THANKSGIVING Means Much More Than Turkey!

Did you know that Thanksgiving means so much more than Turkey & Dressing? Yes, it is a time to come together and enjoy a plenteous wonderful meal that has been prepared with lots of love. Yes, it is a time to come to gather together with family, friends and loved ones and give thanks. Yes, you can even remember that Christopher Columbus an Italian Explorer discovered the Indians in America. It has been recorded in history that he actually sailed across the Atlantic in order to find spices in India.

What Christopher Columbus Really Discovered!

He sailed for King Ferdinand II and Queen Esabella of Spain. He had a fleet of three ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria with an approximate crew of 90 from Palos Spain. He landed in a new world of the Americas. Many do not realize that Columbus initially had a twofold mission. He wanted to open trade routes and bring in the Word of Jesus Christ. He was named the “Admiral of the Sea” by the King and Queen. He is known for the man that discovered America. That is only partially true? Yes, he too did get sidetracked. He allowed himself to get distracted and became very cruel at times to the natives. He did not keep his original commitments.

 

However, if the Truth be told he actually discovered the Indians that were already living in America quite contently!

 

A Nation of Thriving Indians

As the settlers trickled in the atmosphere began to change. It has been said that a group of religious radicals called “Puritans” were pilgrim settlers that had been driven out of England. In 1614, explorers landed in an area called Massachusetts Bay. They actually eventually settled and built a colony called “Plymouth Plantation.” They were actually taught by Squanto the Indian how to survive by using corn in a plethora of ways for food. They were taught how to fish and use the herbs of the land by the natives.

 

Plymouth was surrounded by the Wampanoag who were a large thriving  Nation of Indians. Eventually Squanto negotiated a peace treaty between the Indians and the settlers. They lived peaceable for about fifteen (15) years. It was at the end of the first year that a large feast was given. Squanto, their friends and the Indians were honored. The feast lasted for over three (3) days. It is here originates why we here in America celebrate Thanksgiving. How all too soon all was forgotten. The good that the Natives did for the foreigners became overshadowed throughout history.

 

As word got back to England of the prosperity and peacefulness that they were experiencing in Plymouth, many people came by the boatloads. As there numbers increased the tension increased. There began to be a debate as to who possessed the land? The original agreement was cast aside. Since there were no fences, boundaries, land markers etc. (fences etc. are customs that originated in England.) The incoming settlers declared the land as “public domain.” This meant it was their’s for the taking. With absolutely no respect for the current treaty between the Indians and the Puritans.

 

The newcomers began to seize and destroy the existing peace that had been established. All for the sake of becoming prosperous. Rather than share in the prosperity that had already been established they sought to destroy it and become prosperous themselves. They exiled the current Puritans and with scriptures in tow they overthrew the existing peace agreement. The used the scriptures to manipulate rather than to bring peace. Then along with the use of British soldiers they captured and made many of the Indians slaves… The rest is history…

 

 

Christopher Columbus discovered that there were  Indians already living in America!

I said this all to shed some light on a story that as a child I was taught in grammar school  that in 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America? I always thought this odd, because it was evident that the Indians were already there? In fact if you search the chronicles of history you will find that they confirm he actually, really discovered the Indians that were already there. We in America originally began to celebrate Thanksgiving because of the peace treaty that was made between the Puritans and the Indians. Who collectively managed to come together and celebrate their treaty and new life together.

 

If you are a Christian you should know that spiritually speaking Thanksgiving goes even further back than that! The scriptures are full of passages to tell us how we should work, love, live and be thankful for all that God has given us. He even gave us His only Begotten Son Christ Jesus that we might have a right to the tree of life. But just like the story of Christopher Columbus what was originally intended all too often gets set aside. The principles of this story has constantly repeated itself throughout history in so many ways. All too often what really happened is set aside and replaced with the partial truth.

 

 

God wants us to know the Truth of His Word.

 

Life for the believer or child of God really should go much deeper. But all too often one settles for what is partially true. All too often the original agreement is forgotten and laid aside. This is why it is so very important to know the Lord and His Word for yourself. Ephesians 4 tells us; “not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, to the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head-Christ from whom the whole body joined and knit together by what every joint supplies…”

 

Knowing the Word of God has its spiritual benefits. When truly taken to heart it motivates, grows and spiritually matures you, convicts, and encourages you to do and want to do things His way. Neither do you just settle for the partial truth or believe just any and everything. But you seek, desire to live and study His Word, apply the principles therein and live your life to please Him! To give thanks to Him each and every day!

 

 

God’s ways are far better.

