THANKSGIVING'S ORIGINS AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
- The official declaration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday occurred in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, to offer thanks to God and pray for national healing.
- The Puritans' first Thanksgiving in 1621 followed a period of severe hardships, including a delayed voyage on the Mayflower, a tough winter, and a period known as "the starving time," where nearly half of the Puritans perished.
PERSEVERANCE AND FAITH OF THE PURITANS:
- Despite their struggles, the Puritans' Thanksgiving celebrated survival and harvest, with Governor William Bradford using a passage from Hebrews 11 to commemorate their faith and longing for a heavenly country.
- The Puritans' journey was motivated by a quest for religious freedom, facing persecution in England and even in Holland, leading to their risky expedition to the New World.
LESSONS ON GRATITUDE AND GOD'S PROVIDENCE:
- Be thankful for religious freedom and God's role in providing for us. Deuteronomy 8:18 to remind listeners that it is God who empowers the acquisition of wealth as part of His covenant.
- We live in a time of great wealth, and it can mislead us into thinking that we’re responsible for it. God’s Word says that isn’t so.
Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
So that’s why we wish you a happy and grateful Thanksgiving, hoping you’ll take time to thank God for all of the blessings you enjoy. Better yet, make it a daily practice.
ON TODAY'S PROGRAM, ROB ALSO ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:
- As a retired couple without long-term health care insurance, I'm concerned about affording both long-term care and continuing our practice of giving while living.
- As a self-employed business owner facing health issues and family medical emergencies, I am dissolving my business with $18,000 in debt and personal debt of $12,000; I'm considering debt consolidation or using a home equity loan.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
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