Thank You

“For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.” (1Co 16:18 AV)

This is not foreign to Paul.  Many times he mentions people for whom he is grateful.  We know it is spoken of much, but seldom practiced.  When A famous person receives an award, he or she usually mentions those who made it possible.  They thank the supporting staff or players who did what they did, so the one who is honored could be recognized.  The thing is, we should do it far more than we do.  Paul mentions something interesting here.  He mentions several people who refreshed his spirit.  In so doing, they also refreshed the spirit of the church.  Those who are a blessing to the man of God will also, by extension, be a blessing to those who attend.  It is their nature to do so.

October is pastor appreciation month.  My church is no exception.  They are the best.  Each member and attender is special to this man of God.  Just tonight I was sitting in the song service and was grateful for the opportunity to minister the word of God to hungry souls.  I don’t have a large church.  Only a handful.  But to me it is the world.  They are awesome.  They bear this preacher up by prayers and encouragement.  They meet our needs and seek our welfare often.  They are blessed people.

We serve by the encouraging words of other people.  Sure, the Holy Spirit is our power behind our ministry.  But it is also the Holy Spirit working through the people who surround us that gets us through the hard times of ministry.  For them I am eternally grateful.  So, thank you dear saints, for who and what you are.  And thank you for what you do.  This preacher is so very blessed, and it is by your faithfulness that I am able to help you.  May God continue to use us all for His glory and our welfare!