Every once in while I think to prudent to give honor to whom honor is due. In this case I would like to lift in high esteem the nonprofit Rebuilding Together Baltimore. The reason I want to highlight this agency is because last week a number of volunteers from the agency found themselves on my block in Baltimore. But they did not come making a ruckus and disturbing the neighborhood. Instead they came with great respect and a mind to work.
Let me explain. My neighborhood was once thriving with life and full of vitality. But time had taken its toll and many of the aging homes have fallen to disrepair. Making matters worse a number of the homeowners have either abandoned their properties, are unable to maintain them or have died (as is the case with my mother). The result was that some parts of the neighborhood have become less than desirable. But this was not to deter Rebuilding Baltimore Together. They came in a cars and trucks. A port-a-potty was placed next door to my home, tents were erected and the work began.
Here is the thing that I am most astonished about. While it would appear that Rebuilding Together Baltimore would be concerned only with the two homes they came to work for that was not the case. They came quickly and quietly respecting not only the targeted homeowners but their properties and the community at large. They did not simply do repairs to the homes but they cleaned surrounding areas of all manner of debris. It is something they did not have to do but something they did nonetheless. In fact they left the area in better condition than they found it.
Rebuilding Together Baltimore is a testament to what private citizens can do once they come together. Now, I do not know if any of the workers were Christians but they certainly performed Christ like services by helping those that has need of help. My hat is off to www.rtbaltimore.org and I bid them well as they continue to work with a mind to work.
It is not my norm to give personal testimonies in a public forum such as this but in light of my post yesterday I think this one to be pertinent.
This morning I had an early appointment with my doctor. We have been working on one issue of concern with me and that concern is my blood pressure. I have been on medications for a couple years but I believe that we can live life without medications. I truly believe in divine health. But there are times when we do things that pull from our health. Even so my discussion with my doctor included the fact that I did not want to spend my entire life taking medication.
Here is the good news. Over the past two years I have lost about forty pounds. When I last saw my doctor I was a little anemic. I was provided vitamins to resolve the issue and anemia is now a thing of the past. And, to top it off, my doctor has reduced my medications by 25% which is on the way to my goal of no medications.
One might say that the wisdom of the doctor is just cause for celebration. While I thank God for a good doctor it is God that has given him the wisdom to guide me to good health. Even more God’s faithfulness to me allows me to walk according to His Word which provides me divine health. The bottom line is that God has my health on the upswing rather than degenerating.
It is official, the day set aside to give thanksgiving is over. Turkey has been eaten and potatoes mashed. Pies and cakes have been devoured causing many to sit back in easy chairs unable to move in that gluttony has taken over thanksgiving allowing only for deep breathing and occasional sighs of relief as the mounds of food finally settle within the bodies of many.
Now, there is no suggestion here that there should be no enjoyment of things God has provided for us. But the real attitude of Thanksgiving has little to do with the plenteous foods now being stored in refrigerators and freezers. In fact I would venture to say that attitudes of thanksgiving actually fall short of the meals that we eat.
Let me explain. When I woke this morning it was more than evident that I did not wake under my own power. In fact I am sadly reminded of a gentleman who lived across the street from me. You see he went to the hospital for a kidney transplant. While I understand the surgery was initially a success things began to go wrong. Things went so bad medically that this gentleman crossed into eternity this past Tuesday. You see, I have much to be thankful for.
Not only did I rise this morning but I rose with a sound mind. Some have not that luxury. Even more I rose with no sicknesses and able to move without the aid of a walking stick. Some have not this blessing. Even more my children are well and growing in prosperity (and I mean not merely monetarily). Many do not share my testimony.
My point to this brief missive is simple. Thanksgiving is not merely a temporary utterance of words said to God just before we dive into well prepared meals rather it is the recognition of God and Who He is. But thanksgiving still goes well beyond that. The fact is that God loved man so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. Immanuel loved us so much that He gave His life so that we could live. And as I pen these words I can think of a multiplicity of reasons for which to be thankful which have nothing to do with cranberry sauce nor the fatted pig. Yet if I were to enumerate upon the goodness of God in my life I suppose that I could fill volumes. So, I will not start in on my testimonies at this point rather I will simply say please do not give up on offering thanksgiving to God merely because the end of a formal holiday has arrived rather have a perpetual attitude of thanksgiving for which God will be pleased and receive as a sweet smelling savour.
preachercarter 