I Thank My God

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi he began by expressing his thanks to the church. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).

Thanksgiving is a healing expression. As we give thanks we recognize that we are really not self-sufficient. We really do need other people.

As we give thanks, we express how others have enriched our lives and touched us deeply.

Let me share some people for whom I am thankful. Most of these people you will not know, but they are known by Martha and me and by our Father in Heaven.

I am thankful for Des Sprayberry, a member of the church in Donaldsonville, who showed up to sit with me during a long and difficult delivery of Anna. It was a time when I could have lost both Martha and baby. At that time, I hardly knew what kind of questions to ask. Des was a God-send.

Claude Howe and John Olen Strange, professors at New Orleans Seminary, who saw “something” in me and encouraged me along the way.

The members of the Superior Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana, who took us in at age 27 and 25 and believed in us. We have never forgotten their encouragement.

First Baptist Church, Covington, Louisiana, who is willing to follow my leadership and really does want to do that which pleases God. I came home after our budget discussion Wednesday night and answered the inevitable question that Martha and I ask of each other, “”How do you think it went?” I answered Martha in this way, “Our people really do want to reach others, be kind and unified, and do right before God.” I thank God for you as the church.

As you would expect, I have so much more for which to be thankful. So do you.

Let us make this special time of the year a time to reflect on God, His goodness, and the kindness of the people around us.

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7 Responses

  1. During this season of Thanksgiving, I am particularly thankful for you and Martha. You both have helped me grow in my faith and understanding of what the Bible says to us. You have been a blessing in my life. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your family.

  2. You, Martha and your family are loved.
    I am so thankful to you and grateful for the friendship, teaching, guidance and love you have shown me and my family.
    During times of needed counsel you pointed us to Scripture, encouraged us and never made us feel condemned.
    You helped lead my best half to Jesus and I believe other family members also. Word can’t express a thank you big enough for this!
    & you remember to laugh! Your joy is contagious!

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