MONDAY August 19, 2024
Joy in Fellowship
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now....
Philippians 1:3-5
In Paul’s prayer, we see his joy in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit: ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He is Spirit controlled. Paul prayed in the Spirit with a true focus on all those he was interceding for. I have to ask you, is joy evident in your prayer life?
It is essential to find a quiet place to pray, just to be alone with you and the Lord. In times of prayer, I like to lock myself up in my office or take a nice, long walk to spend time with God. Find your own special place to go be alone with God and pray.
In Philippians 1:5, it is believed there were circumstances that Paul and other believers in Philippi were facing together for the sake of the Gospel: ...for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.... It may also have been that this verse was in reference to those in the church who were financially helping Paul. He never asked for any money, but he prayed, and God touched the hearts of people in Philippi, and they sent help for his needs. Did you know that through sharing financially with the poor, you join in fellowship with those in need?
In our trials and suffering, there is a oneness in fellowship with Christ and His Holy Spirit, as Paul stated in Philippians 3:10-11:
...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The joy of fellowship is experienced with one another at church. It is so important, and we need it––it brings spiritual growth and joy.
There is a brotherhood within the body of believers, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the common denominator. Friendship and fellowship are the legal tender among believers.
~J. Vernon McGee~