June 14, 2017: SOAP #2750: 1Kings 15; 2Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4

Scripture: Philippians (NIV) 4:16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; 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 his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Observation: In my lifetime I have heard these verses mentioned many times as church leaders were encouraging people to give financially in an offering. It is good to know that God likes to bless givers.

As I considered these verses today, I saw that Paul was not writing to encourage people to give, but thanking them for having already given! He was not asking for an offering. They had given to him many times in the past. And he had just received an offering from them. This letter was NOT to motivate them to give more to him, but to thank them for what they had ALREADY given.

Application: It concerns me when I see people struggle in their finances—have they learned to tithe? Have they made God the Senior partner in their finances? One of the great benefits of tithing is knowing that God is my financial partner when going through times when money is short. A major part of our retirement planning was, and continues to be, tithing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, many times in the past you have proved yourself to be faithful to your word and to me. In the present, you are continuing to show yourself faithful. I fully expect you will continue in the days ahead. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!