Philippians 1:7-11
Reflect
How do you determine if someone is a Christian? Is it the words they say? Perhaps it’s the things they do? What makes it resoundingly clear to you that someone follows the Jesus Way of Life? It’s most likely that Paul writes this letter while in a Roman jail. From the authority’s perspective, his lifestyle warranted captivity. Not a lot of people chum up with convicts, and yet Paul’s selection of words clearly indicates a very intimate relationship (“hold in my heart”, “yearn for you”, “affection” etc). Why? I believe the answer is in v.7: they are “partakers” of grace. They benefitted from Jesus giving to them that which they could not do on their own and in turn, they gave to Paul that which he could not do on his own. That’s “active grace”, which is way more captivating than “passive grace”. I know there are people in your circles who need “active grace”. On your own you don’t have what it takes to satisfy what many around you are craving. However, the affections of Jesus are overflowing, and He invites you to be involved in the transformation of another person’s life.
Apply
How are His affections evidenced through your life today?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for the Prime Minister, Premier Kenney, Mayor Iveson, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to mind.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth Ministry Pastor.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Intern.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.