CSN - LightWing Messages - Pre-Thanksgiving Sunday - 11/19/2023
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version)
FOUNDER’S MESSAGE:
This year as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many Americans may harbor bitterness and not much gratitude or thankfulness for our plight in this rapidly evaporating year. Certainly, if one considers the many calamities that may be leading to catastrophes in this nation, there is little to be thankful for, and the pending unknown difficulties looming in the shadows of 2024 may prove our concerns are warranted. Nevertheless, such a set of self-centered “woe is me; we’re now all doomed” perspectives will pollute – even poison preparations for one’s holiday.
The celebration of the “First Thanksgiving” came after much worse conditions of suffering and starvation and death from disease. Contemporary Americans have put quite a distance between themselves and the origins of this holiday. The foundation for the “First Thanksgiving” in 1621 at Plymouth was not festive; it came at great price. The Pilgrims had been through a great amount of difficulty, including the death of half of their faithful community.
The festive holiday for family and new-found friends was born from pain and severe suffering. Often, that perspective is not clear as people celebrate Thanksgiving across the nation in such civilized times. Currently on Thanksgiving Day, the focus is food or football or both. The majority of Americans partake in various activities to celebrate the historic holiday; but naturally, as with most festivities, the centerpiece is the food (with a hearty side helping of football). Celebrations usually involve a meal of one sort or another, however, many families of faith will still offer their gratitude for the blessings they received during the year – despite the burdens or difficulties.
Unfortunately, the original purpose for celebrating this traditional holiday may have been lost through the ages. Many good celebrants are unaware that a central peace between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims existed as the foundation prior to the event now referred to as the “First Thanksgiving.” Actually, the original holiday may have been more closely resembling the celebrations of the American Indians in that day, as it was more of a harvest festival rather than the types of Christian Thanksgivings celebrated in Europe. Christian Thanksgiving holidays in Europe focused more on prayer and fasting and not upon food and feasting. To a large extent, the roots of our Thanksgiving was just a big feast day to celebrate a good harvest. So why is it so important in America’s history? Well, it has been said: “the truth will set one free.”
There seems to have always been those who have no use for truth or prefer variations of the truth to the cold hard truth. Human history provides so much proof of this. Yet, there are many who still care about the truth, and those who earnestly seek the truth will eventually find it. Yet, it is not an easy or comfortable journey. And, once one finds the truth, one may not like the way the truth shows up, and it does not compel one to be willing to embrace it, let alone to obey it. Adam and Eve knew God’s Word – knew the truth from the Source – it did not compel them to obey. Free will guided by true love and truth brings one closer to the realization of being a child of God - and a genuine willingness to consider the well-being of others before oneself.
The LightWing Messages this Sunday briefly addresses the importance of this substantial reality in American history in some simple truths about Thanksgiving. Once again this year, I offer the message in my effort to provide a bit better biblically-based historical perspective on: “Being Our Brother’s Keeper is at the Heart of Thanksgiving.” Again, I hope readers can grasp that there is much more to this traditional celebration than turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
This message today is long (over 1700 words); yet, it is not even half of what I could share on this special topic. There may be more to express on Thanksgiving Day, in addition to expressing thankfulness for God’s blessings. Again, I hope readers can get through it, if not in one reading, maybe in digestible bits and pieces over time.
In the meantime, how about another piece of virtual anniversary cake? – since it is that holiday time… Despite all of our difficulties at the Citizen Sentinels Network, our Father in Heaven has shown favor upon us! We hope that everyone enjoyed the piece of virtual anniversary cake we sent out in the newsletter last week. But, in case anyone missed it, we’re offering another piece of cake here… This virtual cake is the best kind – no carbs, fat or sugar!
Our Zoom call this past Wednesday was quite lively and focused on veteran involvement in running for elected office. We tried to avoid the differences of opinion on the candidates that are running, but we still ended up going there. It was a lively and provocative session. Readers need to check in with other like minded readers. FYI – we will have a Zoom call this Wednesday, even though it is the day before the Thanksgiving holiday, and people may be tearing their hair out to get all the fixings and trimmings prepared. I do not have that problem, as I have been invited to relatives for their annual festivities. So, for any readers who are able to join me this Wednesday evening, we will focus on either of the two messages offered today and any questions they may stir up. Readers can partake in this coming Zoom call Wednesday and participate (or just listen) in our discussion, by reaching out. Readers who are not on our list already to receive the Zoom link to the call, please send an email request to this address: d.jamzon@gmail.com We’ll honor the request and add you to our mailing list.
CSN LightWing Mission – Zoom call Wednesday 11/22/23 at 5:00pm PST Generally each Wednesday at 5pm PST (6pm MST; 7pm CST; and 8pm EST).
