Thankful for everything.

Philippians 4:19

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I've invested in a lot of things lately. I've bought a new computer, saved up money to open a time deposit account (educational and business fund) and I've been able to afford to buy myself a set of dental braces. Soon, I'll be spending some more for the education of my oldest son since he's an incoming grade 1 student. And trust me; the price of education nowadays is quite steep.

All of these things will not come into my possession if not for the sufficient grace of God. He blessed me with enough resources so I could buy and share His provision with my family. He's given me the wisdom to save up money so I could spend on what's really important. And I am thankful for his kindness to me and my family

In Philippians 4:19, Paul promises us that God will provide all our needs. He is the great Provider. And this truth applies to all, not just Christians. Just to share, I've had an experience before when I was an unbeliever that made me realize that the God truly provides for his people.

Last September 2010, when I desperately needed a source of finance to afford my son's tuition fee for the coming school year, the unexpected happened. I got promoted. And the amazing thing about that was I had just started working for the company for about 6 months. I never really expected that I would be promoted in just a short period of time. It just shows that God really knows how and when to give us our needs. Despite being an unbeliever back then, I truly believed that God gave me the means to acquire the resources that I needed.

The promise given in Philippians 4:19 is a guarantee to those who believe in Christ that God will always tend to our needs. He's unfailing love, faithfulness and kindness will be overflowing if we truly accept His son as our Saviour. Having said these things, we should not worry, doubt or hesitate when we are in need of something. For God see's the needs of our hearts. All we have to do is raise them to him through prayers and have faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Afterwards, you just have to give thanks because the blessing will just follow.

Reflect on this: What helps you believe that God truly provides for your needs? How do you experience God's grace in your daily life?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the provision. Not just for today's blessing, but for everything that comes to our life. You are truly generous to those who love you. While being gracious even to those who do not.

Lord, as Paul promised in Philippians 4:19, supply me with all the things that I need. Not just material things, but spiritual things that will help me glorify and honor you. For the riches in this world are temporary, so bless me with things that I could take to heaven; your Word and your command.

Father, let me give thanks to the most wonderful blessing you ever gave to us sinners. The blessing of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for allowing Him to be sacrificed in our place so that we can be saved. Because of this, we can never ask for more. All the praise be to you. Amen.

Sharing what God has given you.

Luke 3:11

"And He answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever who has food is to do likewise.""

Sharing the things that you have certainly gives a nice feeling, especially, if you have some to spare. Whether it be food, money, shelter, or clothing, you really never know how much would that be of help to another person. But given that it's a good deed to share. This is also what God wants us to do in our life.

Today, I've shared two things. One of them was money given to a relative in need. And the other one was the Gospel. I shared it to my cousin because I felt that he needed it due to personal problems. He was feeling "empty" after a break up with someone. And since I've been through that not so long ago, I've decided to share it to him and see if it will have the same effect on him.

Both of these would be of great help to the other person. To be able to share material things is nice. But for me, the latter one was the best thing to share to any person needing help.

In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist told the people wanting to be baptized to share what they have to those who are in need. God wants us to share our "tunics" if we have some to spare. But what's most important to share is our "food" as Christians. Food that is abundant, gives life and that saves. And my interpretation of "food" here is the Gospel. His Word.

This part of Scripture must serve as a reminder to us that everything we have is given by God's grace. He is so merciful, loving, and gracious that He provides us everything that we need. And though we receive these things individually, it is much better to share these blessings to others, especially the Gospel. Not just because it feels great to give, but because it glorifies God in the process.

Reflect on this: What helps you to share your blessings to others? Do you try to share the Gospel aside from sharing material things? How does God give you the ability to share?

Prayer: My Lord, thank you for the abundant provision you faithfully give to us. It may or may not be in the form of material things. But still, we are thankful to you for providing us your Word. The blessing of the Gospel. And this is more than enough for us. For your Word gives us life, contentment and "food" that we would ever need in this world.

As you provide me all these necessities in life, my God, may I also repay your kindness by sharing these blessings to others. And may they accept these blessings with thanks not to me, but directly to you. For you deserve the credit alone, my Lord, my King. Amen.