Remember...

2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly ³remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Over the years, I have seen faithful Christian brothers and sisters performing selfless acts of love on behalf of the church.  Some are still with us and others have gone on before us and their former “outer shell” is now lying in the cemetery just on the other side of the trees from our church.  These people – both still here and gone before me – are remembered by me whenever I wander for my coffee throughout the day.  I pause and look out over the small ravine and try to spy the head stones of those that have gone on before me through the leaves of the many trees between the church and their resting grounds.  Their memory reminds me of those doing the work they had done before they passed and I get a warm feeling of deep appreciation for all that they have done and for those who are now doing the work to further God’s kingdom.

There are many tasks that are available to everyone within the church family – from volunteering in the office or helping with events to those that are always a welcoming smile to those just entering our church for the very first time.  Some labor physically and others spiritually to do the work of the church.  They seek no recognition for what they do and they do these tasks willingly out of love for their church,  church family and those less fortunate.  Those of us who know who they are greatly appreciate them and remember them and their good works in our prayers and with great fondness for their devotion to their tasks.  Let us all continue to remember each other in our prayers – even those who have gone on before us and have set good Christian examples for us to follow in serving Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, We give You thanks and praise for those who have gone before us and set such wonderful examples of Christ’s love for others for us to follow.  We also give You thanks for those that continue to do Your work – especially those who seek no recognition for their many tasks done out of love for You.  Help us to follow their example in serving You with loving hearts devoted to advancing Your kingdom here on earth.  Amen.