8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (Romans 1)
As usual, Paul begins with prayer and thanksgiving - always a good combination. He is thankful fur the good report of their faith, and he wants to do all He can to foster that faith. He wants to share the gospel, encourate, plant seed, and even reap some spiritual harvest of growth in their lives. His joy and thanksgiving give him a motivation to pray and do. What an example for us. May we begin this day praying with thanksgiving for others, asking God to use us to bless any He may bring to us or bring us to. May we go through today with a purpose which is beyond our own happiness or some meaningless mode of survival.
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