THANKFULNESS: INTROSPECTION’S PERSONAL STORY

William Andrew Dillard

Americans who claim to be Christians have a fairly strong conviction that they are indeed a thankful people. Perhaps that perception arises out of experiences of the past century. It was only one hundred years ago that the world was relieved by the ending of World War I, the war said to be the bloodiest of all wars. With that war ending, the nation entered an era of unparalleled prosperity in the roaring twenties. But so, soon was the rug yanked out from under the nation with the financial collapse of 1929, followed by a decade-long, Great Depression. Next, came World War II, then the Korean conflict, and Vietnam. Through these monumental events also came industrial, educational, and technological break-through in rapid advancement. The inflationary measures that now loom as a doomsday pitfall, was viewed as a blessing a half century ago, When, at last, people had some money. Production of material things flooded the markets for people to buy. There came new cars, new houses, new clothes, and a million other things. People were happy. People were thankful. Really?
Some pundit said that “America is the only country on earth where people will trample you to get to annual sales items on the day after they proclaimed they were truly thankful for what they have.” Somehow, that paints a mental picture that is oxymoronic, and far from the humble, grateful spirit – the attitude of gratitude – so prominent among the early pilgrims. They knew it was only by the grace of God that they survived the harsh obstacles of life in an undeveloped land.
But thankfulness is not an attitude franchised by the poor, deprived, and/or oppressed upon their achieving better circumstances. It is rather a vastly important plank in the platform of wisdom to those who seize and employ its model. Whether poor or wealthy, ignorant or educated, ill or healthy, the blessings of the Almighty are superabundant to those who look for them. And, the look need not be far. A peek deep down inside at a view restricted to the individual and God tells it all, and it does not lie. What is the scene? Is it spoiled, selfish longing for some self-exalting acquisition of popularity, power, or material thing that will ultimately contribute to ruin? Is it gratefulness to God for life itself? Is it the mountainous blessings afforded God’s children, and a heart of thankful realization upon confronting or hearing of so many unfortunate cases which evoke a soft, sincere, whisper: “There, but by the grace of God go I.” Truly, those who know Jesus the Christ on a personal basis should be the most thankful people on the planet. Introspection! How does it tell your story?

THINKING THANKSGIVING DAY

HEBREW HONEYCOMB

William Andrew Dillard
THINKING THANKSGIVING DAY
In the context of many Bible verses, those who know and worship God are admonished to be thankful. In a world of sinners in which Satan is god, and humanism is the religion of choice among the disobedient and wayward, evidence of thankfulness can be scarce.
Let the Words of the Psalmist take center stage: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:3-5
Thanksgiving Day in America is set aside by presidential proclamation. It is a federal holiday that most likely will be filled with reveling more than in giving of thanks. That is sad, indeed. America is blessed above all nations on earth, and its people should be the most thankful in spite of huge problems that plague its systems in many ways. However, it is not hard to note the abundance of goodness heaped on the country by the Almighty.
Even the Grinch and the neer-do-well folks have reason to be thankful to God. If for nothing else, the gift of reason alone. Properly understood, this simple fact should drive thankfulness to the top of every person’s heart. When one is thankful, he acknowledges that it is He who has made us and not we ourselves. Thankfulness values human life, not just our own but that of others, and of the unborn, too. Thankfulness worships the Creator in the realization that every good and perfect gift comes to us from the Father of Lights with Whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning, James 1:17.
To thankful hearts, the focus on Thanksgiving Day is a special blessing. It is not a ritual to indulge in once a year, but a way of life! The emphasis underscores how far, and in what ways, we may have fallen from it, and that is priceless. Thankfulness, like faith, comes through the knowledge and acceptance of the teachings of God’s Word. So it is no surprise discover thankful people being well versed in it.
Arguably, there may have never been a time when the need to experience true thankfulness was greater. May we all stop, reflect, and increase in this special quality of life.

William Howard Taft born September 15, 1857

American Minute with Bill Federer

He was the only U.S. President to also serve as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

He had previously been appointed by President McKinley as the first Governor of the Philippines, 1901-04, after the Spanish-American War.

He was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt as Secretary of War, 1904-08.

The largest President, weighing over 300 lbs, a bathtub was installed for him in the White House big enough to hold four men.

His name was William Howard Taft, and he was born SEPTEMBER 15, 1857.

In his Inaugural Address as the 27th U.S. President, William Howard Taft stated, March 4, 1909:

“I invoke the considerate sympathy and support of my fellow citizens and the aid of the Almighty God in the discharge of my responsible duties.”

President Taft stated in a National Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation, November 15, 1909:

“The people of the United States are wont to meet in their usual places of worship on a day of thanksgiving appointed by the Civil Magistrate to return thanks to God for the great mercies and benefits which they have enjoyed.