These words are being freely offered to you – intended to shine light unto our paths, as written: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 - KJV
As always, we hope our readers would consider all the messages in this edition relevant or meaningful, and if readers know others who might value them as well, please consider being one of our official LightWing messengers and pass this newsletter on to those whom you feel would be able to welcome it. Or simply, please receive it yourselves. Happy Thanksgiving!
May God bless our readers and all of their loved ones. May God bless All His Children!
May we become genuinely humble before God in prayer, repent for our transgressions against Heaven and against our brothers or sisters and honestly make a U-turn - away from the road towards temptation and wickedness - whether it be apathy, indifference to injustice, or even lack of proactivity as good stewards of our Republic. May we renew covenant with God, return to His plan for a Land of the Free, and rebuild our Republic.
“Being Our Brother’s Keeper is at the Heart of the ‘First Thanksgiving’”
By Dennis Jamison 11/17/23
Celebrating Thanksgiving each year is an ingrained tradition that the majority of Americans will partake in regardless of their religious beliefs or even whether there is any belief in God at all.
Yet, the holiday is definitely an American cultural tradition, and with biblical roots that may have positively influenced people around the world to appreciate the celebration over time. Most of the family celebrations usually involve a hearty meal of one sort or another, the centerpiece being the food (and oftentimes a fixation upon American football in America). Simply sharing great food with family and friends is at the core of this holiday – and so simple to enjoy.
On a deeper level, however, many families out across the fruited plain still honor faith at the heart of the holiday who will still sincerely express gratitude for blessings they received during the year. This was the original basis for the celebration of this traditional holiday. However, many enthusiastic celebrants are still unaware that a central peace between the American Indians and the Pilgrims (originally known in the day as the Separatists) existed as the foundation for the event now referred to as the “First Thanksgiving.”
To consider this significance from a broader perspective, one needs to move well beyond the existing simplistic, secular, and humanist views, and to consider how God was working “behind the scenes” in the “First Thanksgiving.” The evidence is there to view His role in what transpired. And, Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is an appropriate biblical perspective that provides a genuine framework to consider how God may have viewed such events.
The historical record indicates that it was the Wampanoag Indians who initiated first substantial contact, and then, a more formal peace treaty between their people and the Pilgrims. Previous to the PIlgrims landing on their shores, the Wampanoag had suffered through three “waves” of plagues that tragically decimated their numbers. They were no longer one of the major tribes in the Northeast Woodlands in the period prior to the PIlgrims landing in their neighborhood.
One key figure in understanding more deeply the Wampanoag tragedy and the Pilgrim’s ability to survive is Tisquantum, commonly known as Squanto. His story of suffering reveals much of the genuine nature of the Wampanoag people. Squanto was not a mythological figure, but he was very real. He shows up in the historical record. He became central in the effort to help the struggling Pilgrims survive and to facilitate the communication to establish a peace treaty between the two peoples. The treaty is in the written record – yet seldom studied.
The historical record indicates Squanto was enslaved by a British ship captain and was taken far away from his home. After he was captured, Squanto’s village of Patuxet was wiped out by the plague, like many Indian villages in that period. Yet, in all that Squanto was caught up in, he was truly focused on getting back home again. Apparently, he was freed from slavery when some Spanish priests paid for his freedom – likely in the Caribbean. It is reported that during this time he became a Christian. Though the history is not totally clear, in the timeline of his return home, he was somehow able to get onto a ship to either Spain or England, and then he managed to get all the way to England. While in Britain, he improved his English.
Finally, in 1620, Squanto was able to get back home again. He agreed to an arrangement that allowed him to serve as a guide and translator on a ship exploring the northern coast of North America. In exchange, he would eventually be brought back to the area of his homeland. His journeys eventually got him back to his home sometime in the Summer or Autumn of 1620, a matter of months before the Pilgrims arrived. One has to be amazed with God’s timing and the ways He brings all things to good in the Thanksgiving story.
Sadly, when Squanto got back to Patuxet, all he had known was no more - no family – no village. He was an American Indian world traveler, but found himself essentially homeless. In November, the Pilgrims arrived and began exploring the area – first for wood and food, and then to determine if it could be their new home.
They mainly stayed on the ship as no shelter existed in the area they arrived in, near to Patuxet. While staying on the Mayflower, a foundational legal document for self-government was drawn up and agreed upon and was absolutely needed as the Pilgrims had no legal authority from Britain to be where the King had not claimed the land. Later, when the Mayflower returned to England, they also sent a petition back to the King to receive permission to establish a colony in the Massachusetts area.
This history is familiar to many Americans; yet, one key aspect has been missed and to this day, it confounds many. Yet, the historical events align with the words of Jesus and with the ongoing Providence of God. However, even for some “Christians,” it is hard to fathom that Wamponoag Indians actually proved themselves to be “good Samaritans.”
