We may think times are hard in this country right now, but we don't have an inkling of an idea of how difficult the first few years were for many of those who helped colonize our country. One of the illustrations I used for our church bulletin last week told it this way :

The Pilgrim fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock over 300 years ago knew nothing of the affluent times which you and I enjoy today in this great country of ours.
The next time you and I are tempted to complain about inflation and the state of our economy, remember the following:
During that first long winter at Plymouth Colony, seven times as many graves were made for the dead as home for the living.
The ship which was to bring food and relief brought 35 more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions.
Touching indeed is the picture of William Brewster, rising from a scanty Plymouth dinner, consisting of a plate of clams and a glass of cold water, to thank God “for the abundance of the sea and the treasures hid in the sand.”
The Pilgrims didn’t have much, but they possessed a great gratitude and it was upon this very thing that America was built. These stalwart people, strong, devout and sincere were the timbers upon which our nation was founded.
They had a custom of putting 5 kernels of corn upon each empty plate before a dinner of “thanksgiving” was served. Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell what they were thankful for. It was to remind them that the first Pilgrims were in such dire straits that their allowance was only 5 kernels of corn per person each day.

I know I have so much for which to give thanks to God. I want to share my "five kernels" right now.

Kernel #1  I thank the Lord for my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He died on the cross of Calvary in my place. He took my punishment and shed His blood so my sins could be cleansed away. He arose again bodily the third day with victory for me, which I received when I trusted Him as my Saviour. He is my very best friend and has been so faithful. He loves me even when I have failed Him.  I am very thankful for the love of God in my Saviour Jesus Christ.

Kernel #2  I thank the Lord for giving me the written word of God. I can know His promises and I can depend on them. He has given me a written guarantee. It tells me of my need ( reconciliation with God) and how to get that need met ( in Jesus Christ, who reconciles me to God through the blood of His cross) It assures me of God's love and faithfulness and tells me how to live right, to please God and live the best life for me. (It makes sense the Creator knows what is best for the creature )

Kernel #3 I thank God for the church, by which I  mean, the whole body of Christ made up of the born again believers but I am especially thankful for our local group of believers that gather in our Independent Baptist church that preaches the truth of God's Word.   I am thankful we don't become part of the body by joining a denomination but rather by being born again and place in the body where the Holy Ghost sees fit. I am thankful we can fellowship with believers and support each other. What an encouragement the preaching of the Word of God is and how refreshing to be with those who believe the truth and enjoy the things of God.

Kernel #4 I am thankful for my family. I thank the Lord for my Mom and Dad. I thank the Lord my mama taught me the Bible is the truth - it is the word of God. I am thankful my daddy gave me many wonderful memories of singing hymns from the time I was young. I am thankful for my sweet husband, who the Lord gave me. He is a very patient man - I am thankful Glenn loves me.  I thank the Lord for our sweet daughter. She is a blessing to my life in so many ways. I am even thankful for the furry members of our family, Belle, our mini Schnauzer and Callie, our cat. I am thankful God even takes care of the smallest details of our life such as providing us pets when we need them.

Kernel #5 There are so many things I could put at this time, our country (even with its problems), friends, material blessings, but I choose to thank God for prayer. In the Old Testament we are told how a person would have to approach God. The only way was through the Jewish faith, including the law of Moses and animal sacrifice. Only by the blood and a priest had to offer that for you. When Jesus died on the cross the veil of the temple was rent, from top to bottom. That was the hand of God that did that. Jesus made a new way for us to come to God, that is through HIM. I am so very thankful I can come right into the throne room of God in Jesus and talk with Him about anything.

I hope you realize how much you have to be thankful for also and to Whom you should be grateful. If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can be thankful for the mercy of God that you have a chance today to do so, before it is too late. When you know Jesus, you have so much to be thankful for.

If you would like to share 5 things you are thankful for please feel free to do so in the comment section.

O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good;

for his mercy endureth for ever.

1 Chr. 16:34