Philippians 2:1, “If you have any encouragement…”

I heard somewhere years ago that encouragement was “putting courage in.” Paul briefly discusses the courage that should be put in us through our relationship with Christ.

• Courage to live this Jesus life out, in a world that often had different values

Courage to be kind in the face of cruelty

Courage to be gentle when treated harshly

Courage to be joyful even in loss

Courage to be peaceful when surrounded by turmoil

Courage to be patient when pressured

Courage to have self-control in a world that has self-rule

Courage to be humble when assaulted with arrogance

Courage to reconcile when one would severe the relationship

I want you to live 2012 with the type of courage that comes from the Father of heavenly lights! God loves you and wants to fill you with His Spirit. Remember throughout 2012 what Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Thank you for your courage to give the way you did during the holiday season… there will be a DVD to celebrate all your great efforts this Sunday.

We are starting a strong marriage and family emphasis this Sunday. But please know the scriptures taught will bring value to all our relationships.

Invite someone to join you this Sunday… they will love the teaching and this time of year everyone is thinking about personal change.

Looking forward to being together,

Dave