‘We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope this is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.’
(Colossians 1 v. 3 – 8)
Paul is overflowing with thankfulness to God for this fairly new church – one he’d never actually visited – but planted by Epaphras, who had spend time with Paul whilst he was in Ephesus.
Whose ‘faith…love…hope’ inspires us?
Who do we thank God for, today, for their good influence upon our lives, whose good counsel, advice, challenge have led us to where we are today?
We thank God, today, for those who continue to plant new congregations, begin new work for the growing kingdom – who comes to mind for you today.
232 years ago, a group from Leyland went to Preston to hear John Wesley preach (in 1777). Upon returning to Leyland they opened up their weavers’ cottage for bible study and prayer, and what became Leyland Methodist Church began. Wow.
We also thank God that His gospel continues to bear fruit – and is growing throughout the world.
Let today be a day of THANKSGIVING for all those who have influenced us, and for those who continue to influence us for God’s good, today.