II Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;
Psalm 9:1; 95:2-3
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
It’s November and many of us are looking forward to the holidays, eating good food and spending time with our friends and families. On the fourth Thursday of this month (November 28th), we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving which has become my favorite holiday – of course after Christmas.
Many of you undoubtedly know that there are only two nations on the earth that observe this holiday: The United States and Canada. I’m not sure of the Canadian origin, but according to one account, the first celebration was attended by 50 Americans (of the 100 that had travelled from Europe on the Mayflower) and 90 Native Americans. The participants wanted to celebrate and thank God for bringing them through a harsh winter. Later, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a day to give “…Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens…”. Furthermore, the day would be observed every fourth Thursday of November.
This year I have so much to thank Him for. I am alive and healthy. He gave me a new son in law and shielded two of my family members from what could have been horrific accidents. He healed in our membership, blessed among our membership and there’s a whole lot more.
As I researched about the origin of Thanksgiving and how it is observed, nearly every reference article I found mentioned football and other sporting events. There was also mention of worship and prayer services. Let there be no doubt what I plan to do. I am making plans now to set aside some time for personal worship and thanks. As well as lead my family into a session of corporate thanksgiving.
My friends, it is my earnest prayer that you will consider the scriptures listed above today, this month and especially Thanksgiving Day.
On behalf of Mrs. Pruitte and the Holiness Tabernacle family, Happy Thanksgiving!