Philippians 1:1-11

Philippians 1:1-11 NIV
¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
   To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ 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.

Paul begins with his greeting and immediately informs the church at Philippe that he is grateful for them and that he prays for them.  I'm convicted that I do not pray enough for my brothers and sister in Christ.

I'm also encouraged by verse 6.  God is not done with me yet and He will complete the work he started in me.  The above conviction is something that can change as God continues to work in my heart.

 ⁷ 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. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul's feelings for them are real, yet he does not seek human confirmation.  God's testimony is enough for Paul.  I think how often I've tried to prove myself right before others instead of just allowing God to be my witness and to trust in Him for justice.

 ⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

This prayer was answered this morning.  I had a choice to make and I was able to apply my knowledge of scripture and chose the best path.  I'm writing this blog rejoicing in having made the right choice instead of convicted and confession of having made the wrong choice.