Daily Reading February 4 2010 from Philippians 4:10-23 NIV

Day 25

Philippians 4:10-23 NIV
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

I have learned to be content!

I wish I could say what the Apostle writes here, I struggle with being content. I need to learn the secret the Apostle had learned, the secret of contentment. Paul is again rejoicing in the Lord. We all know God is our provider, we all know He is our healer, protector, savior, and on and on. However, when we get in the midst of a battle we quickly see our faith tested. Paul was saying he had fought enough battles and was now able to rest in the Lord. I have met people with that remarkable ability and I am striving toward that mark myself. Lord help us all to learn to trust in you in all things regardless of our circumstances or the evidence to the contrary. Paul continues with one of those great quotable verses "I can do all things through Christ" or in this version "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This again takes us back to trust and faith. When we're in faith and in agreement with God's Word we can do all things! ALLl THINGS! Why? Because when we are in faith and agreement with God's word we are in the perfect will of God.

Paul next begins to speak of their precious giving to him for his ministry journeys. Paul is thankful for their faith and support and then gives them a promise "and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." What a promise and it remains true today. Paul was letting these people know that because of their obedience and sowing of a seed to the ministry God would also bless them and take care of every need they have. Aren't you glad that we can say we know "Jehovah Jireh" the Lord my Provider. God truly does meet our needs as we remain faithful to His will and the calling He has placed upon us. Many times I have been bailed out at the last minute by an on time God. To God be the glory! Put your trust in Him be faithful in service and giving and you too will see that the righteous are never forsaken.

Are you content in Christ Jesus? Are you able to trust in difficult times as well as victorious ones? Put your hope in God, He never disappoints.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry