Good morning! We are continuing our reading in Philippians chapter four. Join me this week as we finish the book of Philippians. Have a wonderful day.

Bible verse – Philippians 4:15-20 NLT

“¹⁵ As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. ¹⁶ Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. ¹⁷ I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

¹⁸ At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.”

A Little History

A few months ago we were studying the book of Acts. As you may recall, in Acts 16:11-40 Apostle Paul was on his second missionary journey. Paul and Silas traveled there and as a result, entire households became believers including Lydia (she invited Paul and Silas to stay at her home) and a jailer (yes, Paul was beaten and put in prison there too). The church at Philippi was the church who faithfully provided for Paul on at least two occasions.

Reflection

In today’s verses, Apostle Paul focused on two points: thank you and may God bless you.

• Apostle Paul remembered the kindness of the church of Philippi. He didn’t need anything else from the church because they had done so much already, including sending Epaphroditus to help him (Acts 2:25-30).
• He wanted to remind them that the same God who cared for him, is the same God who will care for them too.

Apostle Paul, in his gratitude not only thanked them but also encouraged them in the faith. He called them to press forward no matter the circumstances. He called them to continue to learn and mature in faith. He finally wanted them to know that all the things they did for him were not in vain or discarded – that they were valued. He wanted them to recall the faith that he had while ministering to them in the beginning until his imprisonment; remembering how faithful the Lord had been to him. Yet, that same faith is extended to them knowing God through Christ Jesus – the Lord will supply all their needs.

Sisters and brothers, may I encourage you with the same words: the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

While Jesus is not a genie in a bottle, he does answer prayers and he supplies for our needs (e.g., physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and financial). Sisters and brothers, I know He will continue to provide for all of you. Trust Him.

Finally, sisters, brothers and fellow readers thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers for me, my family and this ministry. May the Lord continue to bless you.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for supplying all our needs. Thank you for being faithful in the big and small things in our lives. Thank you for never turning us away when we needed you. Lord, help us to not only see our needs, but we want to be vessels you want to use to help others – to be a blessing and not a hindrance to others. Lord, we thank you and we praise you for all you have done. Lord, be with us today and this week as we look for ways to genuinely reflect the love of Christ in this world. Our hands are open to be used by you. In Jesus name, amen.

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