Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Elder’s Corner: Read Carefully—and Be Thankful!

I was following a car that had a bumper sticker attached above the rear bumper.  I thought it said “Save a cow” “Eat a Vegetable.” I thought it was an attack against the American Beef Council's sticker “BEEF—It's What's for Dinner” campaign.  As I got closer to the car I realized I had been mistaken.  The sign really read “Save a Cow,” “Eat a Vegetarian.” It changed the whole meaning. Sometimes it helps to take a second look at our own lives to make sure we're not focused on just ourselves.
I just got back from Tulsa where I attended a seminar put on by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Our church is considering starting a cancer care ministry. It seems like many people in our church have been touched by the disease either directly or indirectly. I went because I thought much of the information about caring for patients with terminal illnesses would also apply to other diseases. I got lots of useful practical information for patients and also their caregivers.  Then we toured the facility.  And again God reminded me to be thankful. 
This reminds me of a favorite passage:  Col. 3:12-17  “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.   And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.   And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” 
So my hope is that you have a wonderful “Thanksgiving Season” and not just a thanksgiving day.

—Alan

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