Day Twenty-Three

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so 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. - Philippians 1:3-11

Who are your partners in the gospel? They are the people you text when God speaks to you through His word. The friends praying for your lost son, co-worker, or classmate. Those that get excited when you share the gospel with a neighbor or invite someone new to church. Maybe it’s your Life Group or friends you meet for coffee. Identify the people experiencing God with you.

In Philippians 1:3-11, Paul writes to the church in Philippi - his partners in the gospel. These are the same friends we read about in Acts 16:11-40. Paul prayed with them by the river. They witnessed God’s power when evil spirits were driven out.  They stood at witness when Paul was beaten and thrown into prison. Take a moment to read the passage and list ways God moved right before their eyes. These friends proved they were Paul’s partners in the gospel.

In this letter Paul is overwhelmed with joy remembering his friends.  He is encouraging them to keep the faith and is praying for their continued growth.  He asks God to fill them with love, knowledge and discernment, and to produce righteous character in their lives through Jesus Christ—so that God would receive glory.

Today, let’s PRAY, for ourselves, our partners in the gospel, and the church by:

·      Thanking God for our church and your partners in the gospel. Send one person a prayer text today, thanking God for them. If you realize you don’t have gospel partners, find a Life Group. Text “GROUP” to 77069 for help. Ask God to send you faithful friends and notice the believers He has already placed in your life. Be courageous and reach out.

·      Remembering and list the ways you have seen God work in your life. Praise Him for his faithfulness. Listen to “I Trust in God” by Elevation Worship.

·      Asking God for His love that overflows! Ask for knowledge and discernment, the fruit of salvation, and righteous character to grow in your life, your gospel friends and in our church.  

As we step into this NEXT season, God is going to move in powerful ways in your life and in the lives of your partners in the gospel. Talk with them about what God is doing. Pray intentionally for our church and for those you walk with spiritually. Tell God that during this season you want to experience His love, discernment, and the fruit of your salvation like never before.

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Thanks for being part of our NEXT Devotional journey. If this resource has encouraged you, help us share it. Others can join the journey by texting DEVO to 77069 to receive the daily devotionals throughout the month of February.