Always Be Thankful

As Paul writes to the Philippians, there are four actions he encourages them to make a pattern of their lives: always be thankful, always be bold, always obey, and always rejoice. What does it look like to practice these actions on a continual basis?

Paul gives thanks to God for the Philippians. (1:3-4)
Whenever Paul remembers the Philippians he thanks God for them. Paul had seen God work in the lives of the Philippians in significant ways. Lydia had been saved and opened up her house for the believers to meet there. The Philippian jailer had seen Paul and Silas rejoicing in God even when they had been beaten and were put in jail (see Acts 16). Additionally, the Philippians had been an encouragement to Paul; not the least because they had sent Epaphroditus to update him on how the Philippians were doing. As believers, we should strive to be the type of people that cause other believers to thank God for us. In our own prayers, we should thank God for the fellow believers that encourage us.

Whenever he prays for them he makes his requests with joy.
Paul does not consider it a burden to pray for the Philippians, but he is glad to bring them before God’s throne of grace. Part of his ministry to them is his interceding in prayer for them. While he couldn’t physically be with them and encourage them because of his imprisonment, he could still minister to them through his prayers. What an encouragement it must have been for the Philippians to know that Paul was praying for them! So many times we think that ministry is “doing”. And yes, there is a certain truth that ministry involves actively being involved in the lives of others. However, I think we vastly underestimate how much encouragement and impact we can have by bringing others in our requests before God’s throne of grace. May we be more faithful in our earnest prayers for our loved ones, our friends, and our missionaries.

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Spine Labels - Set 50

spine labels
noun (plural) - a collection of odds and ends that are as random as reading spine labels in a bookstore

Not Really a Morning Person pin

Sweater Pumpkins

Lavender Syrup

Earl Grey Tea cake baking kit

Spiced Chai Latte whipped body butter

Scarecrow Nordic Gnome

Lavender Fields wax melts

Book Nerd book pouch

Lavender and Rosemary soap

Book planter pot


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Sometimes a Light Surprises

Sometimes a light surprises
the Christian while he sings;
it is the Lord, who rises
with healing in his wings:
when comforts are declining,
he grants the soul again
a season of clear shining,
to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation,
and find it ever new;
set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
"Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may."

It can bring with it nothing
but he will bear us through;
who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe his people too:
beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed;
and he who feeds the ravens
will give his children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither
their wanted fruit should bear,
though all the field should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there;
yet God the same abideth,
his praise shall tune my voice,
for, while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

- by William Cowper

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The Weaver

My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

- by Grant Colfax Tullar

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