Grateful For You
Philippians 1:1-11
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.
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.
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 righteousnessthat comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, June 4, 2023
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 95:2-3
I had just finished mowing the lawn of a ninety-two year old woman when she called for me from her back door to come in and get some refreshments she had prepared for me. I was a twelve-year old boy who was just looking to make a little money that summer. I sat down at her kitchen table to munch on the chocolate-chip cookies she had just made as she began to talk to me about her difficult upbringing and the loss of her husband.
I became intrigued by a phrase she kept saying after sharing one struggle after another. When she was done with each story she said, “But I am so thankful!” Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer and asked her how she could be so thankful when all these bad things happened? Looking at me with a genuine smile on her face she said, “Oh my boy, you can ALWAYS find something to be thankful for, if you are looking for it!”
I never forgot that moment, that smile, and that phrase. You may have noticed that I sign off on each of these emails with, Grateful to be on this journey with you”, OR, “Grateful for you”. I say it because it is true. I am SO THANKFUL that I have had the privilege of walking together with you over these past 14 years! To share in our desire to reach others with the message and love of Jesus that DOES make a life-changing difference has created great joy for both Mary and I.
We have also experienced your support and encouragement over the years as we poured our life into what matters most. In this time of transition we will continue to lift you up in prayer as you move forward with renewed vision as you follow Jesus. We look forward to this Sunday as we celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness to us!
Grateful for you,
John & Mary DuBall