Continuing Thanks!

Yesterday across our country there were many families and friends gathering and focusing together on all the many things for which thanks can be given. Among that for which we ought to give thanks are the special relationships we are able to develop in this life and how personally meaningful they become. Hopefully we each have family and friends who hold a special place in our lives. Those who share a kindred spirit of faith ought to be special to us as well. There is a very special sense of family within the congregation I have had the privilege of working with for the last twenty-one years and I am always encouraged by the manner in which they receive GOD’S WORD. In my teaching and preaching I must always be mindful that I am merely a messenger and the message must remain God’s. HIS WORD must take precedence above all.

Paul faced many challenges during his years of ministry, however, his letters reveal he was a very thankful person. His letters contain many expressions of thanks to God for His rich blessings of grace and mercy and also for those individuals who were co-laborers and a source of great encouragement to Paul. He appreciated the relationships he had developed with believers in various places and was always encouraged by the growth and steadfastness he observed (or heard) taking place in their lives.

Note one of Paul’s expressions of thanks to the church at Thessalonica.
“And we also THANK GOD CONSTANTLY for this, that WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, which you heard from us, YOU ACCEPTED IT not as the word of men but AS WHAT IT REALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH IS AT WORK IN YOU BELIEVERS.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV)

I am personally thankful for each one who continues to have an interest in the daily “teEn-MAIL” focuses and those who have continued to share them with others. My hope is always that your GREATEST INTEREST is to go even deeper into GOD’S WORD with a willingness to accept it as it is. May we always allow GOD’S WORD to be the last word on every subject. Regardless of what the world or others may choose to do, for us to sincerely seek to accept God’s Standard and Will as it is, we cannot go wrong. Let us allow GOD’S WORD to continually fulfill the purpose for which He has sent it. ( Isaiah 55:11) In so doing we will continue to be blessed!

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD’S WORD TO CONSTANTLY BE AT WORK IN OUR LIFE!
Carl

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