Scripture

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.

~Psalms 107:1

Quote

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This admonition to give thanks to the LORD {Yahweh} is repeated five times in Psalm 107 and it is repeated six other times in the Hebrew Bible {Old Testament}. Psalm 107 is a communal song of thanksgiving. Four metaphors are used to express Israel’s distress: A desert {wilderness], prison, folly and a storm at sea. In their distress they cried out to God and He answered graciously. He lead them to a city with water and shelter; liberated them from a dark prison cell, healed them and rescued them from the pit and stilled the storm to a whisper. Of course Jesus fulfilled the calming of the storm as recorded by both Mark and Matthew. Repeatedly Israel cried out to the LORD and again and again, He had mercy on them.

This particular Psalm is probably in reference to the exiles being liberated and allowed to return to the homeland. They were overjoyed; thrilled to be home. They were truly grateful.

My first mission trip was to Nigeria in Africa back in 1986. It was an eye opening experience. I bought a brand new camera that I could not afford so I could take pictures and have a slide show to present to our folks in Danville. I discoverd two things: I am a horrible photographer, and the slides were inadequate when it came to sharing my experience. I finally chunked them. If you’ve never been to Africa, I will not be able to adequately describe it for you. It is worse than anything you can imagine. In two words, it is “Mass Confusion.” They are like sheep without shepherd which is also true of the USA, but there are more of them and there are no green pastures. Most of them cannot imagine owing a car, let alone a house. The need is overwhelming. It will hit you in the face like a cold wind. The need is staggering.

On my return I landed in Huntsville just after dark on Thanksgiving eve. I had disentera but I was the happiest puppy in litter. I was on cloud nine. I was even glad to see my mother-in-law who came with June and the kids to pick me up. That was back in days you could wait at the gate. I could not eat a bite the next day {Thanksgiving} but without doubt it was the happiest Thankgiving of my life. Every American, even those of us who are not well to do, should be thankful. When I see these morons marching in the streets due to the oppression and injustice in America, I think–“You are a bunch of fools. You should be on your knees thanking God that you live in America.”

I didn’t mean to share all the above: what I meant to say is that I am extremely thankful. I should be, the LORD has been good to me. The LORD has given me more than I ever dreamed I would have. I am not talking about money, houses or land. I am talking relationships mostly. I am afraid to say much for fear of being chastised for pride but the LORD has blessed me and I am thankful.

Extra

Great day yesterday. We ordained David {Bill} Bittle to the Deacon Ministry and things went well. We give thanks. I did not have a note one: Thank goodness, I did have the bulletin to go by in terms of the order. I felt very good about the service all week and I done this so many times it should be like falling off a log and then at the last minute I got nervous. I looked for a pen to jot some things down but there was no pen. I want to PTL for helping me. I can’t tell you how thankful I am that all went well and I am looking forward to Drive-in-Worship next Sunday.

Lincoln’s surgery is still on as far as we know. We had intended to go but changed our mind at the last minute and decided to stay home and pray. It is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 this morning. Pray for Lincoln, Andrea and the Medical Team.

Great turnout for Movie night. We want to thank David Cowart for setting things up for us. We had plenty of snacks and quite a few visitors from Gum Springs. We also want to thank Bo for the popcorn.

Don told us another story yesterday: I think it might top the bulldog story but I promised him I would not tell it {today}. I didn’t make any promises about tomorrow. Just kidding: I wouldn’t do my friend that way.

Football season is on: one of our grandsons Gracen has a game tonight. Josie plays VB tomorrow night at Addison.

I hope you have a good day and enjoy this cool snap: it will only last three days but I am thankful for those three days.