AUGUST 18

OUR PERSONAL PROMISES

Philippians

 4:11  “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called, according to His Purpose.

2nd Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make ALL grace abound toward you:  ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in ALL things that you may ABOUND in EVERY good work.

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This month we will continue the book, “Whatever Happens – How to Stand Firm in Your Faith When the World is Falling Apart.”  By a contemporary author of many best-selling Christian books, Robert J. Morgan.  He took care of his wife when she had MS, until she went home to her Savior.  “He knows of which he speaks.”  I pray that this book blesses you.

Philippians 4:14-20:

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

WHATEVER HAPPENS………TRUST GOD WITH EVERY SINGLE NEED

The other day a name popped up in the news I didn’t know.  Bernard Arnault is reportedly the single richest person on the entire planet.  He’s a Frenchman, a fashion industry executive who oversees the likes of Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Tiffany & co., Marc Jacobs, Sephora, and many more.  I wondered where such a person would live, so I searched online and found pictures of his expansive chateau in France. 

But there’s also a penthouse in Paris, a vacation home in San Tropez, another vacation home in the Alps, an entire island in the Bahamas, five mansions in Los Angeles, and a very expensive home in the Hamptons.  He also has jets and yachts.  I expect he doesn’t live in all those places; they’re just part of his investment portfolio.

He is said to be worth $190.3 billion.

But for all that, he is not as rich as the humblest child of God, and I’m not just speaking metaphorically.  Look at Philippians 4:14-20 (our verse at the top)

As we’ve seen the church in Philippi is the New Testament’s premier model of stewardship.  In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul gave an extended talk about this.  Now here at the end of Philippians, he circled back and thanked them again for the financial support they sent him while he was under house arrest in Rome.  As we saw, Epaphroditus had been commissioned to travel the  800 miles or so and take their gift to Paul in Rome.  That really was an extraordinary thing for a church to do.

As I noted earlier in this book, Dr. Matthew Harmon says the distance traveled could have ranged from seven hundred to twelve hundred miles, depending on the route taken and the time of year.  The best estimates for the length of the trip by foot would be 6 weeks.  But in less favorable circumstances, it would take three months.

Epaphroditus became deathly ill after arriving in Rome, and Paul nursed him back to health.  The apostle then penned this letter to the Philippians as a thank-you note, gave it to Epaphroditus, and sent him home.  Here near the end of his remarks, Paul had said most of what he wanted to say.  He brought the letter to its conclusion by formally thanking them and talking about the gift they sent.

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