Philippians 4:10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly
that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were
concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for
I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know
what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the
secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in
need. 13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 In any
case, it was kind of you to share my distress. 15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early
days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the
matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent
me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the
profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than
enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the
gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to
God. 19
And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his
riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
The
Philippian followers of Jesus proved themselves to be thoughtful and generous
in their support of the Apostle Paul. Their concern for Paul led them to care
for his needs “more than once”. This letter is written to acknowledge gifts
brought by Epaphroditus – which Paul experienced as “a fragrant offering”.
Let
us learn from their example. Pause and ask who God wants blessed today – and
think of a way that God might use you to be a blessing.
34 Our Weakness and God’s Strength
The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman
Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for
Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 213.
This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.
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