Thanksgiving History Lesson & George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

Thanksgiving History Lesson & George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

The concept of Thanksgiving Day started with the pilgrims, as mentioned in the video link below. But an official day declared throughout the land was not begun until years later.

 

In 1789 the U.S. first president, George Washington, issued a proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving. Here is President Washington’s proclamation. I’d like to encourage you to print it out and read it at your Thanksgiving celebration.

 

 

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation -- for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war -- for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed -- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington 

The Library of Congress George Washington Collection

The Library of Congress Thanksgiving in America

FOUNDATIONS OF OUR LIBERTIES

  

Seventy-four years later during a tumultuous time, in a nation torn by civil war, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday of November a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.”



Norman Rockwell - "Thanksgiving"

Each year on that day, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family. While today’s Thanksgiving celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together around the table—albeit with some updates to pilgrim’s menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 Click on this link for a History Channel video about the history of Thanksgiving:

http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/thanksgiving-becomes-a-holiday

Click on this link for information about President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation---- includes the words of his proclamation.  

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/11/22/read-abraham-lincolns-1863-thanksgiving-proclamation/

©Connie Wohlford 2015

The Lord Has Need of You

“The Lord Has Need of You”           

Can you describe yourself in a word?  Though there’d be many words, I can say a word that works for all of us.
That word is prophetic. 
God prophesied over each of us before we were born and David spoke of it:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! ² You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. ³ You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. ⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. ¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!          −Psalm 139:1-4; 13-17.

SO− Before we were even born, God spoke over us. He prophesied over each of us. He caused each one of us to be born on the day we were born, where we were born, and to the parents to whom we were born. AND to each of us He spoke a Prophetic Assignment! 

 

If you’re a parent, He gave you those specific children for such a time as this−for their own Prophetic Assignment.

God has prophesied His plan for each of us and when we enter His family through Jesus and do things His way, it will come to pass just as He ordained for us. We do have a choice in the matter. That’s called free will.

AND−God has need of us!

A few days before His crucifixion, Jesus sent two of his disciples into a village to get the donkey he would ride into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. 

Jesus said to them, “… you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.  And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’”

Like the little donkeys, the Lord has need of you and me too−to walk out our Prophetic Assignments. Let’s not forget our assignment was prophesied over us before we were even born. When we walk in our prophetic assignment, we’ll stay close to God every day. His Spirit, in us, will be our constant companion and guide. 

 

And notice, Jesus told the disciples to loose the donkeys.  We often need to be loosed from something or maybe many things before we can be used of God. Each day, we should ask God if there’s something we need to be cut loose from in order to do His bidding on that day.

Often our lives may seem simple and mundane. We may feel that were not fulfilling a Prophetic Assignment. But, as we go day to day serving Him, even in menial ways, He’s using us and preparing us for what’s next in His eternal plan. Our Prophetic Assignment is His eternal plan for us.

Look at Mary−One day God stepped into her life when she was about 15 years old. Before she was born God had chosen her to bear His Son. He had already spoken an incredible destiny, her Prophetic Assignment, over her while she was in her mother’s womb. Like the little donkey, God had need of her.

She knew she was in over her head. She was a pregnant virgin! But how did she respond? She said, “… be it unto me according to your word,” and she entered into God’s redemptive plan. God had handpicked her for such a time in history.

So, what Prophetic Assignment has God spoken over you and me? What has God chosen for us to do with our lives? Why did He put us on His earth HERE and NOW at this amazing time in history? What’s the destiny He has chosen for each of us?

How have we answered His call?  Like Mary did we say, “Be it unto me according to your word.”?

What can we do in order to know His Prophetic Assignment?  We each must ask God to show us what we need to do in order to fulfill what He prophesied over us before our birth.

For a moment, close your eyes and see yourself in your mother’s womb−a seed− then a tiny little fetal positioned baby, wiggling and growing.  See your Creator−the God of the Universe−looking at your unformed body with His hand outstretched, prophesying His Word over you.

What’s He saying?  He wants us to know what he is saying!

Like Mary, we need to take a risk. Like the donkeys, we need to be loosed from something. 

When God called me to start writing things that others would read, I certainly felt that I was taking a risk! AND I needed to be loosed from some things. Did God prophesy that over me when I was an embryo? I believe He did.

SO let’s make every effort to fulfill our Prophetic Assignments.  We each need to do our part in His Kingdom. And we can be 100% confident that our Creator will do His.

Daniel’s Dilemma à Daniel’s Destiny

Daniel’s Dilemma  à  Daniel’s Destiny

Daniel and his three Hebrew buddies had a serious dilemma.

