Philippians 4:19-20 God’s eternal generosity

If I always have to be the giver instead of the receiver, will I be able to accept God’s eternal generosity?   Philippians 4:19-20 (The Message) 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… Read More

Philippians 4:17-18 Would you rather give or receive?

Do you find it easier to give than receive? I’d rather be the “have” than the “have-not.” It has something to do with pride, ego, what will others think of me, . . . I’m learning. It didn’t bother Paul to be on the receiving end. He reveled in the gifts and said “thank you.”… Read More

Philippians 4:14-16 Support

We aren’t all called to take on the challenges that Paul’s life was so full of. But we are all called on to support each other.   Philippians 4:14-16 (The Message) It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles. You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget… Read More

Philippians 4:11-14 Gradual journey to joy

Is my joy growing? The answer to that question indicates the condition of my heart.   Philippians 4:11-14 (The Message) Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.… Read More

Philippians 4:11-14 What does it take?

Do my circumstances determine my level of contentment? Or can I say, with Paul, that where I am, what I have, my state of health, … none of that really matters because God is with me? I can be on the mountain top or deep in the mucky shadows; I can experience feast or famine;… Read More

Philippians 4:8-9 Putting into practice all I’ve learned

If my mind is full of these Godly thoughts–true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable thoughts–will my life reflect them? As I heard from Marty Schmidt Sunday morning, it was Paul (also an imperfect human) who said, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me… Read More