I was reading in Philippians 3: 14-19 for my Bible reading this morning and thought this was an interesting part of scripture. Paul is talking about the gifts they gave him and sent him aid when needed. He says, "not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
I thought it was interesting that he said credit your account . . . . wonder what that means? Heaven, do we have an account? Or was it the church’s "account" with Paul. Of course, commentaries disagree. I do know that we will be rewarded in heaven for what we do here on earth. He is watching and keeping account of those deeds.
But the best part is how our gifts to others are a fragrant offering, acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. The fragrant offering here is also used in Ephesians 5: 2 of Christ's offering of Himself. There is definitely a correlation with God being pleased with us and our giving and sacrifice of ourselves. I really don't think we as Christians grasp how important this truth is. I sure don't. I have missed the mark many time of my acceptable sacrifice to Him. It is often the last thing I want to do - give of my resources to help others in need or give of myself for others.
Then, he ends with how God will supply all our needs. I think it is interesting how he ties it all together. Our gifts to others are pleasing to God and He will meet all our needs. He will not only bless us out of or from His bounty but in accordance with it: according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I desire to receive His blessing according to His great riches, I know you do too. Let's pray today that God would reveal the needs of others to us that our lives might an acceptable sacrifice.
4 comments:
Me too - That was great. Need to work on my "account" too. sacrifice myself more for others!!
Cute title for your blog! It's even more cool that it's for the glory of God!
One of the lessons that I've learn with giving to the saints was using my china dishes for my guests! LOL
The Lord gave me that idea. For me, my husband doesn't work at some high class job were I'd be entertaining his co-workers or anything. LOL So, the dishes were just there.
So, when the Lord laid that idea on my heart, I was excited. So, that's one way. But, there are so many other ways that God is stretching me and it hurts but it's a good hurt because I want to be all that He's calling me to be.
Zinnada<><
I love your blog, great job!
It is so true that if the church would really get a hold of the truth that every time we help others in any capacity, we are pleasing our heavenly Father in such a way that He is just itching to bless us back. The bonus is, that it already feels so good when we help others, putting our own needs second. God is so good!
thanks for the reminder of Truth!
what are you teaching on at the women's conference?
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