Paul wrote to His church family in Philippi and expressed his heart so openly, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). Paul had many things for which he was thankful regarding these brethren and even bragged about them to other congregations (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 11:9). Following Paul’s lead, I thank my God for the brethren at Palm Beach Lakes (for more things than can be listed here).
I thank God for the shepherds of this congregation, who watch for our souls and lead us in the paths of righteousness!
I thank God for the deacons, who work so hard (often behind the scenes) in serving this church and providing opportunities for others to serve.
I thank God for my fellow-preachers, who have devoted themselves so sacrificially and whole-heartedly to the Lord, His church and His Word!
I thank God for the secretaries, who work tirelessly day in and day out to keep so many things organized and moving forward for the good of the whole church.
I thank God for the married couples, who demonstrate to all of us the beauty of following God’s plan of marital fidelity by keeping Christ as the glue of your union.
I thank God for the parents, who are rearing your children to be conformed to the image of Christ instead of conformed to the world.
I thank God for the teenagers, who are setting an example for the rest of us in your faith, love and service to the Lord and His church, in the face of pressure from your peers.
I thank God for the children and the crying babies, who help us to see that the church is not dead and remind us of what is truly important.
I thank God for the widows, who have devoted themselves to pleasing the Lord and showing us how to triumph through tragedy.
I thank God for the young adults, who are taking a stand for (even demanding) truth and righteousness, against the tide of today’s culture.
I thank God for the new converts, who are yearning for truth and soaking up every Bible lesson that is presented.
I thank God for “the seasoned saints,” who have been Christians for decades and are steadfast stalwarts in the work and worship of the church.
I thank God for the multiplicity of Palm Beach Lakes, where hundreds of us who are so very different can find a place in the family of God. I thank my God for every single one of you! May God use us, bless us and multiply us!