Day 24

“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. 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. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:3-11

Paul wrote this letter to the church he started in Philippi, but I also see God sending this letter to our church at Cedar Hills.  We are in partnership as disciples of Christ to spread the good news of Christ around our communities and the corridor and He encourages us to continue this good work until the day He calls us home.  It doesn’t make a difference if we are experiencing joy or tribulation – God can work through us in all situations.

Sometimes His ways are not always clear to us, but His word helps us to discern what is best for each of us and Cedar Hills.

We are so blessed to be able to go to Him at any time with our concerns, joys and anxiety.  God who began a good work at Cedar Hills 60 years ago will carry it on to completion until the day we are all united with Him.  Press on by continuing to dwell in His word and seek Him for your everyday choices in life and learning to be “disciples of His great love.”

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being with us every day in working to spread Your love to those who are missing the joy you give in knowing You.  We also rejoice when we look back at the ways You have helped each of us individually and as a church grow more in Your love.  You have blessed us with each other and leaders who look to You to discern what is best for Cedar Hills so that Your good work will continue for years to come.  Amen.

-Diane Potter