Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Philippians 1:18b-26
This letter to the church at Philippi was written by Paul from jail in Rome. The people of Philippi found out that Paul was in jail and sent him a gift and he was writing to thank them. This church was one of his favorites, having been established some ten years earlier, and Paul was congratulating them on doing so well. Paul found great joy in speaking about Jesus Christ and rejoiced in their prayers and their joy in faith.
This, too, should be our goal - to find joy in our own proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ. Paul found that the greatest thing he could do would to be exalted in the way he lived and spoke about Christ and in that he would find great joy.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, May the proclamation of my faith in Jesus Christ bring me great joy
and exalt Christ in all that I do. Amen.
Reflection:
What is one thing that you consider a personal accomplishment?
Describe one thing that God has accomplished in your life.
What do you think is a work of God that is "in progress" in your life right now?
What is something for which you'd like to be praised for how you lived your life or what you accomplished in your life?
Advent Week One: HOPE
Advent Kindness Calendar on Friday, December 7, 2018
Serve a neighbor. Cook dinner for a neighbor, leave a treat on a doorstep or shovel snow in a driveway.
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