In today’s reading Paul thanks the Philippians for the financial gifts and support. It is found in Philippians 4:10-20.

As I read this passage two main ideas jumped out at me…

The importance of supporting church planters

Verse 10 starts with, “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me”.

Paul thanked them for their support in the past and said they were the only ones who supported him on his work through Macedonia. In verse 18 he says there gifts were a sweat smelling offering to The Lord.

This reminds me of the importance of supporting people who travel and plant churches. As history tells us, church planting is the best way to reach people for Christ and make disciples.

Paul knew what is is to be content

Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”.

This is a verse we often quote when we are nervous or trying someone new. Paul used it in the context of trials, suffering, and hunger. He knew what it was to be content in the good times or the bad.

Paul said in verse 11, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have”. Paul knew Christ was enough. If he had lots, it was enough. If he had nothing, that was enough too.

As I am coming to an end of my devotions in Philippians these two thoughts will stay with me. It is important to support those who reach others for Christ and that if we have lots or nothing, if we have Christ we have all we need.

Today’s reading and devotion is from Philippians 4:2-9. It is titled, “Words of encouragement”. In this passage three things spoke to me.

Get on well with each other

In verse 2 Paul appeals to Euodia and Syntyche. “Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement”.

It is so important that we get on well because the world is watching and Jesus said people will know we are His disciples because our love for one another.

Don’t worry, pray

Verse 6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done”.

Sometimes I think worry is the default setting for us who live in this world. This is why prayer is so important. We connect with God and exchange our needs and concerns for His peace (v7).

Focus on what is good

In verse 8 Paul says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”.

Finally Paul encourages us to focus on what is good. He says to “fix our thoughts” on these things. We need to keep a Kingdom focus.

So today let us get on well with each other, don’t worry and keep praying, and focus on what is good. If we do these things, then “the God of peace will be with us” (v9).