| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Living with joy” Our Bible verse for today: “…shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Philippians 2:15-17 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Make your pastor happy” Our theme for these two months is “living with joy,” and most of it has been about your joy and about being a source of joy for others. But this morning it’s about your pastor’s joy. This is about showing your pastor a little love and being a source of joy for him. And let me be quick to point out that this is the Apostle Paul’s idea, not Pastor Jim’s. This is simply where Paul has taken us in his letter to the Philippians and I’m just being faithful to the text (but yes, it does have the potential of turning out good for me as well. Lol.) I’m joking a little but there’s a serious note to this too. One of the greatest joys any pastor or Bible teacher can have, is when people in the congregation show evidence of spiritual growth and even start repeating some of the lessons and themes the pastor has been preaching and teaching. Then they begin making changes in their lives and living Biblically. That’s what Paul was writing about in these verses. The Philippian Christians were special to him. The church in Philippi was the first Christian church in Europe. The first Christian converts in Europe were in Philippi. Over the course of decades Paul visited them several times; he exchanged letters with them; and they sent financial gifts to help support his ministry. They were special to Paul and their growth was a source of joy for him. In verse 17 he was essentially saying that as he looked back on his decades of ministry to them, and as he considered the strength of their faith and their commitment to service, he rejoiced and was glad. When it was all said and done, his ministry to them had been well worth all that he had poured into them. If you want to encourage your pastor and bring some extra joy into his life today, you could repeat back to him a point or two from yesterday’s sermon (thereby letting him know that you were listening and learning). But even more than that, live a life of faith and obedience. Live like your faith is strong and deep and makes a real difference in your own life and in the lives of others. Nothing blesses the heart of a pastor more, nor brings him more joy, than to see his people thriving spiritually. God bless, Pastor Jim If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
| Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571 |
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Oak Hill Baptist Church 
God shining through us and transforming us into the people He wants us to be by the power of His Holy Spirit was what I got from yesterday’s message. Thank God He changes us from glory to glory. To Him be all glory, honor and praise forevermore.
Have a wonderful day! Keep writing.