Operation Christmas Child

Last night at Awanas was Christmas in October where we put together Christmas gifts for children in other countries who wouldn't get anything for Christmas were it not for this wonderful organization that sends these boxes out to them. Looking at the video from Franklin Graham, those kids from other countries who have nothing but get huge thankful grins after receivimg a shoebox full of stuff of which we donated and prepared makes you feel like you did some worthy thing for God and all else doesn't matter.

Pastor read a wonderful section from Scripture to go with this topic last night. I could not locate it but here is what I found:

Col. 3: 12-16 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Too much in here to talk about in a short time! First God loved us and forgave us no matter how bad we have been so we have no right not to forgive others and love others since he gave up his life for each of our individual sins. Love it says here brings unity which the body needs the singly and collectively. We need to get over our selves and think more of others. We need to realize what Jesus sacrificed for each of us and to stop being petty. We need to allow the fruits of the Spirit flow from us and out of us so that Jesus' character can be evident in our lives. Songs and praises sung all day long certainly help us keep these fruits in the forefront of our lives. We also need to be especially thankful for our pastor who tries his hardest to keep his flock in this godly mode. We need to put on the blanket of humility and honor others above ourselves and to model the servant heart that our Lord Jesus displayed.
Sincerely, Tom