Today is November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day! I have paused several times throughout the day to give thanks to God for His blessings upon my life. He has been good to me. He has provided for me beyond my expectations.
Today I am thankful for the great saints of God who have gone before me, and us, who paid the ulitmate price that we might have the rights, and the freedom to worship and serve Him.
The photo is of Oxford Martyrs' memorial in Oxford, England where three Anglican Bishops were burned at the stake under Queen Mary in the 1550's for their faith and their message.
Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer all died for their belief in Jesus Christ and His Word. Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were executed on October 16, 1555. It is said that Latimer spoke to his friend Ridley and said, "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."
Thomas Cranmer had previously recanted his Protestant teachings, both signing and saying from his pulpit that he recanted and was in full accord with the Queen. But Queen Mary was not convinced of his sincerity and sentenced him to die. When Cranmer was burned at the stake on March 21, 1556, he thrust his right hand into the flames first until it burned away, proclaiming: "I have sinned, in that I signed with my hand what I did not believe in my heart."
When I see such courage for the Faith I wonder ....where are these men (and women) today? Are there those in the 21st century chruch in the West who are willing to pay any price for the advancement of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
I am concerned that we are so self absorbed and entertainment and pleasure oriented that our thoughts are rarely on sacrifice.
Where is the younger generation in the Western Church? I am afraid they have learned to push buttons to increase the volume and dress in worldly fashion and seek that which makes them "feel good", but who know very little about the true costs of discipleship.
Today, may we remember that some paid the ultimate price for their faith.
We Give thanks to God.
Soli Deo Gloria
I still remember how I felt when I was at the monument!!!!
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