10 In union with the Lord I greatly rejoice that now, after this long time, you have let your concern for me express itself again. Of course, you were concerned for me all along, but you had no opportunity to express it. 11 Not that I am saying this to call attention to any need of mine; since, as far as I am concerned, I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who gives me power.
14 Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the early days of my work spreading the Good News, when I left Macedonia, not a single congregation shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving — only you. 16 Indeed, in Thessalonica when I needed it, you sent me aid twice. 17 I am not seeking the gift; rather, I am looking for what will increase the credit balance of your account. 18 I have been more than paid in full: I have been filled, since I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent — they are a fragrant aroma,[Philippians 4:18 Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18] an acceptable sacrifice, one that pleases God well. 19 Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours according to his glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 20 And to God our Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet each of God’s people in the Messiah Yeshua. The brothers with me send their greetings to you. 22 All God’s people send greetings, but especially those in the Emperor’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit. (Complete Jewish Bible).
***I like reading naval history. I’ve read many times when a ship is sinking, the passengers or crew reach a point when someone says, “Every man for himself!” Regardless of how they might have worked together to that point in the story, many times they face the life-and-death struggle of the end alone. The ship sinks, and we find out later who made it through the trial, usually with an inspiring story of individual courage or perseverance.
While writing to the church in Philippi, Paul was nearing the end of his life. In today's passage, he gives us a clue how important it was for him not to face his trials alone. The church remembered him and encouraged him, and those efforts made a difference in his life.
It’s as if it really isn’t God’s will for us to be isolated survivors of this life, individually clinging to a life raft and hoping for the strength to hang on. We are called to pull together, to be mindful of each other, and to remember the Church is the Body of Christ, not a bunch of loosely-connected individuals who happen to believe similar things. Remember today you are not alone, and remind someone they are not alone either.
Hymn for Today: "The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy" by Bryn Austin Rees.
1. The Kingdom of God is justice and joy,
For Jesus restores what sin would destroy.
God's power and glory in Jesus we know,
And here and hereafter the Kingdom shall grow.
2. The Kingdom of God is mercy and grace,
The captives are freed, the sinners find place
The outcasts are welcomed God's banquet to share,
And hope is awakened in place of despair.
3. The Kingdom of God is challenge and choice,
Believe the Good News, repent and rejoice!
His love for us sinners bro't Christ to the cross,
Our crisis of judgement for gain or loss.
4. God's Kingdom is come, the gift and the goal-
In Jesus begun, in Heaven made whole.
The heirs of the Kingdom shall answer His call,
And all things cry, "Glory!" to God All-in All.
Thought for Today: For just as the body is one but has many parts; and all the parts of the body, though many, constitute one body; so it is with the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Thought for Today: For just as the body is one but has many parts; and all the parts of the body, though many, constitute one body; so it is with the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Please pray: That many young people in Argentina will be called into Christian ministry.
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