On Monday night our bible study group was looking at Phillipians and wewere both amazed and inspired by Paul's ability to be joyful andencouraging even in the worst of circumstances. Here he is in prison,possibly aware that he would be sentenced to death by the authoritiesyet able to write these wonderful letters of praise and encouragementto the church in Phillipi. 

Most of us ,I think, would be more focused on our own problems andunable to give to others. I was trying to remember the lessons from thestudy as I sat today in the dentist yet again, nursing a painful mouthand dreading whatever treatment was about to happen. I have to confessI don't think I did very well.

Encouragement is a powerful thing, it can lift us up and give us asense of worth, that what we are doing is OK in spite of our doubts,and it is such a simple gift to give. If Paul could do it from where hefound himself, I know I have no excuse.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because ofyour partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, beingconfident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry iton to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 1 vs 3-7