The Indians of the area were very cautious of the Europeans and simply kept to themselves; mainly observing them all during that Winter. There was little interaction, with only a few minor skirmishes but zero casualties. Nevertheless, while the Wamponoag were little threat, death overcame the Pilgrims due to illnesses such as scurvy and pneumonia. On the long journey across the Atlantic, the bodies of the settlers became weakened, and they became more susceptible to disease due to lack of proper shelter in the wet, freezing wintery weather.Illness escalated into a serious tragedy.
In two or three months’ time, half of their company died, especially in January and February, being the depth of Winter, and wanting houses and other comforts, being infected with the scurvy and other diseases which this long voyage had brought upon them; so as they died sometimes two or three a day; that of the hundred and odd persons scare fifty remained. And of therein the time of distress, there was but six or seven sound persons, who spared no pains night or day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed their meat, made their beds, washed their loathesome clothes, clothed and unclothed them; in a word, did all the homely and necessary offices for them which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear named; and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least.
A Brief History of the Pilgrims (compiled from the writings of Governor Bradford and Governor Winslow)
“And who is my neighbor?” – “The one who had mercy...”
To the Indians observing the plight of Pilgrims that Winter, it may have brought memories of their own tragedies during the plagues that destroyed their people. The leader, the sachem (king) of the Wampanoag, was Massasoit, and he was the one who Initiated first contact with the Pilgrims after observing the “dying time” and the burials of half of the little over 100 settlers. In the Spring of 1621, Samoset made first contact and became the first Indian the Pilgrims were able to speak with, as Samoset spoke English too, and through such an envoy, Massasoit requested that the leader of the Pilgrims meet with him. In that meeting, or an eventual one, it was Massasoit who initiated the peace treaty in the Spring of 1621. The historical record indicates that on Friday, March 26, an amazing event took place:
That morning we determined to conclude our military orders, which we had begun to consider before, but were interrupted by the savages, as we mentioned formerly. And while we were busied hereabout, we were interrupted again; for there presented himself a savage, which caused an alarm. He very boldly came all alone, and along the house, straight to the rendezvous; where we intercepted him, not suffering him to go in, as undoubtedly he would out of his boldness. He saluted us in English, and bade us ‘Welcome!’” for he had learned some broken English among the Englishmen that came to fish at Monhegan…”
from Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims of Plymouth
Squanto, with even better command of the English language, was in a key position to assist with translation, and his help was invaluable with the peace treaty as well asin teaching the Pilgrims how to grow the kind of crops that would ensure many future harvest festivals. Squanto was in an incredible position to serve in the role of Good Samaritan in his help with teaching the band of remaining Europeans how best to fertilize their crops – especially growing corn, which was one of the “three sisters” providing the healthy nourishment to help the surviving Pilgrims with regaining their strength after their devastating first Winter. Additionally, he went beyond basic assistance, and did much more to help them as well – all throughout the summer of 1621.
Tisquantum truly demonstrated the deeper virtue of living for the sake of others – or being his “brother’s keeper.” His help was greatly appreciated; thus, the grateful Pilgrim governor invited the Wampanoag leaders to a humble dinner after their successful harvest. According to written accounts, 90 Wampanoag Indians showed up! They celebrated friendship over feasting for three days as the Indians kept bringing more food. This was the heart of the “First Thanksgiving.”
Historical records show a period of more than 40 years of peace between the English colonists and the Wampanoag Indians before their original friendship eroded and war exploded, initiated by the hot-headed second son of Massasoit, after his father passed away. However, that this original friendship ended in tragedy should not really be the primary takeaway. Neither should the original celebration be romanticized and viewed in mythical terms, nor should it fade into obscurity. Knowing the true history of this miraculous event provides a deeper appreciation of this very American holiday. If it is possible that by pulling the true history out of obscurity, it may provide a clearer view of how God was laying a foundation for good in America. It may also help provide a few lessons for His children desperately longing for peace in such a toxic time as this.
Onward and Upward!
From Tiana Spotted Thunder: Amazing Grace in Lakota (with lyrics)-Tiana Spotted Thunder 3/25/2011
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From Jonathan Cahn: The Amazing Miracle & Fight For Your Life | Jonathan Cahn Sermon – 11/18/23
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From Celtic Spirits: We Gather Together - Celtic Sprits - 9/25/22
From History.com: Thanksgiving 2023 - Tradition, Origins & Meaning | HISTORY
Podcast - From The American Minute with Bill Federer: American Minute for November 19 – President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on this day in 1863.
