Last Saturday 14 people from The Way Assembly of God in Middleton, Idaho, gathered in my little house for a dinner. We divided up between two rooms to sit at tables to eat, but when the meal was done, we folded up the table in the living room and brought in chairs. We sat in a circle, 14 people who love the LORD God, who love the local fellowship, who love each other.
The dinner was a way for Bob and me to say thank you to each one. We could not do this ministry without the loving support and encouragement from others. We wanted to say thank you to each one personally, and in the presence of others. These wonderful people have ministries of music and maintenance, preaching and prayer and care. They serve on the Board, they organize fellowships, organize children’s church and they run the sound. Even more, they look out for others in the church by following up, praying, and even stocking and handing out food from the small pantry we have.
Sometimes when we work in a church, we think that no one notices what we do. I wanted each person present to know that I notice. Even more, I wanted each person present to know that God notices.
Paul reminded the believers in Thessalonica that he and others “continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 1:3]
Nothing we do for the LORD will ever escape His notice; and one day we will each receive our rewards. Still, as we “continually remember” people before God for their “work produced by faith,” we should also remember them in their presence and before others.
This week, when you see someone working in the church or helping others outside those walls, say thank you and tell them you notice what they do, and that they bless your soul.
