As I marinated in Starbucks last Wednesday (October 19), I sipped a fresh brew of coffee while immersing myself in the book of Philippians.
Man . . . I love me some Apostle Paul.
While in prison, God the Spirit inspired Paul to write a love letter to the young local church at Philippi.
Verse 7 of chapter 1 gripped my heart. It gave me a deep sense of love and appreciation for the people I serve as lead pastor–Transformation Church.
“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”
The phrase “I hold you in my heart” is stunning. Paul loved these people.
I get what Paul is saying. When God calls you to serve a local congregation as shepherd, He supernaturally gives you a love for people that anchors itself deep in your soul.
Transformation Church, I hold you in my heart.
There is not a day that goes by that I do not place you before God’s throne of grace and mercy as I pray for you.
There is not a day that goes by I that do not thank God for you.
There is not a day that goes by that I’m not thinking about how to partner with the Holy Spirit in conforming you to the image of Christ.
This is my prayer for you (and myself):
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:8-11 ESV)
I’m honored to partake and partner with you in the glorious Gospel of grace.
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin
