February, 2017

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 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. (Philippians 1:3-6

Dear Church Family,

It is our hope that you are having a good day. Paul wrote the words printed above to the Christians in Philippi. Why? Because he wanted them to know how much he appreciated them and their efforts in working together for the cause of sharing the good news about JESUS. His words are kind, encouraging and they have an impact on the reader. “God will not stop building you up” Paul declares. Paul goes on and lets them know: “What God starts HE finishes.” There are no half jobs that carry HIS signature. This was true in Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church and it is true in our day to day relationships as well.

There is no time to waste, the days run so quickly and so we too are reminded today to tell those God has placed us in relationship with: “I love you and I appreciate you, you are a blessing and I want you to know how important you are to me!” When we spend time with someone regularly these words might be left unsaid simply because we are around each other all of the time. Why don’t we stop today, slow down and make an effort to let them know how important they are to us. Let us not assume they know, for they need to hear it too. (“Familiar acts are beautiful though love” Percy Bysshe Shelley). Maybe when we see a person struggle in an area, we can ask God to show us a creative way, to encourage them with something visible, tangible. In the process they and we ourselves will find assurance once again in the truth that the good work which God has started in them and us, HE will also finish and complete. Let us be encouraged today in this truth of the Bible, it is addressed to us!