Remember Then Thank God

Chuckle: “If you talk to God you are praying; if God talks to you, you have schizophrenia.” –Thomas Szasz

Quote: “You realize there are a lot of amazing people out there to be grateful for . . . and a loving God, That’s what life is about.” --Robin Williams

REMEMBER THEN THANK GOD

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3 KJV). “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (NLT).

A kind and thoughtful lady, who is a member of a church I once served as pastor, closes her e-mails by quoting our passage. There’s something comforting and reassuring in knowing someone cares enough to think about you on a regular basis, and even more comforting that he or she prays for you and thanks God for you and your influence on their lives. Do you sense that you are fondly remembered by others with joy because of your acts of kindness and faithful service to our Lord?

Are there special people who have touched your life in the past that often come to mind and for whom you are deeply grateful? It might be that person who always knew when you needed a pat on the back, a comforting hug, a kind word of encouragement, or help with some other special need.

In this brief passage, we find two amazing abilities given to us by God our Creator that we often take for granted – the gifts of memory and gratitude. God gave us the ability to remember those who have loved us and contributed so much to our life experiences and to be grateful for them as blessings sent by God Himself. Perhaps you would like to join me today in remembering someone who has been a positive influence on your life in the past. Further, perhaps you will feel a desire to express your love and appreciation to that person using the words of Paul or similar expressions.

I’m sure the congregation in Philippi was encouraged by these words from the apostle Paul because of their love for him and his influence in starting their church -- teaching them how to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Paul leaves no doubt how thankful he is for the faithful Christians in Philippi. He goes on to say: “I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now” (Philippians 1:4-5 NLT).

Andrew Murray reminds us that “we think of Paul as a great missionary, the great preacher, the great writer, the great apostle . . We do not sufficiently think of him as the (great) intercessor.” Like Paul, we should be faithful in our prayers of intercession, especially for those we remember with extraordinary love and appreciation.

Love, Jerry & Dotse