During the past year we have been highly blessed….It is altogether fitting that we should humbly and gratefully acknowledge the Divine Source of these blessings…

I hereby appoint…a day of general thanksgiving, and I call upon the people on that day, laying aside their usual vocations, to repair to their churches and unite in appropriate services of praise and thanks to Almighty God.”

President William Howard Taft proclaimed, November 5, 1910:

“These blessings have not descended upon us in restricted measure, but overflow and abound. They are the blessings and bounty of God…

In accordance with the wise custom of the civil magistrate since the first settlements in this land and with the rule established from the foundation of this Government…do appoint…a day of National Thanksgiving and Prayer, enjoining the people upon that day to meet in their churches for the praise of Almighty God and to return heartfelt thanks to Him for all His goodness and loving-kindness.”

On Thanksgiving, November 7, 1912, President Taft proclaimed:

“A God-fearing nation, like ours, owes it to its inborn and sincere sense of moral duty to testify its devout gratitude to the All-Giver for the countless benefits its has enjoyed.

For many years it has been customary at the close of the year for the national Executive to call upon his fellow countrymen to offer praise and thanks to God for the manifold blessings vouchsafed to them…

I, William Howard Taft, President of the United States of America, in pursuance of long-established usage and in response to the wish of the American people, invite my countrymen…to join…in appropriate ascription of praise and thanks to God for the good gifts that have been our portion, and in humble prayer that His great mercies toward us may endure.”

In his Annual Message, December 6, 1912, William Howard Taft stated:

“We would go as far as any nation in the world to avoid war, but we are a world power, our responsibilities in the Pacific and the Atlantic, our defense of the Panama Canal, together with our enormous world trade and our Missionary outposts on the frontiers of civilization, require us to recognize our position as one of the foremost in the family of nations,

and to clothe ourselves with sufficient naval power to give force to our reasonable demands, and to give weight to our influence in those directions of progress that a powerful Christian nation should advocate.”

At a missionary conference, 1908, William Howard Taft stated:

“No man can study the movement of modern civilization from an impartial standpoint and not realize that Christianity, and the spread of Christianity, are the basis of hope of modern civilization in the growth of popular self government.

The spirit of Christianity is pure democracy. It is equality of man before God – the equality of man before the law, which is the most God-like manifestation that man has been able to make.”

In 1913, Taft became a professor at Yale Law School and president of the American Bar Association.

In 1921, William Howard Taft was appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

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The Moral Liberal contributing editor, William J. Federer, is the bestselling author of “Backfired: A Nation Born for Religious Tolerance no Longer Tolerates Religion,” and numerous other books. A frequent radio and television guest, his daily American Minute is broadcast nationally via radio, television, and Internet. Check out all of Bill’s books here.

A SPECIAL GUEST By Heather Spears Kallus

 

If I could dine with anyone…well…besides the fam,
I would want to share a meal…with the Blessed Lamb.
The things I’d want to thank Him for, how would I even start?
Could I even speak the love that’s found deep in my heart?

I wouldn’t want a lunch express…fast food of any kind,
I’d want to share the thoughts inside…of all that’s on my mind.
I’d hope the service would be slow…I’d want to drag it out,
Just for me and Jesus…that’s what it’d be about.

First, I’d like to thank Him…for His life that He gave,
So our lives just wouldn’t end with names upon a grave.
I’d thank Him…for opening the lock on Heaven’s gate,
I’d stall for extra time…asking for another plate.

Very soon, He’d catch on…to my little plan,
After all, He knows us…each woman and each man.
Then He’d say, “Relax, my child, I know your every thought,
I want to be here, too…just as you have sought.”

My nerves would calm, He’d take my hand, “What would you like to say?”
“Lord, I thank you for the things…you do for me each day.
Thank you for my legs that work when I get out of bed,
For my eyes that greet the day from my sleepyhead.”

“For giving me a family that loves me through it all,
For answering my prayers, when Your Name I do call.
For our meals, for our home, each sunrise fresh and new,
For our friends, for our health, for freedom, Lord, to love You.”

“For blessings in abundance and the chance for us to share,
With those who may not realize how You deeply care.
For giving us a recipe through Your Holy Word,
Of how to get to Heaven…to reach You and be heard.”

“I can’t believe You gave your life for sinners just like me,
But, I know You love us, Lord, more than we can see.
I thank You for the tiny taste found in a mother’s love,
A day-to-day reminder that love is from above.”

“Thank You for my Mom and Dad whose love is never ceasing,
For my precious husband, each year, my love’s increasing.
For the gift of children…I feel so very blessed,
They bring me peace and joy…more than I could’ve guessed.”

Then, I’d stop and say, “Oh my, how time has flown!
Would you like to talk?  I’ve been in my little zone.”
“Yes, my child, please love like me…there is no other way,
Love your friends, your enemies, the least you meet each day.”

