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!
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