iCare

We at the Old Lamine church of Christ have subjects assigned for each month.  Each speaker then takes the subject assigned and gives a lesson on that subject.  A couple of months ago, one of our members set up the subject for the month and it was titled iTruths for an iGeneration.  The subject that was assigned to me was iGive.  Being the old computer person that I am, I picked up on the “i” implications being related to iPhone, iPod, iPad etc.  We had quite a discussion about the differences between the Apple products and, my favorite, the Android products.   When it came my turn to speak of course I had to make some comments about the “i” series.

As I prepared for my lesson, iGive, I got to thinking about a part of iGive being iCare.  iCare is an important part of our lives.  We can look at the “i” part in two different ways.  As we know we have become an ‘I’ generation.  It is all about me.  We see so much of that in the world today, and I am afraid that we as Christians are somewhat guilty of thinking only of ourselves too.

As most of you already know, I am having a battle with Cancer.  After the initial shock, I have come to accept the fact that first of all God is helping me through this.  I also feel blessed that I have learned much from all of the treatments.  It has helped me to understand what others have to go through when they acquire this disease.   Hopefully I can give others encouragement and assistance in their bout with Cancer.  I think the greatest lesson I have learned is the iCare of others.

 I want to say a big “Thank You” to all of those when have sent cards, texts, given words of encouragement, and above all have told me they are keeping me in their prayers.  This has meant so much to me because it has opened my eyes to the fact that I have so many brothers and sisters who do care for me and I am sure they pass this same level of iCare along to others as well.

We tend to be discouraged when we look around us and see so many falling away from the grace of Jesus, and sometimes we almost feel we are in a very small group of believers.  This reminds me of what God said to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:18 and mentioned again in Romans 11:4 of how there were still seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal.  It has also given me an opportunity to talk to others about Christ, telling them that whatever happens to me is in God’s hand.  This has inspired many of my friends, not all members of the church of Christ, to tell me that they are keeping me in their prayers.  I am also reminded of Paul in Philippians 1:21 where he says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  These are wonderful words of encouragement to all of us as we look forward to being with Christ in eternity.