Podcast - From Dutch Sheets Ministries: Standing Guard | Give Him 15 Daily Prayer with Dutch | November 14, 2023
Podcast - From Kingdom League International with Tim Taylor: Discover How God Uses The End Time Trials to Prepare His Church for the Wedding Supper of the Lamb – 11/12/22
Podcast – From “Bold & Blunt” w/ Cheryl Chumley of Washington Times: Morals Increasingly Don't Matter to Americans - 11/9/23
Reflect > From DoYouRemember?: Grandmother And Man She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Plan Their 8th Holiday, Plus Two – 11/14/23
Recommended Reading…
From DoYouRemember?: Grandmother And Man She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Plan Their 8th Holiday, Plus Two – 11/14/23
From American Greatness by Victor Davis Hanson: When Has War Even Been ‘Proportional?’ – 11/16/23
From Christianity Daily: Survey reports that the majority of adolescents struggle to embrace the seven cornerstones of a biblical worldview - 10/25/23
From The Christian Post: Anti-Christian hate crimes, including murders, make collective rise in Europe: report – 11/16/23
From The Daily Caller: EXCLUSIVE: Non-Profit Releases Letter Exposing ‘Terrorism Sympathizer’ Students To Potential Employers – 11/16/23
* News From Our Israeli Friends -
From Jerusalem Lights - Rabbi Chaim Richman: Parshat Toldot 5784 : Prayer from the Depths – 11/16/23
ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry: WOULD YOU HIDE ME? Where are the Ten Booms and Bonhoeffers?? – 11/13/23
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What affects one, can affect all!
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From The RightSide Broadcasting: WATCH WATCH President Trump Visits the Border and Operation Lone Star Service Members – 11/19/23
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From The Daily Signal: The BorderLine: Senate Hearing Shows—Again—Why Mayorkas Should Be Impeached – 11/9/23
From Mario Murillo Ministries: CHRISTIANS WHO VOTED FOR ABORTION - Mario Murillo Ministries – 11/14/23
From Christianity Daily: Survey reports that the majority of adolescents struggle to embrace the seven cornerstones of a biblical worldview - 10/25/23
* News From the States –
News From Arizona -
From DoYouRemember?: Grandmother And Man She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Plan Their 8th Holiday, Plus Two – 11/14/23
News From Arkansas -
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Announces New Steps To Take On Board Of Corrections – 11/17/23
News From Georgia -
From FOX 5 News: Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96 – 11/19/23
News From Nebraska -
From cf.org: Nebraska Gov. Warns Against "Vague and Deceptive" Abortion Ballot Initiative – 11/18/23
News From Nevada -
From American Greatness: Nevada AG Investigating Alternate Slate of Pro-Trump 2020 Electors – 11/16/23
News From Pennsylvania -
From LifeSite News: Pennsylvania House passes bill to make state an abortion haven from pro-life neighbors - LifeSite – 11/17/23
News From Texas -
From The Daily Signal: Texas Think Tank Expands Election Integrity Focus to 5 Key Battleground States for 2024 – 11/7/23
News From Washington state -
From The Daily Caller: Blue State Students Hit With Significant Grade Inflation During Pandemic, Study Shows – 11/13/23
News From Wisconsin -
From The Christian Post: Wisconsin city says gov't employees can put up Christmas decorations after backlash – 11/16/23
From PJ Media: Wauwatosa School Board Pays My Bills and Offers Public Apology for Violating the Constitution – 11/15/23
Election Resources:
National Election Resource: From True the Vote - Election Integrity Tip Line: Tip Line
ICYMI > From The Gateway Pundit: New Election Integrity App VotifyNow Allows Users To Share Election Integrity Concerns And Irregularities Nationwide - 10/18/22
National Election Resource: VotifyNow
National Election Resource: My Voter Hub – From My Faith Votes
ICYMI > From The Heritage Foundation: It’s Time to Audit: Every State, Every Election | The Heritage Foundation – 10/20/22
National Election Resource: Election Integrity Scorecard – From The Heritage Foundation
National Election Resource: Voter Fraud Map: Election Fraud Database – From Heritage
Major Election Resource: Election Integrity Project California
Recommended Resources - follow the links…
Excellent Election Education Resource: US 2020 Election Fraud at a Glance
Excellent Non-Partisan Election Resource: Election Integrity Project California
Excellent Constitution Education Resource: LIBERTY TREE ONLINE UNIVERSITY
Excellent Citizen-Patriot News Resource: Steve Bannon's War Room
Excellent Citizen-Patriot News Resource: From Frank Speech - the Home of Free Speech
Excellent Citizen Comprehensive Resource: David Horowitz Freedom Center
Excellent Expose’ of Political Prisoners within the US: American Gulag
Excellent Source of CRT information for parents: Moms for America
Excellent Christian Homeschool Resource:
https://ed-exit.com/
Excellent Citizen Activist Resource: Precinct Strategy: Home
Excellent Guide to Protecting Families: A Guide to Protecting Your FaFrom the Coming Insurrection and Violence 1 ARE YOU SAFE