In his Epistle salutations, the Apostle Paul often expresses how thankful to God he is for the remembrances of those to whom he is writing. No doubt the fond remembrances of brothers and sisters in Christ and the testimony of how they were living out their faith were a source of constant encouragement to Paul. He did not approach the expressing of thanks as a thing to be done. Rather, his thanksgiving was the overflow of his joy.

In this post I want to express the overflow of my joy through heartfelt thanks for behind the scenes happenings in our church. I thank God…

For the care and concern you have expressed for my family during my Mom’s and Dad’s recent illness. Your thoughtfulness, prayers, inquiries, meals and visits have meant so much to Mom, and to Ann and me. Through your actions we have seen God’s love for us displayed, and it is beautiful.

For Sunday School teachers who have adopted a new way of teaching through small group disucssions and applications; and Sunday School participants who have willingly engaged in this format, despite their initial discomfort with it, and are now gladly encouraging and exhorting one another with the scriptures. Your spirit of cooperation is a testimony of God’s grace in your lives.

For families who have accepted the challenge to carry the gospel to those we struggle to reach from downtown. They have opened their homes and their lives for the furtherance of the kingdom of God in the Jacksonville region, and God is using them. Your hospitality is inspiring.

For the staff leadership team, and the hundreds of lay leaders God has assembled here who are passionate about getting people to God and helping them to grow in their love for Jesus. Your zeal is contagious.

For church employees who faithfully and expertly do their jobs day in and day out with a servant’s spirit and a heart of love for God and people. Your work is worship to our God.

For men and women who daily under-gird our Pastor, Staff and church in prayer. Your prayers are effectual, and a sweet smelling savor to God.

For faithful givers who give first of themselves, and then of their treasure, to carry out the ministry of God’s Word through this church. Your gifts are regular demonstrations of your faith in God.

For musicians who give hours weekly to prepare to lead us in worship when we gather as a church. Your praise of God enahances my praise of Him.

For members who regularly minister to others through teaching, calling, writing, and visiting their brothers or sisters in Christ. Your labor of love is the product of God’s life in you, and the delightful fruit of the Holy Spirit.

For members who have gone, or enabled others to go, to invest their lives on the mission field this year, be it local, national, or international; long-term or short. May their efforts yield a bountiful harvest of souls to the glory of God. Your willingness to go and send is a testimony of the worth of Christ.

For a Pastor who lives out the word, loves genuinely, leads with integrity, and preaches truthfully. Your pastoring is like that of a loving shepherd who cares for His flock.

And the list could go on and on…Praise God for His goodness to us!

Oh, how good God is!

How wonderful it is to be saved! 

I thank Him for the Jesus I have seen in you.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!