you so much that they sold you into slavery? How would you respond if you were accused falsely of a crime that you did not commit and then thrown into jail for two years? Then, just as suddenly you were vindicated and not just recovered but given great authority and power. Would you exact revenge on the truly guilty parties or would you show mercy?

Out of jealousy Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. God overruled this experience because we know that the majority of the brothers wanted to kill him. Joseph ended up in the hands of Potiphar, a wealthy Egyptian. When Potiphar’s wife made advances toward him, Joseph resisted. Angered, she lied and told Potiphar that Joseph attacked her. Potiphar believed his wife and put Joseph in prison. There, Joseph waited for two years until Pharaoh sent for him to interpret his dream.

Joseph was favored of God and proved his loyalty. He trusted God and waited patiently for deliverance from prison. Even with his brothers, he did not return evil for evil. “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good . . . the saving of many lives.” (Gen. 50:20, New International Version) So too with our Lord Jesus. “When he was reviled, [he] reviled not again.” (1 Pet. 2:23) Ever faithful, Jesus said “not my will, but thine, be done.”—Luke 22:42

Joseph was brought to the throne of Egypt because it was God’s will. Neither Potiphar’s wife nor his brothers’ evil intentions could interfere with that. God used the natural course of events to test (and demonstrate) his servant’s obedience, faithfulness, and love for him. Similarly, Jesus suffered, proving his obedience and love for God and his plan. As a result, God highly exalted him with power to bless the world in due time.—1 Tim. 2:6

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In Genesis chapter 41 we find that Pharaoh had two dreams and he was troubled greatly by them. He sent for all of the magicians and wise men of Egypt to interpret his dreams but none were able. Then Pharaoh’s chief butler, who had been in prison with Joseph, remembered how Joseph had interpreted his dream, and the interpretation had come true! The butler told Pharaoh about Joseph, and Pharaoh had Joseph brought out of prison to interpret his dreams. In response, Joseph humbly said, “It is not in me: but God will give Pharaoh an answer.”—Gen. 41:16

Pharaoh’s first dream had seven fat cows followed by seven lean cows. The second dream had seven full ears of corn followed by seven thin ears. In the dreams, the lean cows devoured the fat cows and the thin ears of corn devoured the full ears of corn. Joseph said, “God has showed Pharaoh what he is about to do.” (Gen. 41:25) The dreams meant the same thing: seven years of an abundant harvest followed by seven years of famine in the land of Egypt.

In response to the interpretation, and Joseph’s suggestion that Pharaoh appoint a man to collect the surplus for the coming famine, Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over his whole kingdom and gave him a new name, Zaphnath-paaneah, meaning “bread of life.” Joseph stored the surplus food from the years of plenty so, when the famine came, no one died from starvation. He became the life giver of Egypt, a type of the greater life giver, THE CHRIST, who will reign supreme and will provide a complete provision of the bread of life for every member of our race in his kingdom. In Jesus was life, and he gave it on behalf of Adam and all mankind.

During the Gospel Age, only Jesus’ followers have fed on this bread, to be developed as a member of Christ’s body and, if faithful, glorified together with him in heaven. Then in the Millennial Age during Christ’s earthly kingdom, the world will hunger after righteousness. Christ and his body members (his bride, the church), will dispense to all mankind, the bread of life they will need to gain everlasting life.

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Israel was the name given to Jacob at the time he wrestled with the angel at Peniel. Later, Israel was used as the name of the Hebrew nation and, in Genesis 49:28, the twelve tribes of Israel. In Genesis 42, we have the account when Israel was an old man, and a drought came over Egypt and all the neighboring countries, including Canaan where Israel was living with his eleven sons. The drought lasted many years and was so severe that no crops could grow. When their supply of grain was depleted and Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other? . . . I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”—Gen. 42:1,2, New International Version

By God’s providence, Joseph already lived in Egypt, and had been elevated to the highest position next to the Pharaoh, with supreme authority and rulership. Joseph’s brothers visited Egypt twice to procure food. During their second visit, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers and invited the entire family to come and settle in Goshen. When the brothers brought news of Joseph back to Jacob, he said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”—Gen. 45:28, New American Standard Bible

