EDMUND
DESOTO
In 1863,
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that created the first
national observance of Thanksgiving Day.
With characteristic
eloquence, our sixteenth president noted in the proclamation that the year
had been "filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,"
blessings that "no human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand
worked out."
Lincoln instead
ascribed "these great things" to "the Most High God, who, while dealing
with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."
The date of
Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation—October 3, 1863 is significant. At
the time, the United States was torn apart by the Civil War the bloodiest
war in U.S. history, one that resulted in the deaths of more than 600,000
Americans and devastated an entire generation.
At this time,
Lincoln could not have been certain that his heroic efforts to preserve
the unity of the country he loved so dearly would succeed. And yet, even
during this time, filled with so much anxiety, doubt, and conflict, he
saw the necessity of drawing his countrymen together to give thanks to
God.
In doing so,
Lincoln was acting in the spirit of the Pilgrims who more than two hundred
years earlier took part in the very first Thanksgiving feast. The Pilgrims
had undertaken "an endeavor so hazardous that published guides advised
travelers to the New World, 'First, make thy will.' In other words,
they were being advise to make sure that this is something that the really
wanted to do.
Why? Because
the crossing was very rough. By the time they found a place to make their
new home, their new home which they calledPlymouth, winter had set in.
The storms
were frightful. Shelter was rudimentary. There was little food. Within
weeks, nearly all the settlers were sick. Many never recovered. Oh! but
their faith was GREAT and STRONG.
Again, despite
having been dealt this cruel hand, they were able to look at the bountiful
harvest in the year following their arrival at Plymouth, see that it was
a gift from God, and give thanks for it.
AN EXAMPLE
WE WOULD ALL DO WELL TO FOLLOW
In good times
and bad, not just on today's Thanksgiving holiday, but every day we need
to follow their example. We need to give thanks to God daily not just once
a year.
For my part,
I look back on the year that is almost over with deep gratitude tp the
God of Israel. I can't help but to think that my dad would not be celebrating
Thanksgiving with us would it not have been for the mercy and love of God
towards us.
My father survived
a major brain operation this last September 16th. The doctors had advised
the family that he would not make it even if operated. Yet, two and a half
hours later the operation was called a great success by the surgeon. Our
family truly has many things to be thankful to God for.
I am truly
thankful to GOD for the assigmment He has giving in me in sharing His Gospel
with the world. He has sent awesome anointed men and women of God to this
ministry to help me carry on with Hs work. Fro that I am truly tahnkful.
Also for those
of you who makes SHOUT OF VICTORY'S work possible through your prayers
and support. Through your generosity this minsitry has been able to visit
churches around the country and minister to thousands via LIVE television,
internet and radio.
As I reflect
on this extraordinary fact, I cannot help but echo Lincoln's proclamation:
"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these
great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God…"
This Thanksgiving,
let us resolve to be thankful to God in all we do.
Let us remember
that our own successes and accomplishments are, in the end, not wholly
our own—they are built upon a foundation of God's goodness and mercy, and
the toil of generations who went before us.
The habit of
thankfulness will cultivate in us the virtue of humility, and remind us
that, in the words of one of Moses. . .
"But
thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power
to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy
fathers, as it is this day."
Deuteronomy
8:18 KJV
In My Own Words,
with prayers for shalom (wholeness, peace, health and prosperity) to all
our friends.
EDMUND
DESOTO
FOR AUGUST 2009 PDF FILE
FOR AUGUST 2009 JPG FILE
Pray
For The Peace Of Jerusalem
