November 24, 2021

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

The very things that have the capacity to bring us the greatest joy (marriage, kids, family, church) also have the capacity to bring us the greatest grief. For some, this holiday is something you really look forward to and for others it is something you dread. Good relationships are not automatic, neither are good churches.

Near the top of my thanksgiving list is you. I resonate with Paul in this sense. We are in a partnership in the gospel (v.5). We are in this together. The value of this has been so apparent in this season of sickness for many and loss for some. We can turn to our brothers and sisters for prayer, encouragement, and comfort and we do. Throughout the day, we receive emails, texts, and other updates informing us of issues related to our missionaries and to our membership. We would not have the freedom and confidence to be able to turn to one another if we were in conflict with one another, or if we did not have one another. What a joy it is to be able to pray for one another and to know that others are praying for us.

There is an old chorus that goes, “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free." All of that is true, but aren’t you glad that God didn’t save just you? Aren’t you glad for the church, your partners in the gospel, and your family who stand by you and pray for you?

I am. In fact, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”

With Thanksgiving,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: 1 Samuel 4:1-11