11
I hear “Charlie Thurston!”
Rod ShimabukuroFor God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. [9]And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10]so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11]filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:8-11
The Christians in Philippi were faithful to the Gospel and joyful in Christ. Paul encourages them to let their lives be worthy of the Gospel - standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith.
Love could never be expressed to the full in this life - thus Paul’s prayer for their love to abound more... and more, with knowledge and discernment. Knowledge and discernment are key component to living out our faith - even to live pure and blameless, filled with righteousness.
Well - I hear and see Charlie Thurston all over this passage. I’ve witnessed the qualities of Christ within this prayer (v8-1) in Charlie’s life! I’ve seen him live this passage out - and speak prayers included in this passage!
The day of Christ has been fulfilled in Charlie’s life, as he went home to spend eternity to the glory and praise of God! At a young 50’s, a heart attack would usher Charlie into the presence of His God! I want to be like the Jesus in Charlie!
Dear God ALL Powerful and Mighty and Loving and Gracious! Please continue to fill Kathy, Tiffany, Tatum and their ‘ohana with Your great peace and a joy overflowing, in the midst of mourning and sorrow. It’s sad to lose Charlie, but PRAISE GOD - he has not been lost, but found in Your loving Presence where he lived towards. What a beautiful life lived, for Your glory! Oh, that you love would abound more and more and more and more... in the Thurston ‘ohana - and all there extended family!
