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Joy and Thanksgiving
Read: Philippians 1:1-11
Philippians is known as the book of joy. A form of the words “joy” and “rejoicing” occur over 12 times in its 4 chapters as Paul thanks God for the believers in Philippi and rejoices in what God is doing in the midst of his circumstances. Paul founded the church in Philippi, the first church established on the European continent, on his second missionary journey and is now writing a letter (what we know as the book of Philippians) to encourage the believers while he is imprisoned in Rome.
Paul was a man of great prayer and thanked God every time he remembered the believers in Philippi. The church in Philippi had been a great source of joy to Paul as they partnered with him to share the gospel. It brought him joy and delight to pray for them and he longed for them with great affection. While he was in prison, he rejoiced in the fact that they were carrying on the work that was started—growing in fellowship with each other and serving God in the city where they lived. He had confidence that even in his absence they were carrying on the mission of the church and that God was being glorified.
The beginning of Willow Chicago, like the church in Philippi, signified the birth of a community of believers who God would use to bless each other and the city in which they live. We are a part of God’s mission to the city—God’s hands and feet reaching out to each other, the needy and the broken. Like Paul prayed for the Philippians, the beginning of our church was bathed in much prayer. We sought guidance from the Holy Spirit and thanked God for what He was doing. We are the church. Let us pray for each other with joy and thanksgiving and together carry on the work that was started. Let us grow in community with each other and be united as we reach out to impact the city of Chicago.
Reflect: Read the above passage again and reflect on the following questions:
1. How can you take steps to pursue deeper relationships and a greater sense of community with others at Willow Chicago?
2. Do others thank God every time they think of you? Do they experience joy and delight when they think of your service to others?
3. What is one way you can show God’s love to someone this week?
Remember: Weekly memory verse
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 until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:9-11, NIV)
Today pray by name, with joy and thanksgiving, for the people and relationships God has placed in your life. Thank Him for the community He’s blessed you with and for the opportunities to serve Him in the city of Chicago.
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