With his entire household of seventy persons, Jacob left his native land, but not before he had visited Beer-Sheba, where he offered sacrifices to God. Here, God appeared to him and told him not to be afraid to go to Egypt, because God would be with him and eventually turn his small family into a great nation.—Gen. 46:1-3

After they arrived (Genesis 47:1, Good News Bible), Joseph went to see Pharaoh and told him, “My father and my brothers have arrived from the land of Canaan. They have come with all their flocks, their herds and all that they own. They are now in the region of Goshen.” Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph’s brothers, and honored five of them by appointing them as overseers of his domestic concerns. Jacob, who seemed to be dying for years, lived longer than he expected. For seventeen years in Egypt, Jacob continued to put his faith and trust in God and enjoyed his remaining years in peace and safety with his twelve sons and their families.

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Everywhere we see man’s madness toward one another particularly in the form of oppression and violence. A civil war in Syria and Middle Eastern countries have led to the highest number of refugees ever – over 60 million. The trade in illegal drugs and the resulting crime and violence plagues many nations and millions of human beings. Violence against women, immigrants and others have led to incidents like the 49 individuals recently slaughtered in Orlando, FL by a single gunman. Nations continue to purchase and stockpile more and more weapons to protect their leadership, their borders and their place in the world. Nations such as Iran and North Korea are pursuing nuclear weapons to increase their power and threaten their neighbors.

Jesus described our day in these terms: “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.” (Matt. 24:21 NASB) The prophet Joel describes our day and associates it with the gathering of the nations against Israel. “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up! Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am a mighty man.’” (Joel 3:9,10 NASB) Terrorists and hackers have become mighty men and have at times had huge influence over their fellow men.

God, because He knows the end from the beginning, knew that man’s disobedience in Eden would lead to this result. (Isa. 46:10) However, He also knew it was the best way to teach man the heartache, misery and destruction that would result from sin. Therefore, God allowed man to experience the result of disobeying His principles of truth and righteousness.

While the situation looks unfixable to us, God has everything under control. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” (Psa. 76:10) God will allow the situation to continue until Armageddon when through Christ and the church He directly intervenes, saves Israel and brings this present, evil order of things to an end. Jesus mentioned this in Matt. 24:22 (NASB): “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”

The apostle Paul writes, “Now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” (Heb. 12:26-28 NASB) Christ’s unshakeable kingdom will bring man’s madness to an end and offer mankind the chance for peace, health and everlasting life.

For more information please see related booklets and videos listed below:

Booklet God Has a Plan	Booklet God’s Plan	Video The Gospel of Your Salvation
Booklet Gods Plan For Man	Booklet God And Reason	Video Write the Vision and Make it Plain

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Jacob, later renamed Israel, fled from Esau to the land of his mother Rebecca where he providentially was guided to the household of Laban, his mother’s brother. After one month, Laban asked Jacob to name the wages he should receive for his service in tending the flocks. Now Jacob was in love with Rachel and made a covenant with Laban that he would serve 7 years as the bride-price for his youngest daughter. When the 7 years’ commitment had passed, Jacob asked for his wife Rachel. However, Laban deceived Jacob and gave Leah, his older daughter, to Jacob. This greatly upset Jacob, and after confronting Laban, he was given Rachel with the stipulation that he serve Laban another 7 years. Laban also gave handmaids to his daughters, namely Zilpah to Leah, and Bilhah to Rachel.

It is obvious from the account in Genesis 29 and 30 that there were feelings of rivalry between the sisters in attaining and maintaining the love of Jacob. Leah felt unloved and competed with Rachel in bearing sons. Overall, she bore six sons and Rachel two. Their two handmaidens also bore two sons each. In those days, a child borne of a handmaid was thought of as the wife’s son. Rachel first, and then Leah, did what they could to outdo one another. Each in turn requested Jacob sleep with her handmaid. All told, Jacob had 12 sons. (Gen. 35:23-26

Eleven of his sons were born in the service of Laban. Having served 14 years for his two wives and 6 years in building his own wealth, Jacob fled with his wives, children, and possessions. His last son, Benjamin, was born of Rachel on the way to Bethlehem. Sadly, Rachel died in childbirth.

