"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Paul reminds us that it is not the amount of content but the glass that holds the content that makes satisfying our thirst possible. The apostle says being controlled by Christ Jesus is the secret to making do with a little or a lot. Those believers most focused on Christ are often the least likely to ask for help. We need to look intently at others and identify their needs.
Older and mature believers often do not ask for help. Do you know someone in need? Someone, who has lost a spouse, may need a call or an invite. Christ can use you to fill their emptiness. Inflation has created more months than money for those on a fixed income. Pay attention to friends' needs. God strengthens us by revealing His care for us through other believers. It is often not the gift but the thought that changes a half-empty glass into a half-full glass.
Lord Jesus, thank you for those who have shared with me in times of affliction. Thank you, Lord, for holding me so close that I have seen the hurt someone suffers. Thank you for allowing me to be used to share Your care for others. Thank You, Lord, for opportunities to help others today. Please help me see others through Your eyes.
Lord, give me the humility to accept help when I am in need. As Paul says,
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to [their] account (Philippians 4:17). I know, ". . . my God will supply all [our] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Heavenly Father, thank You for using me to distribute your riches in Christ Jesus. "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever" (Philippians 4:20). In Jesus' name, Amen.
Daily Devotion
Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Verse of the Day, April 26, 2022
Philippians 4:12–13 (NASB95)
"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Paul reminds us that it is not the amount of content but the glass that holds the content that makes satisfying our thirst possible. The apostle says being controlled by Christ Jesus is the secret to making do with a little or a lot. Those believers most focused on Christ are often the least likely to ask for help. We need to look intently at others and identify their needs.
Older and mature believers often do not ask for help. Do you know someone in need? Someone, who has lost a spouse, may need a call or an invite. Christ can use you to fill their emptiness. Inflation has created more months than money for those on a fixed income. Pay attention to friends' needs. God strengthens us by revealing His care for us through other believers. It is often not the gift but the thought that changes a half-empty glass into a half-full glass.
Lord Jesus, thank you for those who have shared with me in times of affliction. Thank you, Lord, for holding me so close that I have seen the hurt someone suffers. Thank you for allowing me to be used to share Your care for others. Thank You, Lord, for opportunities to help others today. Please help me see others through Your eyes.
Lord, give me the humility to accept help when I am in need. As Paul says,
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to [their] account (Philippians 4:17). I know, ". . . my God will supply all [our] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Heavenly Father, thank You for using me to distribute your riches in Christ Jesus. "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever" (Philippians 4:20). In Jesus' name, Amen.