Two simple, one-syllable words; what power, joy, comfort, and assurance they convey and what pride, ingratitude, and selfishness their absence reveals.
Our "thank you" primarily is to the Lord for all things! Paul uses some form of the word thirty-seven times in his epistles. Our Lord is the first cause of every blessing - He is the source of all grace and mercy. "In everything we give thanks."
However, I am troubled that the words are so seldom used among men in the home, in the church, on the street, through the mail, over the phone and to one another in general. Not that any believer's labor of love or work of faith is done for either praise or reward, but what a disappointment to give, serve, and labor for the comfort 'and well-being of others only to have that effort ignored or unappreciated to the extent that it is never mentioned. And what a loss of confidence and admiration to be ignored and taken for granted by those whom we have held in such high esteem that we have shared our homes, our possessions, our food and our time with them.
"Thank you" may be a simple phrase, time-worn, and common; but when it is not present, it reveals a weakness of character, pride of heart, and an absence of the grace of God in the heart.
Thank you for thinking of me, praying for me, and letting me be your friend - I need friends! Thank you for your care, your consideration, and your kind words - I need encouragement Thank you for your smile, your warm greeting and your welcome ear - I need someone to talk to! I just want you to know that you are appreciated and I thank you!
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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