Pastor’s Corner: “I Thank God for You!”
Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV) – 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
Ephesians 1:15-16 (NLT) 15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,
Colossians 1:3-4 (NIV) – 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—
1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) – 2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.
I can relate to Paul when I think about you. I am thankful for you, I pray for you constantly and when I think of you, joy fills my heart! Being a pastor for the last 10 years has been filled with many challenges and many great joys. I cannot remember all the challenges, but I can always remember the joys. They have names and faces. They are you, the beautiful people God has given me the honor of serving. Like Paul, this road has been difficult, stretching and at times painful. But the joy and love from you and for you has carried me through.
This year has been no exception. With the loss of Isaiah here on earth (great gain in heaven), I did not know if I could recover from what was broken inside to be able to continue to serve. I considered walking away, but God had a different plan. The love of Jesus shown through you opened my eyes and heart to healing and strength I needed. Isaiah 58:11 (AMP) – 11 “And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Our family is eternally grateful for your continued love and support.
I now understand how Paul, despite all the trials and tribulations he faced was able to continue to serve joyfully, even when facing death. It was the thankfulness, joy and love of Christ for people. Be willing to open your heart to gratitude and love this year for the people God has placed in your life, no matter the circumstances.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton