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Written by Sparky Pritchard Friday, 08 January 2010 13:02

The apostle Paul was blessed with many friends – people who loved God and encouraged him in the ministry.  In so many of his letters his heart overflows with gratitude for them.

• “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you” (Romans 1:8)
• “I give thanks to my God always for you” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
• “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16)
• “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you … because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:3, 5)
• “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (Colossians 1:3)
• “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
• “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

In a similar way, Kathy and I are so grateful for your love, support, and friendship for the past two decades.  Time and again, you have reached out to us in your prayers, notes, and words of encouragement.  During the Christmas season, your cards and gifts have blanketed us with appreciation.

But in addition to that, you have blessed the entire staff through your generous Christmas offering.  In times like this, we know that budgets are tight and finances are stretched.  So your gifts to us represent a greater sacrifice than ever before.  In his “thank you note” to the Philippians, Paul referred to the gift from God’s people as “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).  And that is just what such gifts like yours are – grace-filled offerings to God gratefully received by those on this staff.  Our hearts also beat in sympathy with Paul who said, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (v. 17).  And so may God use these gifts to glorify Himself and bring blessing to all of you.  May He “supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (v. 19).

As we begin a new year … a new decade … may God guide our steps, guard our hearts, and glorify Himself in the church as we renew our commitment to serve our God with all of our being!