The next 28 days (during our “Refuel” series) my blog will be completely different as we take a simple journey through the book of Philippians. I’ll share some of my own thoughts and hope you’ll ask God to open your heart to what He wants to say to you as you read a little each day from this book of joy.
Phil. 1:1-5
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints 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,
When was the last time you wrote a thank you note?
In this letter to the Christ followers at Philippi, Paul starts by reminding them how thankful he is for them.
That’s way cool because Paul was writing this letter as a prisoner in Rome. It’s also cool because when he first came to Philippi and began telling the Philippians about Jesus, he was beaten and imprisoned unjustly (Acts 16).
Yet, he says every time he thinks about them —- every time —-he thanks God. That’s pretty amazing. Paul didn’t live under his circumstances; with God’s grace and help he lived above his circumstances. I think this is just one of the reasons he could always pray with joy. He was also filled with joy because these Philippians partnered with him in staying focused on the main thing of sharing the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ with others!
As I write this, I’m thankful for those who were used by God to bring the gospel to me personally. I’m thankful for those who had the faith to start this new work called Grace Fellowship and will write them a “thank you” note this week to remind them that I thank God for them and my heart is full of joy over the work God has called us to. I’m also thankful for the privilege of being used by God to share the gospel with others. Maybe you ought to take a moment today to write someone a “thank you” note because they were a part of bringing the gospel (good news) of Jesus to you – or they partnered with you in taking the gospel to someone you love.
BJ Rutledge 
For me…… a thank you note would be to my youth director who directed me to the word for my direction as a teenager. I recently contacted him and thanked him.
Lou
BJ – I wanted to thank you for leading the staff in always expressing written thanks. In those times we have had the opportunity to serve with them, we have often received handwritten notes of thanks that were so authentic! That is so rare these days and so appreciated : ) I know their time is so stretched and it means that much more that they would stop and take the time to do that.
Cindy Campbell