A Great Source of Joy!

"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now."

(Philippians 1:3-5)

I stopped 30 seconds into my scheduled Scripture Journaling reading today (it was supposed to be the 4 chapters of Philippians). My heart was captivated by Paul's statement of "praying with joy" for the church in Philippi... constantly! I loved the idea of JOY being the driving force behind one's prayers - despite the circumstances of one's life and surroundings. Especially when thinking about the special people in our lives.

But then as I thought about it more, Paul is specifically talking about this church community. A people who have carried the Gospel message to others since Paul first came to them. They didn't just sit back and let him "be the pastor"... the driving force of ministry to rest on his shoulders alone. No! They were THE CHURCH, in the best sense of the definition. And unlike some of the other churches who didn't quite get it (or have the same successes the Philippians did)... this community FILLS Paul with joy.

It has caused me to think back over the 4 churches I have been privileged to serve in my 24 years of full-time ministry: Christ UMC (Honolulu), Hilo UMC, Aiea UMC, and Palmdale UMC. In each of these 4 churches (which vary in size and diversity from each other) there have always been people who "get it." Disciples who know the message of the Gospel means giving yourself away for the world in the name of The One who came that we might have LIFE more abundantly.

And so today... this morning... I am filled with joy as I remember all those who have partnered with me over the years in mission and ministry. Oftentimes YOU were the ones leading and inspiring me to be who God has called me to be. So thank you. And let's keep pushing forward together.