Five Daily Gifts

Therefore 

if there is 

any encouragement in Christ, 

if there is 

any consolation of love, 

if there is 

any fellowship of the Spirit, 

if any affection and compassion,   Philippians 2:1 | NASB

Five amazing gifts have been offered here:  encouragement, consolation, fellowship, affection, and compassion.

Consolation is defined in Webster as: something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.

So all five of these gifts, freely offered from the Lord, are ours for the taking, but we need recognize them and be willing to receive them from Him.

Do we truly recognize the way in which the Lord has given these to us on a regular basis? I think we get so caught up in our day that we miss these daily gifts. How do we begin to open our hearts to recognize them?

1) Decide to look for them every day

2) Keep a journal of them

3) Place sticky notes around reminding ourselves to look for them

Faithfulness

For it is only right 

for me 

to feel this way about you all, 

because I have you in my heart, 

since both in my imprisonment 

and in the defense 

and confirmation of the gospel, 

you all are partakers of grace with me.   Philippians 1:7 | NASB

     It makes sense to Paul to feel the way he feels about the Philippians, because they have proven themselves as brothers and sisters. They have been with him during his freedom, his imprisonment, and have worked in his defense.

     Who comes to mind that brings tenderness to the heart because of their faithfulness?

His Work in Us

For I am confident 

of this very thing, 

that He 

who began a good work in you 

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 | NASB

     The work of Christ in us was sparked by the Heavenly Father. He created us, knew us, and when our hearts were ready to properly respond, He brought into our lives the flame that would ignite a desire for Him. We choose how to respond to the spark and when we say yes, the Lord runs with it! 

     On those days when we royally mess up, repentance opens the door for the Lord to flood His grace and mercy over us. His transformation in us breathes life into every part of our hearts and lives.

    We must never give up, when we sin. Our hatred of sin and surrender to the Lord are evidence of His work taking root in our lives. We cooperate with His work when we honestly face those sinful areas in our thoughts, words, and actions that dishonor others and our Savior and seek His forgiveness.

Doing?

in view 

of your participation 

in the gospel 

from the first day 

until now.   Philippians 1:5 | NASB

     Paul is grateful for the heart of the Philippians who participated in the gospel on a continual basis. We need to not only be known as people who know the Words of Jesus but those who put it to practice. All around us are people who are dying without ever meeting Jesus. 

     What would Paul say about our participation in the gospel if he met us?