By King Nebuchadnezzar’s decree all the wise men in his kingdom were to die since, thus far, none could interpret the king’s weird dream. It just so happened that Daniel and friends were in the category of wise men in this kingdom of Babylon.

Now King Neb had asked a bit much of his staff of wise men—demanding that before they interpret his dream, they had to state what the dream was. By this he would know there was no faking it.

Since Daniel knew his God well he was confident that Yahweh, Who knows all things, certainly knew King Neb’s dream and what it meant. Daniel therefore ask if he might have a little time to consider the matter before the king lowered the boom on all the wise men. He was granted permission.

Daniel went home and told his three friends that their lives were on the line. BUT they knew and trusted their God, confident He would come through. That night God revealed the mystery’s solution to Daniel in a night vision.

With a grateful heart, Daniel praised God. In his declaration of praise we see the attributes of God which prompted such great faith.

"Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. ²¹ And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
²² He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And
light dwells with Him.

²³ I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand’” (Daniel 2:20-23).
 
Did you notice that I said, a couple of times, that Daniel and his friends knew their God? That is key to their great faith. They had a history with Yahweh (God). They knew the attributes of God—that wisdom and might are His; He can change the times and seasons; He can set up and take down kings; He the giver of wisdom and knowledge; He knows deep secret things and knows what’s in the darkness.
We too can have great faith, just like Daniel. When we know our God intimately and are familiar with His attributes, we will know He is trustworthy even in the scariest of circumstances.
When we pray, let’s let our prayers be based on God’s attributes. AND let’s let our expectations be based on God’s attributes.


 
Let’s each cultivate our own history with God. Our growth in faith today will be part of our history with God tomorrow.

 

You can read this entire fascinating story in your Bible, in the second chapter of Daniel. Here you’ll see Daniel state what the dream was and it’s interpretation, giving all credit to his powerful God. You can also learn about how King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed he declared that the God of the Hebrews was the God of all gods, Lord of kings, and so on. He also gave Daniel a big promotion in his kingdom.

Thank you for reading my blog post today. I hope you’re encouraged to build your history with God. Your comments are welcome.

©Connie Wohlford 2015

A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)

Part 2.  A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)          

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

              God’s Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.       

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:1-5).

John was speaking of Jesus—in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. When Jesus came into the world as a man, a Light that mankind had not known, came into the world. That is the light that illuminates the way of Creator God. 

John, the Gospel writer, goes on to elaborate in verses 6-17. He told of John the Baptist coming as a witness of Jesus being the Christ and saying that John bore witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:7-9). 

With words like these and evidences of consequences, (mentioned in a previous post), faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many professed believers indifferent to God’s Word, which illuminates our way? Why is a small percentage of Jesus followers actually studying His Truths? 

Paul’s instructions to Timothy hold true for all believers. He said, Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15).  

Some of us memorized this verse as children, but we may have either not been taught what it meant or were not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably me. 

Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that, even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi-regular devotional type reading of it. I even had a desire to read through the whole Bible and get into systematic study. 

But, in reality, it seemed that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it was no wonder, since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my early 20’s, I began to hunger for more of the Truth of God’s Word and started into actual study it.

I married young and soon had two sons. I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I didn't do so myself?

I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my heart, I knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my hungry soul and living water to quench the thirst in my spirit. I also knew my Bible contained direction to light my path, which often seemed crooked.

So what was Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul was telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. For Timothy, at that time, it would be the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word study, as they knew it in Greek, is spoudazo, meaning “to make effort ... be diligent, endeavor, labor.” (Strong’s #4704)

So Paul was telling Timothy that he needed to consistently study. The verb is present imperative, meaning this was to be Timothy’s regular practice. He was to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. With diligence and effort he was to do so and thus please God and become knowledgeable and an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”

Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we didn’t have enough knowledge, or we simply didn’t know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and don’t like finding myself in that position.

It’s through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and close enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power. We'll have wisdom to say, “I don’t know,” when appropriate, as well.  

Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under biblically sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We’re never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that comes with it, helps us recognize and walk in the light of God’s Word.  “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!   

©Connie Wohlford 2015

Have you noticed—October is Pastor Appreciation Month?

Have you noticed—October is Pastor Appreciation Month?

I know some churches and individuals make a big deal out of it and have a church supper in honor or their pastor/s—complete with gifts. Some congregations even send their pastor and spouse on a cruise or similar vacation.

Then of course there are other congregations that don’t even know the occasion exists, or perhaps pretend they don’t.

Your pastor prays for you.

It seems that many people are clueless about just how tough it is to be a pastor. Some believe their pastor simply reads his/her Bible, prays, and visits sick people.

