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(Read Philippians 4:17) When we give, it should be with a pure heart. We should not want recognition or attention. Our primary goals in giving should be to honor the Lord and serve others. When we receive, it should be done with humility and thankfulness. We should not expect or demand others to give to
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(Read Philippians 4:14-16) I once heard a pastor say, “See a need, fill it. Find a hurt, heal it.” What a statement! It communicates sharing in the emptiness and brokenness in other’s lives and helping to meet that need if possible. The church was designed to share in one another’s burdens. Over the years of
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(Read Philippians 4:13) I’ll never forget seeing “Philippians 4:13” written on a sign in the end zone section of a pro football game. I was about thirteen when a missionary in my church read that verse the same Sunday morning. He explained the nearly impossible circumstances of sharing the gospel in the 10/40 window (basically
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(Read Philippians 4:11-12) A few years ago, my family had someone bless us financially when we needed to pay a medical bill. I had cut about everything possible and was looking into a part-time job. While there was a need, we were content. We knew God would provide in His timing and way. Our trust
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(Read Philippians 4:10) What joy it brings to life when others show concern for you. There have been times when the church has expressed compassion and love for me and my family. In difficult times such as my parent’s funerals, a minor surgery, and brief sickness, people in the church mowed my grass, provided a
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(Read Philippians 4:9) Paul moves from what we think in verse eight to what we practice in verse nine. This is a natural progression as Jesus said our actions begin from within (Luke 6:45). Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Paul instructed the Philippians in many matters. He
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(Read Philippians 4:8) What do you think about the most? When I wake up, sometimes the first thing on my mind is breakfast. Tonight, it’s fishing! I thought about Peter going fishing and miraculously catching 153 fish and Jesus cooking him fish for breakfast (John 21:1-15). What a fishing trip! Earlier in his letter, Paul
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(Read Philippians 4:6-7) In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gives the church another command. This isn’t like the first two in 4:4-5 (rejoice and be gentle). While they were a choice of something to do, this new command is a choice of something not to do. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Stop for a
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(Read Philippians 4:6) Have you ever encountered a rude person? They are usually harsh, ill-mannered, and impolite. Considerate, compassionate, and courteous are not words you would use to describe them. They are not gentle and kind. I encountered someone like this last week. In our brief encounter in the restaurant, he was short-tempered, insensitive, offensive,
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(Read Philippians 4:4) There are many reasons to have joy in the Lord, even during trouble. No situation is too challenging for the Lord to work through. Even when times seem dark and hopeless, there is joy to be found in Jesus. When I went through a tough time of ministry, I had an older
stephen R Harrison 