“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:3-11 NIV
I have always loved this passage. I have used it many times when speaking or praying over the congregation. Now that I’m no longer in full-time ministry I continue to feel it’s power because of being a part of the greater body of Christ.
Earlier today I was driving to a home where a Christian ministry event was taking place. I drove by so many different churches either in the midst of worship or preparing for it. I am always amazed at the number of churches in my community. Sometimes it has felt like we have been in competition for people. This morning, however, I felt connected. So many people all worshipping the same God in different ways. How beautiful!!
“To the Gory and Praise of God!” Amen!!
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 