This month our series is, "Thanks for the _________"
Each week we will direct our attention toward God and be encouraged to express our gratitude and appreciation to Him in four specific areas.
So far we've covered, Thanks for Loving Me, Thanks for Using Me, and Thanks for All You've Done for Me.

When was the last time you went somewhere with someone? Maybe the person asked you to ride along with them while they ran errands. Or maybe you asked them. Sometimes in life you just need someone with you.
A famous English writer, John Donne, wrote the following words to a famous poem,
"No man is an island, Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main."

The Jewish and early Christian cultures emphasized the importance of community, not individual isolationism. Jesus called people into a relationship with the words, "Follow me" and into other's orientation with the words, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
Mark 3:13-14 [TPT - The Passion Translation]

Today's message is entitled, "Thanks for Riding With Me!"
God loves us so much that He not only created us, saved us, provides for us, protects us, AND He has gifted people to us.
There are many people in our life that when it's all said and done, we will be a much better person for knowing them and we will miss them dearly.

Our text today is found in 2 Timothy which is the Apostle Paul's last correspondence before he is put to death by the Roman Emperor Nero.
He is being held at the infamous Mamertine Prison in Rome. The time frame falls in the winter of 67-68 A.D. and Paul is reflecting upon many of the people who were his friends and co-workers in the ministry.
It's as if he's saying, "Thanks for Riding With Me on this adventure!"

Paul's final words are found in 2 Timothy 4 and communicate the principle that we're talking about today as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary.
God has given Grace Church many people over the years who have been a blessing and who have contributed to our being here today.
They are the ones who I want to thank for Riding With Me on the Great Adventure called Grace Church.

If your ride was going to come to an end on December 31st...who would you write about?
Who has impacted your life, made a difference in you, shared your pain and joys, helped you in your life and ministry, and ridden with you through life?

As we read through chapter 4, we see many people mentioned.
- There are FEARLESS defenders of the faith,
- FANTASTIC co-workers,
- FAINT-HEARTED believers who abandoned the Paul & the work of GOD,
- FOES who did everything they could to stop Paul’ journey,
- FRIENDS who stood by him,
- FAMOUS people who used their position and resources to benefit GOD’s work and church,
- A handful of Paul’s FAVORITES.
- Not to be missed is the FAITHFUL ONE… JESUS Himself who supported Paul throughout his ministry.

There are so many people but the focus today is not so much on who they are but how we chose to remember, honor, and thank them.

There are 3 actions that Paul did on their behalf. If we value those who have ridden with us, then we should put into practice these same actions.

First - ENCOURAGE them.
2 Timothy 4:1-8

Second - RECOGNIZE them.
2 Timothy 4:9-21

Third - PRAY for them.
2 Timothy 4:22

What would your final words be to those who have journeyed through life with you?

"Thanks for the memories"