An Encouraging Word

Today there were a few more encouraging words from people who were a part of City Church starting and who wanted to honor the step that our church took this weekend. There were comments by so many Christian friends around Long Beach and beyond. And then there were friends who are not Christians who wrote these things:

“Wow. Sounds like the type of community that would make me go back to church!!!”

“You have done so much for so many!”

“Your church seems to do a lot of good in the neighborhood.”

“Love everything that you do for the community. Grateful that our paths crossed.”

Perhaps today we could just stop and give thanks for the ways God is using this little church to try to love people well. Take some time to reflect on this simple passage of Paul blessing the church in Thessalonica, asking God to encourage you by these words:

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Fatheryour work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…. And so you became a modelto all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.  1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 7-8