Day Four

by Paige Oldshue

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” -Philemon 1:7

Have you experienced the joy that abounds among the people of God’s church?

Paul describes this joy in a letter to his friend Philemon and the church in Colosse who met in Philemon’s home. Even though Paul is in Rome under house arrest, he has heard about the faith of the Colossian church and their “love for all of the saints,” and he expresses the “great joy” he feels from the the love he has received from them and knowing that same love is being shown among the believers in the church.

Like Paul, I also experience “great joy” on Sunday mornings at Mars Hill where I have the privilege of greeting parents and their children when they check in with Mars Kids. On Sunday mornings, I receive a multitude of smiles, high fives, and hugs from children who are excited to be in church. I also witness parents who love their children so much they bring them to church to learn about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, there are some Sundays when I arrive at church tired, distracted, really not wanting to be there. My attitude is not pleasing to God.

Then I see that first child arrive to check into Mars Kids and I start to get the first spark of joy. Then the next child arrives and I get a hug. The next child arrives and I get a summary of his or her week. Through the amazing love and encouragement of Mars children and their parents, by the end of checkin, my heart is overflowing with joy. In serving the church, I have learned the bond among the believers in the church is unique and something God has

ordained so that our faith may be strengthened. This Christmas season, I pray you experience the great joy that comes from the steadfast love abiding in the church at Mars Hill.

PRAYER

Father, you are the source of true joy. I thank you that we get to experience this joy when we meet and fellowship with other believers in the church. Provide me with opportunities to encourage and love those around me and give me the self-discipline to be obedient when you call me. In Jesus’ name, amen.