From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Fri, May 5, 2023 at 5:17 AM
Subject: 5-5-23 THOUGHTS
5-5-23 THOUGHTS
Our reading today is a sweet example of an interchange between a giving group and the receiver of the gift. The receiver is Paul, who writes by the Spirit of God. A mutualness of good comes from this giving. Though he has learned contentment, Paul receives some much needed help. He is revived and strengthened. For the Philippians, Paul talks of the “profit that increases to your account.” God is called into the equation, and that is sufficient. Paul powerfully says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Deut 15:10 "You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.
Job 31:16-17 "If I have kept the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the orphan has not shared it...
2Cor 9:7b ...for God loves a cheerful giver.
Giving is precious in God’s sight, and it comes with His promises.
Php 4:10-20 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
My Prayer:
You, O Infinite Giver, have blessed us in abundance in all ways. We give You thanks, and beg to learn from Your example. May we forever contemplate the gift of Jesus! Then You give life and health, and well-being, and love and friends and family. The fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ are ever ours. How You bless us, O God. Give us compassion to use our blessings to Your glory and the furtherance of the Kingdom. Make our hearts like Your heart. We want to be partakers of Your Divine nature. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.