The Richness of Jesus
Philippians 4:15-19 (The Message)
You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
Reflection
Wise investment of money for maximum yield with maximum security can generate a considerable amount of interest. That is a banking statement I often read. Can we translate that principle to the Kingdom of God? I think we can. When we invest our money in the work of the church, we are supporting ministries that generate an interest in the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus.
God will make an impact with every gift that is given. It impacts the giver, along with impacting the one who receives the gift. Pastor Matthew often teaches that God does not need our money. Rather, giving is an act of obedience. God asks us to be cheerful givers, people giving enthusiastically to help spread the Gospel and to make disciples. When we give generously, God is faithful to provide all we need. There are great benefits in giving. Don’t miss out on all the blessings God has for you.
Action Steps
1. Can you think of anything worth more than having the assurance of eternal life in the presence of Jesus?
2. Are you being obedient and investing your money in the work of the church? If not, ask God what step of obedience He wants you to take right now.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be an obedient, cheerful giver as I share my resources with the ministries of the church. I want to be a part of supporting Your outreach to a hurting world, one that needs to know the richness of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.
You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
Reflection
Wise investment of money for maximum yield with maximum security can generate a considerable amount of interest. That is a banking statement I often read. Can we translate that principle to the Kingdom of God? I think we can. When we invest our money in the work of the church, we are supporting ministries that generate an interest in the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus.
God will make an impact with every gift that is given. It impacts the giver, along with impacting the one who receives the gift. Pastor Matthew often teaches that God does not need our money. Rather, giving is an act of obedience. God asks us to be cheerful givers, people giving enthusiastically to help spread the Gospel and to make disciples. When we give generously, God is faithful to provide all we need. There are great benefits in giving. Don’t miss out on all the blessings God has for you.
Action Steps
1. Can you think of anything worth more than having the assurance of eternal life in the presence of Jesus?
2. Are you being obedient and investing your money in the work of the church? If not, ask God what step of obedience He wants you to take right now.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be an obedient, cheerful giver as I share my resources with the ministries of the church. I want to be a part of supporting Your outreach to a hurting world, one that needs to know the richness of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.
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