The reality is that the job of pastor is much more demanding and complex than that.

I didn’t grow up in a pastor’s home and I’m not a pastor’s wife, so I’ve not have that personal experience. But I’ve know many pastors and have been friends with several pastor’s wives and children. I’ve observed some of the many trials and challenges they go through on a regular basis.

In an article written by Philip Wagner*, himself a pastor, he states: Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (not necessarily in order, he added) are:

·         The President of the United States

·         A university president

·         A CEO of a hospital and

·         A pastor   

He goes on to list some of the unique problems pastors face. Here’s a brief synopsis:

1. Pastors face a lot of criticism from many directions and for many reasons.

2. Pastors experience a lot of rejection due to the nature of their position and the nature of congregants coming and going.

3. Pastors often face betrayal, as they work with their staff and minister to people. It’s not unusual for a pastor’s staff or church member to turn on them due to personal conflict or simply not getting their way.

4. Pastors often suffer loneliness due to the fact that they often find it hard to have a close friend.

5. Pastors grow weary due to the numerous hours they spend attending to their many responsibilities.

6. Pastors often have many disappointments and frustrations. Pastors’ salaries are typically average or below the norm and many pastors must have another job in order to meet the financial needs of their families. And they often have no good way to measure their successes and accomplishments, which can be very frustrating.* 

So have you thought about the difficulties faced by pastors and their wives and children?

Most pastors have such a passion to serve God, lead people to Christ, and equip the body they push on through many hardships and trials—with God’s help. But if you could interview a large group of pastors, almost all of them would say they’ve experienced many, if not all, of the above challenges at one time or another.  

In Mr. Wagner’s article, he went on to tell a few things Christians and church members can do to help pastors:

1. Pray for your pastor, that he/she will hear clearly from God.

2. Protect your pastor. Don't get involved with gossip and complaining of other church members.

3. Encourage your pastor. Find ways to help lighten the load and let him/her know you care and want to help in any way you can. 

These three things appear to be very simple and I believe the Holy Spirit can show us other things we can do for our pastors that are specific to their individual needs. When we, as church members, do the above three things with diligence and sincerity, it can make a huge difference in the lives of our pastors and their families. And just think of the benefits for the church as a whole as well.

Baby Dedication - Happy times for pastor.

Remember to smile at your pastor and be friendly to his/her spouse and children. If you want to see your pastor smile back, tell him/her that you appreciate and are praying for him/her.

AND since this is Pastor Appreciation Month, perhaps a gift card or some such gesture of appreciation is in order. Ask God to help you come up with the best way to bless your pastor/s. 

* Italicized sections are paraphrased from Philip Wagner’s article, “The Secret Pain of Pastors and Church Leaders.”  To read the entire article, go to:

http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/167379-philip-wagner-secret-pain-of-pastors.html.

©Connie Wohlford 2015

God Never Gives Up

God Never Gives Up

Have you ever given up on someone?

Have you declared, “Oh, I give up!”?

Has someone said to you, “You’ll never change!”?

This week I watched God show that He never gives up on people. No matter the sin; no matter the darkness; no matter the misery one chooses for oneself, God will relentlessly pursue people.

A dear man, whom I’ve known all my life, passed into Eternity earlier this week. In the days leading up to his death I sat or stood by his hospital bed along with his wife, mother, and sister.

Just hours before his death, tears trickled down my cheeks as I watched and listened to him struggle to muster enough strength to tell his 90 year old mother he was sorry for the years of worry, anguish, and sorrow he had caused her. He could barely say, “I’m sorry.”

She assured him that she had never stopped loving him and had never stopped praying for him. God heard every prayer and every heart cry.

This once young, tall, and very handsome man now lay in a weakened body, ravaged by years of fast living, abuse, and addiction.

This once brilliant mind now turned his thoughts to regret, sorrow, and yes−repentance.

That word, repentance, is the operative word in his situation. In recent years, as his body was failing, this man saw that his end was not far off. He turned his heart back to his Heavenly Father.

And God was there. He’d been there all along—always in relentless pursuit because He wants none to parish in an eternity of torment and hopelessness.

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NRSV

The morning after the small memorial, as I prayed for the family and his three scattered adult children, God gently reminded me that He never gives up on people. He had never given up on this man and He will not give up on the children who hardly knew their father.

Have you ever feared that God has given up on you? Or, have you feared He has given up on someone you love? That fear is groundless in light of God’s Promises and Covenants.

Don’t give up. Know that God hears your prayers and sees your tears. As long as there’s life, there’s hope. HOPE for redemption. That’s our other operative word—Redemption.

