Joy:Giving - Part 4 of 4

The first part of this section of giving starts out  with Paul and his words of encouragement to the people of Euodia and Syntyche who followed the Lord.

He asks them to settle their disputes (Philippians 4:1).

Always rejoice in the Lord, because He is coming soon (Philippians 4:4-5).

Don't worry about anything, just pray about EVERYTHING (Philippians 4:6)

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable." (Philippians 4:8 )

He GAVE them all this advice for their lives, and he GAVE them this advice with joy in God.

While Paul as was delivering the Good News in Philipi and other countries the Philippians were the only people to provide him with the financial aid God promised him. NOONE else helped him by GIVING any kind of aid. But after Paul thanks them for the many times they had helped him, he says that he isn't saying it to persuade them to give him more. He tells this he is thankful because he wants them to have a joy in GIVING, a "reward for [their] kindness" as he puts it in Philippians 4:17.

Guys, we should have that joy that Paul is tralking about here. The simple joy in giving, not only when we are thanked, but even when we give without recieving praise of any kind, reward of any kind. What will it take for us to realize that this is one of the things we are made for? That God made us to do these things? Come on! Pray the God will call you to help others in giving to, praying for, and building relationships with eachother and others.

Don't forget to be working on the following verses:


Psalm 119:11
Proverbs 4:23
Philippians 2:14,15


Print them out and place them somewhere you will see them often. Everytime you see one of them repeat it aloud and sooner of later you will have them memorized.

Any prayer requests? Just leave them as a comment or email them to me at:

livin4christ0129@yahoo.com

God bless you!

Lanie

By the way, y'all, starting Sunday I will be trying to keep a daily blog here on 1 Samuel. it is 31 chapters long, and I am gonna start it soon. A chapter a day. So be ready. *SMILE*