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Hope and hilarity
By Chuck Terrill
Last Updated: November 16, 2017

Much to give thanks for

Thanksgiving 2017 is just around the corner. The days pass by so quickly, and we are about to be thrust into the most hectic time of the year.

Despite the demands that holiday activities make on our time, we ought to be able to sit down for a few minutes of spiritual reflection. When you think about our community, what comes to mind that causes your heart to swell with thanksgiving?

I am thankful for the unprecedented way that prayers have been answered. If you haven't been the recipient of a miracle, just ask around. Miraculous events are on the lips of many of our neighbors and friends. We have offered up all kinds of requests to our Father in this past year. I know that I have prayed pretentiously. But God is good.

I have seen some healed of disease, and so have you. Others have gone into remission. In some rare and serious cases, the Lord Jesus had some well-trained surgeons at his right hand, acting as his helpers. Some of our prayers for health have been answered, and many other prayers for healing are still in the process. 

I am grateful that we can celebrate the victories when some dear soul reaches the end of their life on earth. We also have the realization that the instant of their departure was the beginning of eternal life for them. We stood by with tears of joy streaming down our faces as loved ones made the transition into their eternal work.

There is service to perform for the Lord, Jesus Christ, on the other side. Though we now miss them, we know it will be a limited time of absence. We have the joy and thanksgiving of having had the opportunity to share our lives with them. 

We have seen babies born. All infants are of miraculous origin. Some babies were born that are doubly miraculous.

We have seen some lives that have been born again. We have worshipped together in our local churches in spirit and in truth.

The goodwill in our community continues to grow. The children and teens in our public schools are growing in wisdom. Ministry outreach, by several organizations in our town, is producing fruit. Our community enjoys a good reputation in Kansas. 

It is no secret that many circumstances in our part of the world are troublesome. Because of our earthquakes, hurricanes, mass shootings, national disasters and national crises, we have an unprecedented opportunity to win the world for Jesus.

We hold a common belief that Christ will return very soon. Until then, we have the greatest ministry ever given to mankind. To seek and to save the lost. Think of how thankful we might be a year from now if each of us gave our full attention to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. 

I wish you and your entire family a Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you richly. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good. His Love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)

Chuck Terrill is pastor of Valley Center Christian Church. Reach him at chuck@vcchristian.church or at 755-1233.




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