 

But all too often they are laid aside. Many are given and accept a partial story. Many are pressured by the need to be accepted by the majority, to suppress the truth, as well as their desire to dominate and control and have things done their way. One must earnestly seek the truth rather than settle for a partial truth or to be misled by how things appear. As God’s children we are encouraged to “seek Him first and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”  Matthew 6  What things? Whatever things you need to fulfill His plan in your life will be provided.   You however must diligently seek His will & His way…

 

God did not say that this would be easy. Yet, we can and should be thankful for each and every day. You know regardless of what happens that He has everything under His control. Know that He is a Spirit of Truth! We can be thankful because you know without a doubt that all of HIS WORD is true! We then can truly celebrate Thanksgiving knowing that His Son Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for us. That we have been redeemed and purchased and belong to Him. That we are saved completely by His marvelous grace alone!  We cannot SAVE ourselves. Without CHRIST JESUS there is no SALVATION! The TRUTH really does set you free! When you know that regardless of how things appear God always knows who belongs to HIM!

 

As I said earlier as a child I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America. But as I matured, I inquired and studied independently as well. I found out that that was only partially true. It was in fact the Indians he discovered. (For additional information read the history about the Wampanoag Indians.) The Truth will always stand the test of time. As God’s ever growing child I know that God has so much more for us in store. Keep in mind in the eyes of GOD we are all children.  We must be willing to humble ourselves to Him. He does not want us to settle for less than the Truth. He wants us to study His Word and rightly apply the principles therein. He has promised to bring what has happened in the dark out to the Light.

 

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.

 

God’s Word will be a “Lamp unto your feet and a Light unto your path…” Do not be sidetracked or derailed by what you hear or how things appear. Know the Truth and His Word for yourself! Embrace it within your heart and  never allow no one make you doubt God or His Word.   If you don’t understand parts of HIS WORD ask Him to open your heart and keep studying and praying…  Carefully seek out a Bible based  place of worship.

 

Let it be your desire and goal to want the things in life that the Lord wants you to have. To know what God wants you to know, to commit to His will and way and trust He will lead, guide and protect you.

 

Know that nothing that happens in life gets by God. This is why He says in the first Psalms “Do not walk in the council of ungodly people. Do not stand in the way of sinners. Nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But to delight yourself in the law of the Lord and in HIS Word meditate day and night.” As a child of God you can rest assured as said in Romans; that in His time He will work out everything for your good, if you love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Too often what is right is laid aside. Man made institutions waiver. Since we live in an ever changing world your Faith and Trust must be in Him!

 

 

All God’s Word is true. It is His desire that we grow in the grace and knowledge of His Word. To know Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection! That we are to be steadfast unmovable always abounding in His Word. Not only giving thanks when we eat or on Thanksgiving or Sunday. But each and everyday of our lives. We are told in Colossians 4; “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving, meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the world, to speak the mystery of Christ, which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one…”

 

GOD can and will make a way out of no way!

 

GOD truly is the DAY MAKER! Who else can make a DAY? HE is also the WAY MAKER! For HE can make a WAY out of no way. True ministry goes beyond the walls! In these “LATTER DAYS” there is much going on, in this world and in and about GOD’S CHURCH which is NOT of HIM! PLEASE take some time with the LORD in HIS WORD and really get to know HIM for Yourself! CHRIST JESUS came so we could live full well balanced healthy spiritually enriched lives. His plan of salvation has been offered to all. Those who truly accept Him will believe in their heart and accept Him as Lord of their life.

 

We are to worship and praise the Lord each and every day. We are to live a life of worship. This is why we should live lives of thankfulness. To focus and set our eyes on Him regardless of what happens, has happened or will happen. To give thanks and know that He will give us today our daily bread…… Psalms 107 says; Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” Not only on Thanksgiving but each and every day. Yes it is a good thing to celebrate and give thanks!

 

If you don’t know the Lord know is a great time to get to know Him. “Draw nigh to God an He will draw nigh to you.” Spend some time each day with the lord in His Word! 

 

IT REALLY IS IMPORTANT TO WELCOME THE LORD IN ALL AREAS & ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE.

Everyday should be a day of Thanksgiving & Worship! Know that Thanksgiving really does mean so much more than Turkey & Dressing. As a Believer whenever or wherever You worship the Lord be thankful & sincere. You should “WORSHIP THE LORD IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH!” We who are the Lord’s must do as Psalm 100 tells us to enter into “His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. And His Truth endures to all generations. 

 

 

” LIVE OUT LOUD THE GOSPEL! “

 

God wants us as believing  Christians to;  “Church Be God’s Church Everyday & Everywhere! ” 

There are  a lot of ways to worship and praise the Lord! But always remember that the true worshippers must: ” WORSHIP  GOD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH! ” 

Yes, Celebrate and Enjoy your family, friends and love ones on Thanksgiving but most importantly be safe, wise and forever Thankful & Grateful to the Lord…

Live Everyday; To God be the Glory & Bless His Holy Name!