Happy Thanksgiving from The Harvesters
It’s time for the celebration of Thanksgiving—a holiday that
brings family and friends together to enjoy the traditional turkey dinner
extravaganza, reconnect with loved ones, exchange stories, perhaps watch a football
game and play games. This year as always may we remember the values of the
first Thanksgiving: a time to reflect and express true appreciation for what we
have. At the very first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims had every reason to be
unhappy and miserable, but they chose to be thankful. Of the 152 who made the
trip to the new world, only 53 remained. They faced brutal weather, contagious
disease, and malnutrition. But rather than wallow in misery, they gathered
together to give thanks. They thanked God for sparing those who remained and
for bringing them to this new land. They were thankful to have family, good
health, and most of all freedom – freedom from tyranny and the freedom to
worship God. They thanked Him for the Indian friends who provided much of the
food for the feast they all enjoyed.
For the family of God, the celebration of Thanksgiving continues
to be a significant spiritual day. Being thankful to God for all of His
blessings is a great joy of being a Christian. There are many biblical ways
to express our thanksgiving to the Lord at this wonderful season and we are
given the opportunity to humble ourselves and give thanks for so many wonderful
things in our lives. A few (of the very many) scriptures listed below describe
our Christian way of giving thanks to God:
·
1 Thessalonians
5:16-18 (NKJV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
·
Psalm 95:2 (ESV )
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let
us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
·
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)
For everything God
created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with
thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
·
Psalm 106:1 (NIV)
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
good; his love endures forever.
This Thanksgiving, first and foremost on the list is giving
thanks to our Heavenly Father, because all things come from Him and it is He
alone who provides hope, especially during the difficult times we all face
today. We always give praise to Him for the greatest gift ever given---His Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior who died on the cross for our sins. We can be assured
of eternal life by the saving power of our Lord:
Romans 10:9
(ESV)
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your
heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
The Harvesters wish many blessings to you and yours this
Thanksgiving. May we all recognize and give thanks for the genuinely most
essential things in our lives. We consider each and every one of you a
blessing to us ; we thank you for coming out to see us as we travel to many
venues spreading the gospel through music as we continue our mission of Reaping
Souls for His Kingdom.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
God bless you all is our prayer,
Danny, Allen, Jim and Phillip