FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ In Plymouth, Massachusetts 1621, the first Thanksgiving is recorded. The colonists went out hunting for food like geese or duck because turkeys were too hard to catch. Besides the fowl, they had vegetables, stews, shellfish, and other fish to eat. This all led to the first Thanksgiving dinner. As they celebrated, a group of Wampanoag Native Americans presented at the gathering. They contributed venison as they were included in the feast. The celebration of Thanksgiving has changed over the centuries. As the colonist, who were Christian Separatists, celebrated that first feast, it was an expression of praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Unfortunately, that expression is not the central focus of most of the world today as Thanksgiving Day approaches.
But how should we as Christ followers’ approach and celebrate this Thanksgiving? As those early settlers did, we need to focus on the Father’s goodness and faithfulness by taking time to give Him thanks. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever,” Psalm 107:1. Let us celebrate God’s goodness and love as we enter this season of reflection. God’s goodness concentrates on what He does: He offers us His kindness, His mercy, His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His generosity and the list goes on and on. His goodness is what He does, and His love is who He is. His love is a love that never gives up. It accepts us without reserve and expects nothing in return. It does not change if we are a failure or have success. It does not matter how we appear in the eyes of others. His love endures forever. The ultimate example of His enduring love for us is that He gave His Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. As we reflect on these thoughts, when we gather with our families and loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us all offer our heartfelt praise to God for His goodness, His love and His faithfulness! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to alls who He is. His love is a love that never gives up. It accepts us without reserve and expects nothing in return. It does not change if we are a failure or have success. It does not matter how we appear in the eyes of others. His love endures forever. The ultimate example of His enduring love for us is that He gave His Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. As we reflect on these thoughts, when we gather with our families and loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us all offer our heartfelt praise to God for His goodness, His love and His faithfulness! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
Benny Nolen
Director
Joseph's Storehouse
