Thank you

After my Bible study this morning in the 2nd book of Corinthians, I was pondering on what I could say to you all to provide some encouragement.  I read again, chapters 7 though 13, and saw how Paul both was encouraged, and how he encouraged others.  So, when I thought of the encouragement I get from certain brothers and sisters in Christ, I knew I owed them encouragement in return.  A few immediately came to mind.  My beautiful wife, of course, who is constantly searching out the meaning of God's word. And (not necessarily in order!!!!!) then I thought about Marvin and Denise Taliaferro.  How encouraging they are when I see their work with their sons and other teens.  Same goes for Duane and Rhena McCormick---I am so encouraged when I see their desire to help the boys and girls in troubling times and ages.  The work accomplished by Louise Hutchins, along with her constantly smiling husband, Kenny (which is encouraging in itself),  in their HUSH program, surely encourages my heart.  And I would be terribly remiss if I didn't mention Lanitha and Lomax Weaver.  What an awesome couple when it comes to selfishly loving and serving others.  I am also terribly humbled, yet enlightened, when I see Connie Jefferson taking one step after another as hardships have been plentiful in her life as of late.  I admire her determination.  Another determined couple is Dan and Phyllis Clemenz.  Almost every mid-week, they selfishly get to the 'church' early and set up the sound system....normally just by themselves, and then they are normally the last ones to leave for the evening, because they, also normally by themselves, put away all the sound equipment.  Tony Board especially encourages me because of his huge heart.  Although his work keeps him away from church a lot, his heart is always there.  He helps ANYONE who asks, do about ANYTHING.  A talented man.  Bob Okeefe is also extremely encouraging to me.  Boldness is something I lack, and his is an exemplary one I wish to emulate.  Speaking one's mind, regardless of consequences, is also a trait held by Paul--and Bob's emulation of that encourages me to be more like him and Paul.  Kathy and Rick Gibbons also come to mind when I think of selflessness.  They continually open their home for our weekly Bible studies and usually dig deep into the Bible to see if what I say during those studies was true---of course they, and the others in our group have to, I give them homework!!!  :-)

Mamma and Papa Wormley, as I call them, encourage me to the T every week I see them.  Always present, always smiling.  Always wanting to at least say Hi.  I am encouraged by the return to our church, of Rick and Jeannette Wells.  Perseverance is also one of Paul's traits which I see in Rick.  Kevin and Tameka Walker (I may have misspelled her name, sorry), encourage me weekly as well....smiles say it all.  Jamille Dade--Preacher Man, as I say---is book smart.  He knows his Bible and is not afraid to tell people about it.  I am always so encouraged when I see him introducing another visitor he has reached out to.  This same admiration goes for Toji and Denise Carlton.  They are close to being Bible scholars.  I love to hear them talk about what they have learned recently from reading their Bibles.  Junior and Becky Miller are encouraging as they are always seeking the truth, and Junior is always, always, serving in one capacity or another.

There are most certainly MANY others in our church who encourage me weekly.  And I apologize deeply for not mentioning you personally here.  You know what you do, even though I may not.  And so does God.  Be encouraged by that. 

I wanted to take this time to encourage each and every one of you for what you have done, and are doing, for God. 

After I finished my study, I was reading my daily devotional I get in email from The Purpose Driven Life.  It is a story of encouragement.  It compares our great military men and women of today, with us in God's army.  I encourage you to take the time to read it---I have included it below.

Thanks to each and every one of you for being a part of my life.

Mac

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE - DAILY DEVOTIONAL

August 10, 2005

“Thank You”
by John Fischer

There is a commercial currently running that has no spoken words, only the words “Thank You” appearing at the very end over a blank screen followed by the logo of the sponsor. The commercial pictures American troops in desert fatigues carrying their gear through an airport. Suddenly a lonely handclap is joined by another and another while others strain to see what is going on. Soon the whole airport is up on their feet applauding as the surprised soldiers move through the gathering crowd. The camera then scans the troops who never planned on being in a parade, and finds on their faces a mixture of embarrassment, gratitude and pride. Suddenly everyone is walking taller and lighter in their step. It’s a scene that in 60 seconds captures an incredible amount of emotion, and regardless of one’s views on the current confrontation in Iraq, it is able to cut through ambiguity and get right to the commitment and sacrifice of soldiers who are simply doing what they do in the service of their country.

It’s basically a pretty thankless job that soldiers perform especially in the current political climate of uncertainty. And yet they give their best years, and in many cases, their lives, for this cause. The sponsors of this commercial got it right. The leaders and decision-makers get all the press, when the soldiers are the people who need to be recognized for who they are and what they do.

Those who serve in the Lord’s army are no different. They don’t do it for the applause, but they certainly could use some now and then. It’s only right and proper to acknowledge those who serve the kingdom of God with enthusiasm and consistency. Every fellowship has them. Of course we are all made to serve Christ in some way, but some are particularly gifted in the area of service, and that’s just it: they’ll do it whether they get recognition or not. They’re not doing it for that. In fact, when you give them recognition, they look a little surprised and embarrassed because they just never thought along those lines.

Think of those you know who serve like this consistently and sometimes thanklessly, and plan on how you can applaud their actions and affirm their personhood. It’s true, they don’t need it, but I bet they will walk a little taller and lighter in their step as a result.

	John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.
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