In his book FOLK PSALMS OF FAITH, Ray Stedman tells of an experience H.A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited him to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, “Do you have a headache?” Ironside replied, “No, I don’t.” The other man asked, “Well, is there something wrong with your food?” Ironside replied, “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.”
The man said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!”
Ironside said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”
I love this illustration; it really gives a look into the lives of the redeemed and lost. I trust that your thanksgiving holiday was filled with much good food and precious company. But if you had neither we should always say that we had a full meal of thankfulness to the Lord who has chosen you to know the mysteries of the gospel. That all thought our lives have many troubles we are found to be in that very rare group of people that the Light has down in our soul the wonderful words of life have been made real to us and we are heaven bound. Dear church, we should be the most thankful people on earth since we have a home out of this world prepared for those who love His appearing. Pastor Mark Morton