The Premise: Philippians 4:18, "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." The Promise: Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Think

Who is the better father: a father who just gives his kids everything they want, or a father who teaches, guides and gives generously to his kids – when it's good for them? God is a loving Father, not our cosmic genie. He loves us and wants us to reflect His character and experience His blessings. That's why every time God gives us a promise, there is a premise. Philippians 4:19 is a power-packed verse. The opening conjunction, "And," is key to understanding this promise. The Philippians were in need, yet they gave sacrificially to support Paul's ministry. So in his letter, Paul is thanking them for their consistent financial support and assuring them that due to their generosity God would meet their needs out of "His glorious riches." Another remarkable quality about this verse is Paul's use of the word "my." He didn't merely reference God, he made it personal. God wasn't the God or a God giving to believers and non-believers alike. No, in a sense, this was a family matter. As a child of God, Paul was writing to his brothers and sisters in Christ. Thus, because of the premise (Paul's faith, obedience, and generosity), he'd experienced the fulfillment of Father's promise. We should all collectively seek to imitate the faithfulness and generosity of the Philippian Church. If God is ‘our' God, then it's our duty to give.  Are you helping to reach those desperately in need of life change? Are you part of what God wants to do in and through Fellowship Church? Because there's no better or more rewarding place to be than to live within the provision of God's greatest promise!

Act

Today, make a point to reflect God's generous nature to the world around you by performing an act of generosity.

Pray

Father God, I can't thank You enough for Your generosity and provision. I want to help extend the reach of the local church. I pray for seats to be filled, hearts to be touched, and lives to be forever changed this weekend at Fellowship Church. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.