Observation: Paul greets the Christians in Philippi with this great enthusiasm ... declaring that whenever he thinks of them, he exclaims thanks in celebration and moves into prayer, so happy he is that they exist as fellow Christians. What a wonderful sentiment this is! It must have been so very, very encouraging to these believers to know that someone like Paul - a well-known evangelist and apostle who was now in prison for his faith - simply celebrated at the very thought of them. It's a sentiment that says their mere existence encourages others.
Application: There are times I have thought something like this. That I have been uplifted in spirit by the very thought of another church doing good work, even if I have no idea who the members there are. I can recall times of true warmth when I have seen or heard what another congregation is doing, and given a word of praise and thanks for their work and service.
I should do this more often. As Paul says, we are indeed all this together, and while we all do different works - and we all endure different challenges as a result - we are all still that extended body of Christ. I do love other churches and am thankful for how the teach, mature, and help others. They have strengths as a body we don't and I don't, and they do great things for the kingdom. For this, may I give thanks for other churches all-the-more.
Prayer: Lord, I do declare this praise and thanks! Thank you for Gold Creek, Canyon Hills, Emmanual Pres, Crosspointe, Venture, St Brendan's, North Creek, and all the other churches. May they remain strong in faith, and worthy of your lampstand. Amen.
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