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finishing Philippians 4

 

This week we have taken a dive through Philippians 4.  This literally is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible.  I have a lot of favorites.  As I said a couple times earlier one of my first Bible promises came from verses 6 and 7 (my first Bible promises were from Psalm 139:23-24 and 150:6).


We have talked about peace and how God gives us that gift for leaving behind worry.  His peace is stronger than anything we know and far beyond anything we have yet to experience.  But what we might not have heard, or at least mentioned in these e-devotion, is that the best thing we learn is from verse 9 as it says “the God of peace with be with you.”  


Not only will we have peace.  We will have God with us.  He brings peace with Him.  I love that.


But as we close out this week of e-devotions and our dive through Philippians 4 we find some final words from Paul.  Let me share and summarize those a bit for us…


Philippians 4:10-23  NLT   

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again… 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. 15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News… 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. 18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus… 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus… 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.


That is a lot to digest, and I even condensed a little.  Here are the highlights, and this is so, so good.


When people are concerned about you, it really is encouraging!


We must learn to be content if we have a little or if we have a lot.  I have learned that.


Christ gives us strength and the ability to do so much.  I leave verse 13.


The people blessed Paul and were so generous.  He wanted them to be blessed even more.


Paul pointed them, and now points us as well, to know that it is all about the grace of God.


May we learn to go through Scripture, grab on to what God is saying and watch Him change our lives.  He is molding us to be more and more like Jesus.  This chapter is only a small part of all the God is doing.  My prayer is that you have taken time to dive in these verses and grow with me.  


God is good!  Philippians 4 proves that fact once more.

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