Hey, just want to let you know...

Today I want to talk about being thankful for those around and closest to us and letting them know it.

Colossians 1:3 - We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is great because in all of Paul’s writings, he always starts by telling those he is writing to about how thankful he is for them. He encourages them and lets them know how pleased and blessed he is that God has allowed him to meet, teach, and know them. He then tells them that he is praying for them.

I find it very inspiring because he thinks it is worth letting them know how thankful he is for them and that he prays for them.

I think it should be something that we don’t shy away from.

As it says in Matthew 7:12, "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."

How often do you think, man it would be so good to hear from someone that they are thinking about and praying for me? Some days we really need that. My thought is if you feel like you need that, then someone else probably does as well.

I encourage you that if someone comes to mind, pray for them, and if you feel led to share with them that you did that, then do it. If not, just a simple "I was just thinking of you, and I hope you are having a good day" really goes a long way.

We all want to be seen, and though God sees us fully, having people, a community, also see you is great as well. It tells us in Proverbs 27: 17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

Indeed, a word from a friend sharpens us in various ways. It renews us somewhat.

I want to leave you with what Paul says to the Ephesians, from of course the book of Ephesians chapter 1:15-19 - Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

I want you to know that you are being thought of and prayed for by those here at KJIC.