I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. Phil. 1:3-6
Heavenly Father, these words from the Apostle Paul fuel our praise and prayer today. Thank you for the spiritual parents, “partners in the Gospel,” and heart-friends you’ve given us. As 2021 unfolds, eternity-thinking, your-Kingdom-first-seeking, mutually-encouraging relationships will be more important than ever.
These are precarious, days. Gospel-sanity, growth in grace, finishing well—may we treasure these things more than gold, power, and influence. Keep rescuing us from thinking that doesn’t include you, a lifestyle not centered on Jesus, and building with “wood, hay, and straw” (1 Cor. 3:12).
Father, our greatest peace comes from knowing you will complete the good work you began in each of us (Phil. 1:6), and in your world (Rev. 21:1-5). Nothing can separate us from your love, remove us from your family, or keep us from heaven. Nothing will keep your glory from filling the earth one Day.
Because these things are true, not hoping is not an option. Because these things are true, may we not squander this year on pettiness, petulance, and passing fancies. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.