PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jun
11
11
Thankful For You
John Tilton
Scripture
Philippians 1:3-6 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.
Observation
Paul & Timothy begin their writing to the Philippians by honoring them for their partnership in taking the gospel forth; from the beginning of their quest, up until then and hence forth. Their encouragement came from gratitude and an intentional response to keep the Philippians in prayer confirming and lifting up to the Lord the wonderful work that God began in them, and that they God would continue to enable them to carry forth their work to completion.
Application
As I have the honor and privilege to serve in ministry full time, this gesture by Paul and Timothy touch home in my heart and remind me of the gratitude I have in serving the Lord to take His Gospel forth, together with those who are also called to serve Him as my peers in Christ. I am reminded of those volunteers who work all week then come to serve at weekend services; some choose to serve on weekends and during the week as well. I am reminded of the vision that God has placed upon New Hope Oahu and that it is a vision that is broad and fast. I am so grateful for those that choose the calling to keep up with the breadth, width and pace of what God is doing at New Hope Oahu. I am reminded of how we have been recently blind-sided by events and occurrences that have and do test the very foundation and roof (no pun intended) of our ministry. It is through the perseverance of the called here at New Hope Oahu, that we can look back to see what God has done, look within currently at what He is doing, and look forward to how He will enable us to complete the good works that He has begun at New Hope and will see through to the day of His coming.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of the great call on our lives for those I have had the privilege to serve with for your purpose and glory. I pray that you will continue to guide us through our current events and occurrences, both good and challenging, as well as what lies before us; that we may see through to completion what you have placed in our hands and on our hearts. May we be mindful to respect, honor and be thankful for one another with gratitude and wholesome loving relationships.
