14 day plan

The Freedom of Generosity

Day 1 of 14

NIV

Philippians 4:19

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

Reflection:  What I believe about God changes everything.

Do I believe that he will find me a parking spot but that he can’t be trusted with my finances?

Do I believe that he died for me, but I need to hoard toilet paper in case he can’t provide all I need during a pandemic?

Do I believe he wants me to worship him in song, but not worship him in service of my brother?

Do I believe that he came so that I may have life, and have it to the full? That he will meet all of my needs? Or am I, albeit unsuccessfully, meeting my needs for myself, thank you very much. In the process, am I missing out on all that our generous God has for me because I don’t believe he will not only meet my needs, but that he wants me to live an abundant life?

I want to put my belief into action, I want not only to believe that God will meet all my needs, but know that he does.  I want to put my trust in him and experience an abundant life in him.

I want to live in the freedom of generosity that Jesus paid for with his life.

Prayer:  Forgive me, Lord, when I do not trust you, when I reach for the things of this world to satisfy my soul. Teach me to trust you to meet all my needs. Amen.

Philippians 4:1-23

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10I 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. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I 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. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, 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; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I 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. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

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

Final Greetings

21Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus.

The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

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

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