Thanksgiving Praise

The first settlers who came upon American soil were in a difficult condition. Their food supplies were low; they were not accustomed to the climate of the new land and its changing weather conditions. They did not know if they would be able to survive the winter. One man, Massasoit of the Wampanoeg tribe made a decision to teach the new settlers how to live off the land.

 
The Wampanoeg taught them how plant corn; catch fish in the creeks, how to hunt and raise native livestock. The crops resulted in a bountiful harvest. The livestock grew well, and as a result the new colonists were grateful to God, They thanked God for the harvest, they thanked God for their livestock, they thanked God for saving them from their predicament, but most important, they thanked God for their new found friends.

 
Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Families and friends come together. We eat, sing, celebrate, but most important to thank God for the blessings.

 
In the Old and New Testaments, God’s people gave thank offerings as a way to praise God for their blessings. The Bible says “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.1 Chronicles 16:34 In the new Testament Paul writes to the church “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1Thessalonians 5:16-18.

 
This text has been difficult for me this past week. When you are in so much emotional, physical, and psychological pain, how can you thank God? However, I decided to thank God no matter my condition. I decided to take God at His word. “In every thing give thanks.” So I thanked God for His goodness, His love toward me, and His mercy. When I did, darkness lifted from my soul. Peace and assurance came into my heart and I began to praise God.

 
I thanked God for Valerie who has aided me and continues to give me medical help thru my condition in addition to her love and support. I thank God for my children who banned together to take care of their dad. I thank God for the delegation of elders who came by our home to sing and pray with us. I thank God for James and Nelvie who have supported my family through their prayers and also the food they brought to my wife when she stayed with me in the hospital to care for me. I thank God for the Jordache family that sent food to our family when I first came home from the hospital. I thank God for our Adventurers who brought tears of joy to my eyes with their precious get well cards. I thank God for Pastor Rojas and His wife who have given us words of encouragement and also food at the hospital. I thank God for our church family, which has been praying for my complete recovery. I thank God for the many e-mails and texts of prayers from members and friends. Today, I want to thank God for His goodness, on this Thanksgiving Day. For His goodness and mercy endureth forever.

 
Here are some words of encouragement. I think we have something to be thankful for. We ought to be glad and rejoice in God, for He has given us many mercies…. We want this Thanksgiving to be all that it implies. Do not let it be perverted, mingled with dross; but let it be what its name implies- giving thanks. Let our voices ascend in praise.
Adventist Home p.475.3

 
Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given thee Thanksgiving and praise should be expressed to God for temporal blessings and for whatever comforts He bestows upon us. God would have every family that He is preparing to inhabit the eternal mansions above give glory to Him for the rich treasures of His grace. Child Guidance p148

 
May God bless you on this great Thanksgiving day

Angel
Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor