The apostle Paul opened the book of First Thessalonians
by telling the brethren there, “We give thanks to God always for
you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians
1:2). He thought it was important that they know he was thankful for
them and that he was praying for them. Why did he feel that way?
Maybe it was because it is good for us to know that someone cares about
us. The great prophet Elijah won a great victory over the prophets of
Baal on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18). One might think that he would have
been “riding high.” However, we are told that Elijah became
very depressed, went off into the wilderness by himself, and laid down
wishing he could just die (1 Kings 19:4). Part of his depression was
no doubt caused because the queen, Jezebel, wanted to kill him. Part
of his problem was that he thought he was alone. “He said, I have
been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel
have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy
prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek
my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah thought he alone
was fighting the battle for right, and that no one cared about him.
Maybe Paul wanted to be sure the Thessalonians knew they were not alone
in the battle. Maybe he wanted them to know he cared about them.
It could be that Paul was simply following his own preaching and wanted
the brethren to know that. Later in the same letter, Paul, by inspiration,
commanded the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing
give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Paul did not say that we should
give thanks for everything, but that we should give thanks “in
every thing.” In other words, no matter what situation we find
ourselves in, we should be living in a way that enables us to give thanks
to God for the provisions He has made for us. Paul knew that his brethren
were some of his greatest blessings, and he was always thankful for
every righteous thing done by his brethren.
In keeping with the apostle Paul’s example and
in light of the season of Thanksgiving, let me take this opportunity
to express our thanks to you, and to tell you that you are constantly
in our prayers. We feel very blessed to be here at Central Academy.
Every year at Thanksgiving, my mother would ask each of us what we were
thankful for. This is our first Thanksgiving with you and when I began
asking myself what I was thankful for, you were very near the top of
the list.
Knowing that “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22), I give
thanks for April. She is everything a man could ask for in a “preacher’s
wife” and much more than I deserve.
Knowing that “children are an heritage of the
LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the
hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man
that hath his quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5), I give thanks
for Paul, Jonlyn, Robert, Bret, Elizabeth, and Emily. It appears as
though my quiver will continue to be filled with blessings.
Knowing that “A friend loveth at all times, and
a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17), I give thanks
for the multitude of friends and brethren God has given me, of whom
you at Central Academy are a beloved and special part. You give me a
reason to rejoice every time you do right. You help to keep me on the
straight-and-narrow. You give a shoulder to lean on when things are
difficult. You laugh, cry, yell, scream, and shout at all the right
times to help me remember how blessed I am and how many things I need
to be thankful for. Thank you.
Finally, I thank you for the prayers you offer for me
and my family. They are much needed and greatly appreciated. Please
know that we also pray for you every day, and if those prayers for you
are granted, you will be filled with God’s richest blessings.
That is our greatest desire for you and yours.