Jesus’ work on the cross canceled the debt of sin for anyone who would believe and receive Him. We each owed a debt we couldn’t pay SO Jesus paid that debt He didn’t owe−thus REDEMPTION. We only need to believe and receive.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17



Photo by Elijah Hail

Like the prodigal son Jesus spoke of in Luke 15, God, the Father is watching for the run-away to return and for the lost to be found.

If you’re the prodigal, don’t delay another moment. Don’t cause another tear to run down the cheek of your anguished loved one.

Turn to your Heavenly Father. He has not given up on you. He’s not mad at you. His love is never-ending and ever-reaching. Talk to Him now.

 

©Connie Wohlford

When the rain comes ...

When the rain comes ...

So are you ready for the storm? Hum—am I ready for the storm?

Those of us in parts of Eastern United States are listening to the rain fall and wondering just how bad it’s going to get. After about a week of rain already, the forecast calls for downpours today and tomorrow, using words like “dangerous winds and historic flooding.” Hurricane Joaquin is threatening much of the East coast. (It has already begun, in fact.)

Side note – according to Wikipedia, the origin of the name Joaquin is Hebrew, meaning “lifted by Yahweh.”  Yahweh is a Hebrew word for God. I’m not trying to read anything into this fact, but do think it is interesting.



Yesterday, near my friend's home

SO—it’s been raining; it’s raining now; and it looks like more is going to fall onto our saturated ground for two or three more days. The whole scenario could be extremely problematic, especially for people living in low lying areas.

WOW! Does this not sound like LIFE! God’s Word says, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matt. 5:45).

 

Jesus said, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will  have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

David Wilkerson wisely wrote, “I would be lying if I told you that Christians will observe sorrow, trouble, unemployment and depression on all sides while they themselves remain safe within a cozy cocoon of health and wealth. The Bible says God causes the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). Job was holy—yet he suffered! But just as God brought Job out of his affliction, so He will bring us out even though we, too, will go through the fire.” *

This morning one of my Carolina Facebook friends posted:

Generator working✔. Chainsaw working✔. Gutters cleaned out✔.
Tub filled with water in case power goes out leaving us with no water✔. Clean water in pots for kitchen use✔. We're ready for the storm but pray it doesn't develop as predicted.

 

People all over the area are ready and getting ready for high winds and flooding rains.

Spiritually speaking, are we ready? Are we ready for the wind and rain that will come in varying forms to disrupt smooth sailing in life?  What trials are flooding your life at this moment?

Whether it be weather related storms or life storms, it pays to be ready. Like my Facebook Friend, we need to be ready.

We need a working generator. If we’re not connected to God, our power source of life and strength, we’ll likely crumble when darkness encircles us. (John 15:5)

We need a working chainsaw. When heavy limbs fall across our path we need the power of the Holy Spirit to clear the way as only He can. (Romans 8:11)

We best have the gutters cleaned out to make way for the unobstructed flow of hurt and offence so we can shed harmful debris and keep our sights set on our Maker, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Col. 3:2)

We need a store of water to refresh our bodies. (Ezekiel 36:25)

We need fresh pure water to refresh our spirits. Only God can do this. Let’s wash ourselves from the inside out with the Word of God.  (Ephesians 5:26) (Psalm 42:1)

Let’s pray! Actually, let’s do this first. Prayer is our sacred assignment. In all things we are to pray. Let’s not wait until trials rush in like a flood. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

 “In the midst of your trial, some of you already have adopted the despairing language of Job. Your heart cries out, ‘God, what did I do wrong? I don't understand why this calamity has fallen on me when I loved You most, my walk was holy, my heart pure, and my spirit was longing after You. It seems like the closer I draw to You, the deeper I fall into trouble and the more sorrows come.’ We do not realize how important it is to God that we trust Him through all the floods of trouble that come upon us from hell. You see, the devil cannot touch you or test you unless God first lets down the wall and allows it.” *David Wilkerson

Above, I mentioned that people living in low lying areas are subject to exceptional trials during heavy rains. Let’s look at that in terms of life—Are you living in a low level of life? –Perhaps in deep sin or you’re simply not in sync with God? If so, you’re subjecting yourself to exceptional difficulties. Let the Lord, your Creator, lift you to a higher plane. He wants to; He’s not mad at you; and He loves you with unfailing love.

 

As you finish reading this post let’s look up and be lifted up out of the floods that seem to be closing in. Just as the deer is refreshed by a cool drink of water let’s be refreshed by God’s Word and His promises to those who love and serve Him. Please watch, listen, and be lifted -- youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa6kplL3wjk 

  

* http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/2013/01/it-rains-on-just-and-unjust.html

©Connie Wohlford 2015