Your Word Is A Light To My Path Daily Devotion

WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2023

TEXT: Philippians 4:10-23

10: I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

11: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

12: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

13: I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

15: Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;

16: for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

17: Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

18: I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

19: And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20: To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21: Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

22: All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS MONEY IS A LITMUS TEST FOR OUR TRUE CHARACTER

The Philippians church is a giving congregation. Paul rejoiced greatly over its generosity not because he was a beneficiary but because, as a spiritual rule, giving brings greater blessings than receiving.

When we don't give, we not only rob God and others of blessings, we rob ourselves of the immense blessings God wants to give us. How many blessings have we kept from ourselves from January to December by failing to give as we should?

Paul told the Corinthian church: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). A cheerful giver loves God and God loves him deeply each time he gives.

Martin Luther corroborated this fact when he said: "I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God's hands that I still possess."

QUESTION: How does your treasure ledger in heaven look like?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to increase my eternal investments in heaven before my heart stops beating on earth. Amen.