TGIF

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Romans 16:3

Is there someone who gave a lot so that you could be saved? Paul speaks of two people, a married couple, and his thankfulness for them. They risked their lives so that Paul could continue his gospel work and this has led to gratefulness among the churches.

Now, you may not have had anyone directly risk their life for you and your salvation. But most of us have stories of people who sacrificed much for our sake.

I think of one of my youth group leaders. Who would drive me and a bunch of kids around. Who would encourage us to go to Church and loved a bunch of misfit and worldly boys.

I also think of others. We owe much to some of the first missionary/chaplains that came to Australia. I know this is a bit complicated because of indigenous treatment by the first European Australians. But at the same time, these men and their families sailed over from England to what seems to have been a very godless situation in order to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

If you are interested, take a look at the State Library’s accounts of the first Christian activity in Australia. https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/stories/religion-church-and-missions-australia 

Who are you grateful for today?

For Today:

• Reflect on people who have sacrificed for your faith
• Send them a text (if you can) to encourage them
• Think about who you are sacrificing for.

Pray:

• Praise the Father for His grace in putting people around us for our encouragement. 
• Give thanks to Jesus who sacrificed so much for the sake of His people. 
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others sacrifice for the sake of others growing in their faith.