January 4, 2010 Sharing God’s Word

January 4, 2010 Sharing God’s Word

TODAY'S ENCOURAGING WORD

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

-- 1 John 1:9

YOU ALL

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.

-- Philippians 1:3-4

One would suspect from his frequent use of the phrase "you all" that the apostle Paul had come from Alabama or Georgia! But, in his writings, "you all" is not a southern idiom, but a warm expression of Christian fellowship. His heart was burdened, not just for a few close friends and loved ones (as in most of our own prayers), but for "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:2).

He assured the Philippian church that he was, in every one of his prayers, praying for "you all." He told them of his confidence in their continued growth in Christ, that it was altogether fitting for him to believe this of "you all," thankful that "in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace" (Philippians 1:7).

He wrote in a similar vein to the Thessalonians at the start of his (chronologically) first epistle: "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers" (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Paul had a long prayer list.

To the Roman Christians he wrote: "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8). Then he wrote his benediction: "Now the God of peace be with you all" (Romans 15:33). He concluded his message to the Christians at Corinth: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Peter and John used the same expression in their writings, for they also were large of heart and concern. Finally, these are the very last words of the Bible: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21).

PRAYER FOR THOSE LIVING IN FEAR OF TERRORISM

O God of mercy, bless all who live in the face of acts of terrorism. Grant them courage to go about their daily living. Give them hope that one day the hostility will cease. Guard the defenseless, especially the children and the elderly, the infirm and the weak. Bring peace to their homes and faith in their hearts. Amen.

Forward to your family and friends!

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God Bless You!