Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (NKJV)
Last night, we watched “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. I watched it with new eyes this year…..a new perspective.
I especially noticed Peppermint Patty’s ungrateful heart when they all sat down to eat their meal. In a loud voice, she whined about how toast, a pretzel stick and popcorn were not a Thanksgiving meal. She kept on until Marcy reminded her that she had invited herself and their friends to Charlie’s house and how he had worked hard to get a meal together for them. She apologized to Charlie.
Charlie called his Gram to let her know they would be late and explained the circumstances. Gram expressed the Father’s heart and hand by inviting them all over to her house.
During the “Mayflower Voyage” part of the program, I remembered Ron, Gabi and my trip to Plymouth Rock in 2005. The picture above was taken in front of the Mayflower replica. My husband is 5’11” and you can see that the ship is miniscule! When we stepped onto the ship, we couldn’t believe that over 100 people were on that tiny ship for two months!
When the Pilgrims (This is what they called themselves because they had no fixed home.) arrived at Plymouth Rock, they had a prayer service and then began to build shelters. It was rough and by spring, nearly half of them were dead. They were brave and they were thankful for their freedom.
Spring came and by the Lord’s hand….Samoset arrived and he spoke English, which he had learned from fishermen and traders. Samoset went and got his friend, Squanto (Actual name: Tisquantum), who also spoke English and he stayed with the Pilgrims and taught them how to live in the New World AND he accepted their Christian faith! His was also an expression of the Father’s heart and hand.
Pilgrim Governor William Bradford described Squanto as “a special instrument sent of God for [our] good…..and never left [us] till he died.” (William Bradford, History of Plymouth Plantation; Boston: Little, Brown & Co, 1856; p.95)
I agree! Can you see our loving Father’s hand on His people? They left all that was familiar so they could worship their Holy God freely. The hardship was worth it to them.
I like what Chris Tomlin says about worship. “It isn’t a chore or a duty; it’s the natural response of a devoted heart.” And may I add, “A thankful heart.”
Today, I want to encourage you to be thankful whether you are having toast, pretzel sticks and popcorn or a traditional turkey dinner. My friend, Teresa, has written on her wall chalkboard: There is always ALWAYS something to be thankful for. I agree.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)
Think on the Father’s great love for you and His hand on your own life and remember that because of:
Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (NASB)
We can say:
Revelation 7:12 “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (NKJV)
and:
Revelation 11:17 “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”
Thank You my Abba. Thank You. You do all things well. All You do expresses who You are and Your great love for us. I worship You and I thank You that I can do so freely. Amen.
