Long story short, at the end of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he thanks them for giving him money/resources/what have you to help support him when we was in need on his missionary journey.
"Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction... you sent a gift more than once for my needs." Philippians 4:15-16And then in the next verse he gets to the profound stuff.
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account."Translation: I don't need your money because I have learned to be content in all circumstances and I trust God will accomplish his work without your money, BUT I am so glad that you gave to me because giving to the Lord's work equates to profit in your heavenly bank account, and I badly want THAT for you more than I want anything from you.
Love it! Love it! Love it!
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3 comments:
A good word, girl. As someone who relies on the financial gifts of others for our income, I've thought about this many times. Our partners who get that we are giving them an opportunity to be a part of what GOD is doing, and ultimately give to Him, are the most blessed in their giving!
it is funny the rabbit trails one goes on in the blogging world; your google reader alerts you of a new post, you check it out, you like it, you see that someone made a comment, you read what they said, you click on their name, you see their blog, you see other blogs they have, you click on them, you start reading them.... oh the places you go!!
This randomness could all be because it is also 4 am in the morning and I can't sleep! But anyways, I am glad I ended up here : ) I do love the new insight you have shared concerning this verse. Rob (the barbed-wire-like- man-not-your-typical-mercy-ministry-seeming-guy-but-truly-does-have-a-great-heart-and-is-my-hubby) is out of work and it has been so amazing to see how fellow believers have really ministered to us during this time! And now I see how wonderful it is also for them in terms of 'their account'. I have a hard time receiving their generosity, but if I refuse, I am robbing them of something even greater. ok - no more rambling, my coffee just beeped that it is ready so I am going to start my quiet time. But I just wanted to let you know that you started my morning (my very early morning) off to a great start with your words!
Thanks, Joanna! I know who Rob is, and I have ended up at your blog a few times before too. Love how that works!
Your comment was so encouraging. This verse is so humbling as a giver and as a receiver... glad God brought you to the blog this morning. (But Sorry that you couldn't sleep!)
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