I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
Darica, Fred, Jane, Dave, Ross, Kevin, Ralph, Dan, Sam, Gene, Jason, Jason, Isaac, Jim – these are just some of the names of the people in my life who have or who currently encourage me in my walk with Christ. They do this, like Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus did for Paul, by refreshing my spirit. And I am thankful for each of them.
Today of course, is Thanksgiving, and we have much to be thankful for, do we not? Starting, most obviously and appropriately with God, and with all we have received in the salvation He provides us through our faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, were we to stop there in our thanksgiving, we would realize we are the richest people in the world. As A.W.Tozer once wrote, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.” We hope and pray that everyone reading this today will take a moment to thank God for God!
Then we hope and pray you will move on in your moment of thanksgiving to the people God has placed in your life – people through whom He has or does refresh your spirit; people through whom you have or do receive love, friendship, encouragement, comfort, and a listening ear. While we probably don’t recognize or remember them enough, the truth is that these people have been sent by God into our lives and we know deep down in our hearts that we are thankful for them.
So spend a few minutes thanking God for them. Let Him know exactly why and how you are thankful – provide Him with specifics. Then, if you feel so inclined, let a few of them know of your thankfulness – send a text, make a call (you can use a phone to talk on – did you know that?!), write an email. As Paul says, “Give recognition to such people.” It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Paul sure wasn’t. Let them know they were on your mind and that you are thankful for them. You and they will be glad you did.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Scott Smith
Care Pastor