THANKSGIVING

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with friends and loved ones. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you ward” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). I have many reasons to be thankful. God has washed my sins away by the blood of my Savior. I am able to devote my time to the study and preaching of his Word. I am associated with the best people in the world – Christians. The Almighty has blessed me with health, good parents, a wonderful wife and family, food, shelter and raiment. The providence of God has been prevalent in my life as I look retrospectively over the years. I am grateful for the God-fearing men and women who have influenced me in the field of Christian education. I am also thankful for those preachers who lived before me in this particular area who pioneered the way with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have been so faithful, suffering hardships, overcoming obstacles in their efforts to build up the various congregations. I am thankful for the memories of departed saints for their good influence on my life. I am among all men most wonderfully blessed. Therefore, it is with deep feelings that I sing: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”