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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.  Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only. Philippians 4:14-15

Listen: Philippians 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Christians in Philippi were exceedingly committed to Paul. Their financial friendship was not a one-time donation but lasted ten-years. It started with Lydia, the first Jesus-follower from Philippi. She opened up her house to Paul and entreated him to stay and be her guest. Even years later, the Philippians were laboring to send him gifts and supply his needs in his imprisonment in Rome.

We experience people like this in our own lives who show up week after week to bless us. Maybe it is a teacher who pours into her students’ lives each semester or a teenager who visits his grandmother in the nursing home regularly.

Paul was deeply grateful for the Philippians. We should be grateful too. Deeply grateful for the people God places in our lives to demonstrate his faithful kindness.

Likewise, we should be committed to a rhythm of repetitious blessing. Senior Pastor Jeff Manion said, “If everything is new and interesting all the time, you may miss your greatest opportunity for impact and influence.” These simple, consistent opportunities can bless those around you.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

On this Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to write a note, text or email of gratitude to someone who has blessed your life with faithful kindness and love. You could say something like, “As I reflect today on the blessings in my life, I am overwhelmed and blessed by your faithfulness in showing me God’s love. Thank you for being in my life.”


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.