Continuing in, Philippians 4. 4:10- 19 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:10- 19. It is a good work to succor and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favorable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust His providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fullness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through Him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by Him, let us do all things for Him, and to His glory. Beloved of Christ. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus to all in need. First giving them the hope thats in Christ for salvation. Then as needed meeting their needs. Let us in His name share His love. Bye doing all we can to help when possible. Giving in the name of Jesus. For He will reward you on that day. Remember that love not shared is not love but selfishness greed. I pray you are not afraid to love others in fear of not being noticed or appreciated. I pray you do it in His name and for His glory. For bye showing love to others we are loving Him. That is love, Jesus calls us to love one another. I pray you, at this time when the world needs it the most you share the love of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ... In Jesus name. Your Brother and servant in Christ. James
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 13:57:13 +0000