The Harvesters

Thanksgiving message

updated11/22/14

 

 

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