Introduction to the letter to the Philippians:

Paul’s immediate purpose for writing this letter to the Philippians was to thank them for a gift they had sent him.  He was in prison and the Philippians supported him.  He is concerned for them that God will bring their faith to maturity.

Thought: We are in a form of imprisonment ourselves at the moment.  Are we as concerned as Paul was, when he had his own troubles, to care for our fellow Christians?  As Paul did, we have a choice to make about our attitude:  do we give up or go on?  Do we spend our time feeling sorry for ourselves, or do we give our attention to others – our choice?

There are many songs and hymns we can use to encourage ourselves and then others, 

e.g.,” Count your blessings”:  “My Peace I give unto you”:  “New every morning is the love”:  “Father I place into Your hands”:  “All the way my Saviour leads me”

Prayer:  Pray that you, like Paul, focus on being a blessing to others today.