“Show everyone a glimpse of what a life with Me can be,
One that’s full of hope…and tranquility.
Share your time and talents…your abundant treasures, too,
You need me just as much, dear one, as I’m in need of you.”

“You are my hands, you are my feet, you are my lips to speak,
Encourage all you meet each day…it’s Me they need to seek.
For hope when things seem hopeless, for love when they’re alone,
For comfort when they’re suffering, use kindness in your tone.”

“Dear Lord, I know you’re busy, I thank You for your time,
Please know this meal’s on me, sir…won’t let you pay a dime.”
“Oh, my daughter, please recall that I have paid for this,
On the cross, remember…betrayed with a kiss.”

Then, before I could respond, He was no longer there,
I looked high and I looked low, but couldn’t find Him anywhere.
Then a voice in my head reminded me to pray,
A way that we can call on Him each and every day.

He is there, He’s all around, He’ll dine with us each day,
Just remember to invite Him on Thanksgiving when you pray.
“Bless this food, Lord, bless this house, while we work and rest,
We saved a seat…for You, Lord…please come and be our guest!”

From Heather’s blog: http://www.sipsofsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-special-guest.html

 

 

Copyright 2013 Heather Spears Kallus. Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes.

 

HEBREW HONEYCOMB THANKFULNESS, A WAY OF LIFE

 

William Andrew Dillard

 

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:3-5
In the context of many Bible verses, mankind, and especially those who know and worship God, are admonished to be thankful. In a world of sinners in which Satan is god, and humanism is the religion of choice of the disobedient and wayward, evidence of thankfulness can be scarce at times. Think with me about it!
Next Thursday is a day set aside by presidential proclamation as Thanksgiving Day. It is a federal holiday that sadly will host more reveling than the giving of thanks. America has its problems and they are huge, but of all people on earth, we are blessed, and we should be the most thankful for the bounty of blessings heaped upon us by the Almighty.
One cranky, selfish, ne’er-do-well scowled, “Thankful? Thankful? What reason do I have to be thankful? Another of quick wit retorted, “My friend you just identified it. You should be thankful for reason.” Certainly, it is God Who gives us mental faculties, and the abilities to labor, to go, to do, to enjoy, and yes, the capacity to endure hardships and pain. And this is driving hard at the main point of this article. You see, being thankful is not a ritual to indulge in once a year, or once a month or even once a week. Thankfulness is a way of life, a 24/7/365 lifestyle that acknowledges “it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves.” It acknowledges the value of human life, not only of our own, but that of our neighbor as well. It worships and praises our Creator in the realization that every good and perfect gift comes to us from the Father of Lights with Whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning. James 1:17.
So, perhaps the focus of attention to thankfulness brought to so many of us on this annual holiday is a special blessing. It emphasizing how we should live, and in most cases, underscores how far, and in what ways we have fallen from it. Such realization is priceless. It does not call for resolutions, but of revival; of turning back to a better way of life that acknowledges who we are and why we are here. Such discoveries do not lie in religious leaders, the nostalgia of early America, philosophers, or self determination. Thankfulness, like faith, comes through the knowledge and acceptance of the teachings of God’s Holy Word. Thankful people are well versed in it.
Dare we to pause on this special American holiday to reason why we should be thankful as a manner of life? There may have never been a time in history when the need to experience true thankfulness was greater!

 

 

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:1-5 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people , and the sheep of his pasture. 4. Enter into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5. For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth to all generations.

1. the bounty of the Lord, My how he has blessed us. The world and the economy is failing but God cares and watches over His own, those who have entrusted their soul to Him. The Bible says that because of “Him we exist and function every day.” We truly have been blessed beyond what we deserve.

2. the blessings of love, What does I love you truly mean. I see the term love meaning that one is truly unique and special in the eyes of others. God sees that in each one of His children a uniqueness that is different from all others. My mom and dad had seven children and to my mother each one was unique and she always remembered what each one preferred on their birthday. That is something special. My God sees me as unique and special. I AM LOVED!!!!

3. the beauty of the Holiness of God. This day of Thanksgiving, I get to praise God for His Holiness within which is great beauty. There is nothing or no one that is Holy except for God and His vision of us as He sees us through the blood of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. What joy, and deep felt appreciation we should have for this greatest of beauties, the Holiness of God and His acceptance of us.

PSALM 26:6 – I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: PSALM 26:7 – That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Hebrews 13:14,15 –For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. [15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The habitation of God, whether it was in the Tabernacle, the Temple, or individual local Churches, wherever it was or is, it was always meant to be a gathering place to seek truth while growing in faith, hope, and love. It was, and is, to be a place where children of God learn to behave themselves after they have been saved by the grace of God. The habitation of his Spirit in his house is where his honor dwells by the presence of his Son.

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