November 12, 2019
Philippians 1:3-8
 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.  It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
New International Version (NIV)
“God does not have favorites, but he does have intimates.”  Paul, too!  I am sure he loved all of the Christians in all of the churches he planted.  But he must have smiled when he remembered Philippi.  He gave thanks as he remembered Lydia who was baptized and then welcomed Paul and Silas into her home to start a new church. 

The worst of times followed closely on the heels of the best of times for Paul.  Before he knew it he was in jail.  But when all hope seemed lost, he and Silas sang until God shook the earth and set them free.  Even the jailor who had presided over their beating was baptized with his household. 

When we open the book of Philippians we can almost smell the ancient joy emanating from Paul’s words.  Paul’s joy and gratitude were deeply rooted in his confidence in God.  He believed in the Philippians, to be sure.  But even more he believed in the God who had started the church there.  God who begins good work finishes what he starts. 

I feel the same way about the churches God has allowed me to serve.  I believe in the people, but much more in the God who is at work among us.  Only God could start something this good.  The good news which began the church guarantees its ultimate success.  God will finish what he starts in his church. 

Dallas Willard was once asked if he were ready to give up on the church.  He said, “No.  Christ is the head of the church and he knows what he is doing.”  God has invested life in his church.  Though flawed and fragile, the church will not fall, because our God cannot fail.  He must prevail.
Pray with me:      
Father, thank you for building your church on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, her Lord.  We are your new creation by Spirit and the Word.  From heaven you came and sought us to be your holy bride.  With your own blood you bought us and for our life you died.  Thank you for never giving up on your church.  Finish the good work you have begun in us we pray.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen!
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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