Monday, November 19, 2012

THE MAN WHO HAD LITTLE REASON FOR THANKSGIVING


SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB


Newsletter 322                           November 25, 2012

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I recently read this item written by Robert Taylor, in the Waterview Church of Christ newsletter. I had never heard it before in connection with Thanksgiving and realized that you might like it in time for your giving of thanks on the day, so it is posted a little early.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday on the calendar. It is a time for giving thanks to God for His abundant care and provision for His own.

Most know the source of Thanksgiving was the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock giving thanks for God’s help in their survival.

There’s more to the story.

Squanto was an Indian who taught the Pilgrims to plant corn and how to build warm houses. He was instrumental with there being a first Thanksgiving.

Squanto did not have a pleasant, idyllic life. In 1605, He met John Weymouth, an English explorer who took him to England where he learned a little English.

Upon his return to America, he was captured and sold into slavery and transported to Spain.  A Spanish monk bought him, taught him Christianity, and freed him.

Squanto made his way to England where he worked in the stables of John Slaney. Still, Squanto wanted to to go home.

Finally, in 1618, ten years after his kidnapping Squanto returned to the New World a free man. When he arrived home, his tribe, including his entire family, had died of smallpox carried by the colonists. He had to live among another tribe which introduced him to the Pilgrims.

For Squanto, Thanksgiving was not a block on a calendar page, but a road of forgiveness and grace. That first Thanksgiving he had little left of his original life but was able to help others be thankful for the life they had left.

This Thanksgiving you can look back at the terrible distress or look forward to help you can give others. Only one will cause you to be thankful.

Think of more than the Pilgrims on Thursday. Think of Squanto as you bow your head.

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READ YOUR BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN

NOVEMBER

25th.  Sunday - Ezekiel 44, 45,   1 Peter 3,   Psalm 133
26th.  Monday - Ezekiel 46, 47,   1 Peter 4,   Psalm 134
27th.  Tuesday - Ezekiel 48,   1 Peter 5,   Psalm 135:1-12
27th.  Wednesday - Joel 1, 2, 3,   2 Peter 1,   Proverbs 29:1-9
28th.  Thursday - Habakkuk 1, 2, 3,   2 Peter 2,   Psalm 136:13-21
30th.  Friday - Obadiah,   2 Peter 3,   Psalm 138:1-12

DECEMBER

1st.  Saturday - Daniel 1, 2,   Revelation 1,   Psalm 136:13-28

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CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE

“”Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”  -  Hebrews 11:3

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SEND FREE CHRISTMAS E-GREETINGS FROM:


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QUOTES

“For a church service schedule, press one, For office hours, press two. For the forgiveness of sins, press three. If you want to pray alone, hang up.”

“Ten percent, of his own money, might be considered to be enough for God, but we at the First National Bank prefer eighteen percent.”

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Order a gift e-book, or paperback book from Amazon.com for a Christmas gift. Perhaps “Mary’s Letters” by PJ Mills

                          

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