Thanksgiving Dinner With Our Troops

Today's war zones mean food for military personnel in intense and highly mobile combat situations

There are twenty-four different varieties (menus) of meals right now. Everything from meatloaf with gravy to beef stew, chicken breast and pork ribs to chicken fajitas and beef enchiladas. The "sides" are picked to complement each entrée as well as provide necessary nutrition. These can include mashed potatoes, Mexican corn, wheat bread, fruit items and even pudding and toaster pastries. Beverages included might be cocoa, coffee (even flavored ones), electrolyte drinks, and dairy shake powder (oh my!). Each meal also contains an accessory packet with seasonings and eating utensils.

One MRE meal bag provides an average of 1250 calories. It also provides 1/3 of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals determined essential by the Surgeon General of the United States. mmmMMM...healthy good!

Except for the beverages, the entire meal is ready to eat, just like it says. The entree can be eaten cold when necessary, but it can also be heated different ways, including submersion in hot water while still sealed in its package. Since 1992, a flameless ration heating device has also been packed into each meal bag to heat the entree.

O Lord Most High, help me to dwell in your secret place and abide under Your shadow.

Help me to believe and say out loud for everyone to hear that You are my refuge and my fortress; that You are my God; and that in You I put my trust.

O Lord God Almighty, please deliver me from hidden traps and diseases.

Father God, cover me with Your camouflage; hide me under Your wings; and let Your truth be my shield and buckler against the fiery darts-the lies-of the enemy.

Lord Jesus, help me not to be afraid of terrorists' attacks in the night; or weapons that fly by day; or sicknesses that walk in darkness; or destruction that wastes at noonday.

O Holy God, though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand fall at my right hand; please let it not come close to me and my companions.

O Lord Most High, let me live to see the reward of the wicked, because You are my refuge and my home. Let no evil conquer me and let no plague come into my house or near my family.

O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer, please set angels over me to keep me in all Your ways, to bear me up in their hands and to keep my feet from stumbling.

Father God, help me to tread upon the lion and adder and trample the young lion and the dragon under my feet.

Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart and I know Your name. Deliver me and lift me on high to soar with the eagles. I call upon you to be with me in times of trouble to deliver and honor me because I know Your name. Please show me Your salvation and satisfy me with a long life.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.