02 September 2009 Devotion for Today "Thank God for You" Philippians 1 :3-5

02 September 2009 Devotion for Today "Thank God for You" Philippians 1 :3-5

"3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5

We own a chocolate-brown Labrador Retriever. His name is Buddy. He's is about three and a half years old and full of life. He is alert, very smart, and playful. He's a good hunter and excellent bird dog. I have to admit that when we first discussed taking Buddy in to our home, I was dead-set against it. We already owned a small dog and I really did not want the responsibility of caring for another. Besides, the larger the animal, the bigger the food bill and the vet bills were going to be. Buddy certainly did not prove me wrong there. He has his faults- one being that he is so big and clumsy that he and his tail will knock every thing down in his path. He is so feisty he can almost be overwhelming. Yet for all his faults do you know how he treats me? He acts as though I am his biggest fan! He has never been unkind to me, snubbed me, hurt me, or abused me. Buddy has never come around me complaining about anything. He was badly injured this spring because he still hasn't learned to look both ways before crossing the street. Yet he never failed to glance at me with those large eyes of love or ceased to wag his tail when I walked into the room. He sleeps in the garage and when I open the door to let him outside, he bounds up the steps toward me so enthusiastically as if to say, "Thank God for you! I cannot wait to be with you today!"

I am going to ask you a blunt question that is also intended to be humorous, but I hope it does not sound too abrasive. Here is the question: Are you the kind of person that when you come around others they say, "Thank God, he's here!" or when you leave, do they say, "Thank God he's gone?" You may never have thought this before- at least not about yourself, but you may well ask yourself this question before you finish reading this devotional. It has nothing to do with popularity or how attractive you are to others, but it has everything to do with the impression of what you offer to the needs of those to whom you come into contact. You may have nothing more to offer than a smile, but your presence with that smile may be a blessing to someone else today. Do you show others that they are important to you?

The Apostle Paul had the Philippian church people in mind when he wrote these words in the text. They were definitely one of the brightest spots in his life. As Paul sat there in the Roman prison, he reflected upon how good they had been to him, and how meaningful they were to his ministry. They were a joy to him, not only because they had followed through with the things he had taught them about Christ. Now they were reaching out and ministering to others with the same love that Paul had shown them. This was coming back to Paul now in the thoughtfulness they were showing him while he was in prison.

Think about the joy that you can give others today. You may not have a tail like Buddy has, but you can wag it in your heart with the love of Christ that He has given you. And when leave the company you are in to go off somewhere, may those people say among themselves, "I'm glad he came today!"

Have a blessed day!

Prayer: Dear Lord. I admit to You that I have not always been the kind of person that brightens other people's days. In fact, they may not be very happy to see me around. Help me to examine this so that I might have more to offer others on Your behalf as I seek to relate and interact with people today. May I start with my family and loved ones by offering them a smile and a loving attitude. Keep me from complaining and being selfish. May it bring glory to You when others say, "Thank God he's here!"

In Jesus Name, Amen.