Thanks, Sister!
Shawn Abigail
Sometimes in this fast paced world I forget to say Thank You. I really am grateful, but sometimes I just forget to let people know. Id just like to take a moment to say Thank You to my sisters in the Lord.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and you have taken this verse to heart. Week after week I see you out at the meetings of the church. This is a real encouragement to me. I know that some of you have unsaved husbands and your circumstances are not always the easiest. I appreciate the your efforts and the sacrifices you make.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are instructed to pray without ceasing. I know that many of you pray for me. I can see the evidence of your prayers in my life. It is a continual challenge for me to live a life worthy of the efforts you have made in prayer on my behalf. I would especially like to thank you for praying for me when I preach a sermon. The responsibility of presenting the word of God is too much for me and if it was not for your prayers I could not continue to preach.
We are told in Romans 12:13 to practice hospitality. There is something very special about sharing a meal with believers. As a student and as a bachelor I have especially appreciated the ways in which you have shown me hospitality. I have always appreciated the simplest of meals from your hands. I cant fully express how much this has meant to me. Having seen the good example you have presented, I will certainly endeavor to practice hospitality in my own life.
In Philemon 1:7, Paul says to his friend, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement... This is also true for me. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement. I am trying my best in this Christian life and you always seem to know when to provide a word of encouragement that demonstrates your love.
First Corinthians 14:34 says that women should remain silent in the churches. I have come to appreciate your silent participation in the meetings. I know that it is often your silent prayers that set the tone for the Breaking of Bread. I may not get the chance to hear your prayers but I know they are being heard. I know your prayers contribute to our worship and I thank you for them. Your silence is also a good example to me, for there are many times when I cannot say what is on my heart. You are living examples that deeply spiritual people can silently commit matters to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
First Corinthians 11:3 speaks of headship. Your gentle submission to your head is a constant reminder to me that I must be submissive to my head. Your example has served me well. As a child I had to submit to my parents. Today I must submit to the elders of the church. Even in my secular occupation I am required to be submissive to my employer. You have demonstrated that a person can be submissive without being in any way inferior. I am sorry if some men have not learned this lesson yet. I have learned it and you have helped teach it to me.
I read in Proverbs 31 about the wife of noble character. In many ways I have seen these qualities lived out in your life. You are hardworking and kind. In Proverbs 31:23 we see that her husband is respected among the people. Much of the respect that I have for the men in the assembly is due to the fine qualities that their wives show.
We live in a sexually charged atmosphere and at times it is difficult for a man to keep his thoughts away from sinful things. You are following First Timothy 2:9 in your attire and I appreciate your modesty and decency. Anyone can be noticed for his or her indecency, but you are noticed for your decency.
Finally, let me thank you for the hard work you have done in bringing up the next generation of saints. Like Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) your sincere faith is showing itself in your children. We live in a world that looks down on motherhood as a drudge, but I look upon you as a success. Thank you, sister!
Sometimes in this fast paced world I forget to say Thank You. I really am grateful, but sometimes I just forget to let people know. Id just like to take a moment to say Thank You to my sisters in the Lord.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and you have taken this verse to heart. Week after week I see you out at the meetings of the church. This is a real encouragement to me. I know that some of you have unsaved husbands and your circumstances are not always the easiest. I appreciate the your efforts and the sacrifices you make.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are instructed to pray without ceasing. I know that many of you pray for me. I can see the evidence of your prayers in my life. It is a continual challenge for me to live a life worthy of the efforts you have made in prayer on my behalf. I would especially like to thank you for praying for me when I preach a sermon. The responsibility of presenting the word of God is too much for me and if it was not for your prayers I could not continue to preach.
We are told in Romans 12:13 to practice hospitality. There is something very special about sharing a meal with believers. As a student and as a bachelor I have especially appreciated the ways in which you have shown me hospitality. I have always appreciated the simplest of meals from your hands. I cant fully express how much this has meant to me. Having seen the good example you have presented, I will certainly endeavor to practice hospitality in my own life.
In Philemon 1:7, Paul says to his friend, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement... This is also true for me. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement. I am trying my best in this Christian life and you always seem to know when to provide a word of encouragement that demonstrates your love.
First Corinthians 14:34 says that women should remain silent in the churches. I have come to appreciate your silent participation in the meetings. I know that it is often your silent prayers that set the tone for the Breaking of Bread. I may not get the chance to hear your prayers but I know they are being heard. I know your prayers contribute to our worship and I thank you for them. Your silence is also a good example to me, for there are many times when I cannot say what is on my heart. You are living examples that deeply spiritual people can silently commit matters to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
First Corinthians 11:3 speaks of headship. Your gentle submission to your head is a constant reminder to me that I must be submissive to my head. Your example has served me well. As a child I had to submit to my parents. Today I must submit to the elders of the church. Even in my secular occupation I am required to be submissive to my employer. You have demonstrated that a person can be submissive without being in any way inferior. I am sorry if some men have not learned this lesson yet. I have learned it and you have helped teach it to me.
I read in Proverbs 31 about the wife of noble character. In many ways I have seen these qualities lived out in your life. You are hardworking and kind. In Proverbs 31:23 we see that her husband is respected among the people. Much of the respect that I have for the men in the assembly is due to the fine qualities that their wives show.
We live in a sexually charged atmosphere and at times it is difficult for a man to keep his thoughts away from sinful things. You are following First Timothy 2:9 in your attire and I appreciate your modesty and decency. Anyone can be noticed for his or her indecency, but you are noticed for your decency.
Finally, let me thank you for the hard work you have done in bringing up the next generation of saints. Like Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) your sincere faith is showing itself in your children. We live in a world that looks down on motherhood as a drudge, but I look upon you as a success. Thank you, sister!
