20-Sep-14

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.  God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:7-8We all want to be loved.  We all want to be special. Apostle Paul, in the midst of imprisonment, constantly taught – defended and confirmed the truth of the Gospel.  Filled with love for his brothers in Christ Jesus, he felt encouraged and blessed.So that the Lord’s people will receive knowledge of their freedom through the forgiveness of their sins.  All this will flow from the kind and compassionate mercy of our God. A new day is dawning: the Sunrise from the heavens will break through in our darkness,  Luke 1:77-78Luke wrote about the Lord’s people receiving knowledge of their freedom through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  I love the word – Luke uses that this flows from the kind and compassionate mercy of our God.  His love is a sunrise that breaks through our darkness. Now that is special.The second verse of Philippians 2 gives us the passport to this freedom and comfort!  Agree wholeheartedly with each other — loving one another — working together with one mind.  That can ONLY be done through the love of Jesus.  Praise His Name!  When we belong to Jesus and through Him find fellowship with our brothers and sisters — we are special.Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2