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19 January 2008
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 14-18
But it was good that you helped me when I needed it. You Philippians remember when I first preached the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help. Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica. Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving. And now I have everything, and more. I have all I need, because Epaphroditus brought your gift to me. It is like a sweet-smelling sacrifice offered to God, who accepts that sacrifice and is pleased with it.
Paul said thank you already in the previous few verses, but he's really going to town here. The church in Philippi has obviously helped him on several occasions - they have proven to be a reliable, faithful source of blessing.
I am privileged to be able to say that I have a handful of people like that in my life. I learned early on in my Christian life that I desperately need people who will stick by me through thick and thin, who will be the last to question and the first to cheer. People who only need to walk into a room, and I sense my spirit being lifted, as I anticipate the encouragement they will bring.
Don't get me wrong - these people are true friends, who will tell me when I'm being stupid or foolish, who love me enough to be honest with me. But because their love has been tried and tested over time, their even rebukes build me up rather than tear me down.
If you have such people in your life, unashamedly pursue a deeper friendship with them. They are a gift from God, and you need them.
Jesus, thank you for those special people you have brought into my life to bring constant encouragement and blessing through the years. Bless them, Lord, as they have blessed me.
Written by Phil Clark
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 14-18
But it was good that you helped me when I needed it. You Philippians remember when I first preached the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help. Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica. Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving. And now I have everything, and more. I have all I need, because Epaphroditus brought your gift to me. It is like a sweet-smelling sacrifice offered to God, who accepts that sacrifice and is pleased with it.
Paul said thank you already in the previous few verses, but he's really going to town here. The church in Philippi has obviously helped him on several occasions - they have proven to be a reliable, faithful source of blessing.
I am privileged to be able to say that I have a handful of people like that in my life. I learned early on in my Christian life that I desperately need people who will stick by me through thick and thin, who will be the last to question and the first to cheer. People who only need to walk into a room, and I sense my spirit being lifted, as I anticipate the encouragement they will bring.
Don't get me wrong - these people are true friends, who will tell me when I'm being stupid or foolish, who love me enough to be honest with me. But because their love has been tried and tested over time, their even rebukes build me up rather than tear me down.
If you have such people in your life, unashamedly pursue a deeper friendship with them. They are a gift from God, and you need them.
Jesus, thank you for those special people you have brought into my life to bring constant encouragement and blessing through the years. Bless them, Lord, as they have blessed me.
Written by Phil Clark