Joseph, the 11th son, and first actual son of his favored wife, Rachel, was resented by his brothers (Benjamin being the exception) because of the greater attention from Jacob. They sold him into Egypt, where he rose in power and authority, becoming next to Pharaoh. Later, Jacob, his sons and their families settled in Egypt because of the famine and Joseph’s position. Thus, God’s providence sustained the incipient nation of Israel.

Genesis 49:1-28 reveals to us the promises Jacob made to his 12 sons just before he died. “He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.” (Gen. 49:28 NASB) Through these promises we gain critical insight into Israel’s coming savior, the Messiah. Because of their misdeeds, Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, and then Simeon and Levi, Jacob’s next two sons, lost the blessing of the first-born. (Gen. 49:4-7)

The blessing and the authority to rule passed down to Judah as Jacob explains in Gen. 49:10: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” The Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. He would be “Shiloh”—the “Prince of Prince” prophesied by Isaiah. (Isa. 9:6) To him not only Israel but all mankind would become obedient. “He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.” (Gen. 49:11 NASB) Tying his foal to the vine [Israel] indicates he would become Israel’s king. (Isa. 5:1-7, Zech. 9:9) Washing his garments in wine and blood pictures that Jesus alone would tread the path to Calvary’s cross to secure man’s salvation and later, he will tread the winepress of God’s wrath bringing this present evil world to an end. (Isa. 63:2,3, Rev. 14:20, Rev. 19:15)

Then, Jacob calls Joseph, “a fruitful bough by a spring.” (Gen. 49:22 NASB) Jesus would become the vine by the spring of truth that would bring life and produce the fruit of righteousness to all who become joined to him. (John 15:1-8) While the archers (leaders of Israel) attacked him, Jesus’ bow remained firm, his arms remained agile by God’s mighty power and Jesus becomes the great shepherd and the stone or rock of Israel. (Gen. 49:23,24, John 10:11,14-16, Ezek. 34:23, 1 Cor. 10:4) God would bless Jesus with “blessings of heaven above … May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.” (Gen. 49:25,26 NASB) Like Joseph, Jesus would become the one distinguished among his brothers—the king of Israel. (John 1:49, 12:13)

While fleeing Esau and heading to Paddan Aram, Jacob had a dream we often refer to as Jacob’s ladder. During that dream, God affirms part of the Abrahamic covenant with Jacob, and God makes a series of promises to Jacob. (Gen 28:13-15 NIV)

First, “I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.” God gave the Israelites the land originally promised to Abraham. (Gen 15:18-21) God’s guarantee for them to retain this land continues today with the current Jewish nation.

Second, “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth.” This restates the earthly promise originally made in the Abrahamic covenant. (Gen 13:16, 22:17) This promise is the hope for all mankind that all who are not part of the heavenly church will be guaranteed a resurrection in Christ’s earthly kingdom. (John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15)

Third, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.” This is a reference to the blessing that the entire world will receive through Jesus’ sacrifice – “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (John 3:16). Paul points out in Galatians that this offspring refers to Jesus and is the same offspring or seed mentioned in the Abrahamic promise. (Gal 3:16, Gen 22:18)

Fourth, “I will bring you back to the land.” This declaration by God had multiple fulfillments. It was first fulfilled in Jacob’s personal life when he returned from Paddan Aram to Canaan. The gathering of the Jewish people from their dispersion to Babylon and more recently from all corners of the world to form the modern nation of Israel also fulfills this promise.

Fifth, “I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” God was with Jacob all of his life and continues to be with Jacob’s descendants, the nation of Israel. God has not left Israel, and furthermore, he has promised, through his prophets, that Israel will be the source through which the earth will be blessed in Christ’s soon-to-be-established earthly kingdom. (Zech. 8:23, Isa. 2:3, Isa. 11:9)