Philippians 2:1
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, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
I have to just say, as we are on the doorstep of 2021, that 2020 has left so many of us angry, questioning, uneasy, on-edge, and even shellshocked. As we talk about the hope of 2021, I fear we will unwittingly drag 2020's baggage with us.
We are often so concerned with what is happening to us we are unaware of what is happening inside of us. I have said these words to you before and today I say them to you again - 2020 could be the year that while we were focused on what was happening to us, God was trying to deal with what was going on inside of us.
The Bible offers insights we need to lean into about how to move through hard times. 2020 has taken its toll on us here at Meadow Glade - we are a hurting community, but God has more for us. On January 2, we, your pastors, will begin teaching through Paul's letter to the Philippians.
From his prison cell, Paul heard of the struggles happening in the young church, and his heart was moved to help them.
The Philippian community was near-and-dear to Paul's heart. They had been active supporters of Paul's ministry when no on else was. Paul not only wrote a letter of encouragement and hope to them, he also sent Timothy and Epaphroditus. Each would encourage the church by sharing the Good News of the Gospel and Paul's love for them.
I am convinced, in 2021, we have been called to be like Timothy and Epaphroditus. In this time, when so many have lost hope, we are called to be an uplifting voice pointing to Jesus.
It is not always clear why God compels us to reach out to someone. Maybe you do not think you have anything to offer right now, but in faithfulness, since God has moved you, you do just that - you reach out. And maybe what you have to offer is a kindred broken spirit who has found hope in Jesus. Sometimes all someone needs to keep them going is knowing that someone else made it through.
Happy New Year, Meadow Glade Family
—Pastor Jackie