GRATEFUL
“you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May his grace and peace be yours. We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.
As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thess. 1:1-3 – read chapter 1, or the whole book)
Praise the Lord! Are you grateful for the body of believers with whom you share life? What a privilege it is to grow together in the Lord and anticipate His soon return together. As we all know, doing church can be challenging, especially if it all revolves around the Sunday event. But there is something really different about being a true community in Christ who lives life together. Everyone operating in their giftings with the common goal of preparing ourselves for the day when our faith will be sight and we see our Lord face to face – oh what a glorious day that will be! The Apostle Paul’s joy comes from seeing the growth of the saints in Thessalonica who have given themselves to the study of the word and allowed the word to transform their lives into fruitful ministry. Now I also am rejoicing because of the Lord’s faithfulness to transform His people as they dedicate themselves to the study of the word, faithfully serving by making disciples who are taught to obey the word, serving one another in love. The word is powerful and always accomplishes the work of correcting and training in righteousness. I thank God that He has placed me with a family of believers who are reading and studying the word, receiving it and allowing it to change their lives. I am grateful that so many are ministering the truth of scripture to one another and sharing the good news of the gospel with those people with whom they interact. I praise God that we are a church where the power of Holy Spirit is healing and setting free, because the saints are humble and allowing Him to do His work. I am grateful that God is restoring and strengthening marriages as couples dedicate themselves to the Lord and the study of His word. I am grateful for the many ways the saints are serving one another and using their gifts to minister the life of Christ to one another. I am grateful for the evangelistic heart our community has to share the gospel of peace, joy and hope with those who have not heard. I am grateful for the fellowship I am part of supplying the needs of one another through tangible acts of kindness, ministering to each other on multiple fronts. I am grateful for the leadership team of this church, their commitment to Christ and His Body, their desire to keep the study of the word central, and their faithfulness to expand the Kingdom of our King through prayer led ministry. I am grateful that every member is doing their part to contribute to the health of the body, not just in our little community, but ministering to the larger body of Christ in Guelph and beyond. I am grateful that we are indeed part of the body of Christ ministering throughout the world in various countries to diverse people groups. I praise God for the many servants with whom I get to serve, and the many saints God uses to mold me and transform me into the image of His Son. I thank God for all those who love the truth and walk in the truth, with whom I am sharpened and encouraged, and are my examples of faithfulness to the Lord. I praise God for the passion of those younger than me who have a zeal to serve the Lord and see Him do great and mighty deeds in their generation. I praise God for those older and wiser than me from whom I glean much wisdom and are an example of perseverance till the end. I am grateful for all those who have endured through the trials as we work out being the church and doing the will of God together. Thank you to all who demonstrate continually that the church is not about a building or a weekly service, but about a group of Jesus followers who are on mission to make Him known, through our uniqueness and our diversity, as the body of Christ. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to encourage you with these weekly devotionals, knowing there is a group of people who actually allows me to serve them with the gifting the Lord has given me. Thank you for your encouragement, feedback, and most of all partnership in the gospel of our great and awesome King. Let’s press on together and encourage one another, even as we see the day of His return approaching.
Much Love,
Mike
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
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