Sunday February 21, 2021

Sunday – February 21st – Philippians 1: 29-30  ----

1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Sunday Daily Walk Bible thought for today:  
MOST PEOPLE DON’T MIND OBSTACLES, AS LONG AS THEY DON’T GET IN THEIR WAY.*


Good Sunday to you! I must admit I have been looking forward to today for a long time. The opportunity to be back inbuilding on Sunday mornings with live worship happening is beyond energizing. I am excited about a new beginning, a new look, a new format, a new teaching series, and new opportunities to focus on growing in my discipleship journey. In many ways today is the unveiling of a new church start some twenty-nine years and eleven months after the first SunRise worship service back in March 1991. A huge part of our new focus is in creating discipleship discussion groups as an extension of each of the inbuilding services. After the service, when you exit the worship space, go straight down the hallway to the last two rooms where we will host groups for fellowship and discussion.  What a great way to get more out of the teaching and a way to reconnect with SunRise friends and family.


In our pick verses today, Paul concludes both this sub-section on a personal conduct worthy of the Gospel, and this first chapter of his letter to the believers in Philippi. Paul speaks not to the somewhat ease of displaying good conduct when things are going well, but addresses our challenges when suffering is part of our life story. Paul teaches that it is a revered gift of God’s grace to be able to suffer on Jesus’ behalf. This thought gives added dimension to the realization that by grace we are saved, by grace we suffer for Jesus, and by grace we are able to endure though tough times. Paul hoped that the Philippians would be encouraged by his willingness to suffer for Christ. Our best witness for the Kingdom of Heaven comes not through words but through actions – especially when those actions are during times of personal challenges or suffering. What do folks see in us when life is hard?

Blessings
  Pastor Jim
Monday – February 22nd – Philippians 2:1-2


*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Location 10032). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition

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