It's me again God,
Thank You so much for the amazing spread of Your Word throughout the world and the faithful service of so many missionaries and pastors who have given their lives, to teach and shepherd Your people with love. I just want to stop and think back to the people who were instrumental in bringing Your Good News to me..............Thank You for the examples in Your Word which make it easy to see the importance of appreciation.
It's so great that I can read letters written by the apostle Paul, even while he was in prison for his faith:
"From Paul, a prisoner of the Anointed One, Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our precious friend and companion in this work. To the church that meets in his house, along with our dear sister Apphia and our fellow soldier Archippus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ pour out his grace and peace upon you."
Philemon 1:1-3 TPT
What an encouraging way to start a letter! How special it must have been for Philemon to read these words 'our precious friend and companion'!
"I am always thankful to my God as I remember you in my prayers because I'm hearing reports about your faith in the Lord Jesus and how much love you have for all his holy followers. I pray for you that the faith we share may effectively deepen your understanding of every good thing that belongs to you in Christ. Your love has impacted me and brings me great joy and encouragement, for the hearts of the believers have been greatly refreshed through you, dear brother."
Philemon 1:4-7 TPT
Encouragement and appreciation definitely seem to be the purpose here and remind me to make sure I take time to personally thank and encourage fellow Christians for their impact in my life. Love has been so important in Philemon's ministry—clearly a prerequisite in shepherding the believers! People need to see Your love through others —it helps them to grow in their faith. A gospel of love needs to be delivered with love:
""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""
John 13:34-35 NIV
The world will be able to clearly see You when I demonstrate love in all I do. Please fill me with Your Spirit so I can serve You in love and encourage others as they serve You too with words of appreciation.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
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It's Me Again God 2
SpiritualThis is part 2 of my prayer/devotional 'It's Me Again God'.Join me as I spend time in prayer, read the Bible and just listen to what God has to say each day. He loves us to talk to Him and wants us to get to know Him better. "Your word is a lamp for...
