Philippians 1:3-6 states,
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Paul is writing and he gives thanks for the saints in Philippi.
On Friday night we celebrated 5 years of '4:12.' We took a night to celebrate what God has done, and how faithful and good He has been. It has been such a privilege to be a part of it.
And as we move forward in God - and what He is doing, I just want to mention a couple of things from these verses:
GIVE THANKS
I don't think that Paul is blind to who people are, or that he genuinely doesn't notice any of their faults. So isn't it interesting that EVERYTIME he thinks of them - He gives thanks to God. When I think back on the last five years - I give thanks to God for each of you! You all bring something different and unique, and that makes the body of Christ what it is!
REQUESTS WITH JOY
I don't pray for you all everyday! But whenever I do pray for you - I am able to bring my requests to God filled with joy - knowing that your life matters, and that the requests are brought to a God who is changing you from glory to glory... apparently He can make a difference in your life!
PARTNERS
That is what we are. Not even just us - but the body of Christ worldwide! My brothers and sisters in Egypt, USA, South Africa, West Belfast, Russia and all over the world. Partners in spreading the Good News! Here Paul is writing to a specific location - Philippi. He gives thanks, brings his requests to God with joy - because of his partners in the Gospel. I am grateful for the partners that God has given us in sharing the Good News these last 5 years!
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
Paul talks about his certainty that as you look towards the future - God will continue His good work within you until it is finally finished! I am so thankful for the good work that God has started in us - but also thankful that He will continue His good work!
As we look forward we are thankful for the partners in sharing the Good News that God has placed around us! And looking forward to the future as He continues His good work within all of you!
And remembering that 'This Gospel is too glorious to be content with past achievements!'
Just what could God allow us to be a part of in the future...
Let's keep loving and serving with grateful hearts. Thank you Jesus!
What a life you have given us!
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