Philippians 1  Three  statements that Paul makes in this chapter speak to my heart:

V6 "And I am sure of this: that the One who began a good work among you will keep it growing until it is completed on the Day of the Messiah Yeshua." 

V9-10 "And this is my prayer: that your love may more and more overflow in fullness of knowledge and depth of discernment, so that you will be able to determine what is best and thus be pure and without blame for the Day of the Messiah." 

V18 "All that matters is that  in every way, whether honestly or in pretense, the Messiah is being proclaimed; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.." 

Paul expresses a desire to keep living in order to help the church "progress in faith and have joy in it."  He wants them to "stand firm"; be "united in spirit"; and "fighting with one accord for the faith of the good news." 

Let us take these words to heart - make them personal to ourselves as individuals and as a church. 

Father in heaven, 

May we have the absolute certainty and assurance that You are not finished with us yet.. that You will keep working in us.. to complete what You have begun.  Even when we grow weary.. even when we grow older.. even when we are overwhelmed with this world.. You are working.. in me..in each of us; in Your church .. and in this world.  You have a plan and a purpose for each of us.  Your will be done!

Father, may we know the greatness of Your love.. the height, the depth, the width, and the length.. in "true knowledge and discernment."  May we recognize Your love and acknowledge it with a determination to do Your will.. to obey Your Word.. and to walk in Your ways.. in all purity until the day that Jesus comes. 

Father, may the Gospel be preached.. in every place.. at every opportunity .. for the salvation of men and women everywhere. In this we will rejoice!

Father, may we stand firm, putting on the armor that You provide: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation. May we take up the sword of Your Spirit, the Word of God.  And may we be continually in prayer for one another.  In Jesus' name we ask these things. Amen.