Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV)
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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. 7 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. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
How does this passage make you feel about uncertainties in your life?
Thank You, God, for the community of Shepherd of the Hills and for the fellowship of believers that You have brought closer together through this crisis. I don’t know how long will this go on, Lord. The uncertainty is daunting. It is comforting to know that You have the end in mind. You have loved me when I was unlovable. You began a good work in me and I believe that You will carry it on to completion. I can trust in that. You will not let me go. During this uncertainty, please help me to grow in love. Help me to partner with others in the church so that our love will grow to care for each other, in knowledge and insight to discern what is best and to grow in holiness during this time so that we may be holy both inwardly and outwardly. Encourage me that I can be useful in the midst of this crisis. Lord use me for Your glory. Open my eyes to see how You are moving me, calling me and using me. In thanksgiving and praise. Amen