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Day 4 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.) How do you finish a letter? Do you send greetings to the person you write to and communicate with, or do you simply end the letter and send it in the mail? Or with today’s technology, do you text or e-mail and forget all the formalities of proper letter writing? Paul sent greetings to the church in Philippi and praised them for their faithfulness to him and finished by admonishing them to be as he was, thinking about the positive things that made them look like representatives of Jesus Christ in thought, word, and action. As Christians, the same admonishment Paul gave the Philippians is required of you today. You are to think of those things that are true, lovely, honest, just, noble, of good report, and praiseworthy. When you do nothing negative can get in to cloud your testimony in Jesus Christ. Remember also Paul’s other testimonies. He leaned on Jesus for everything, and with His strength could do all things. You have everything you need as a child of God because God meets your needs. Your strength is in Him. You too, can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you. Letter writing can be an encouragement for the person receiving the letter when you praise them for what they are doing not only for you, but for the body of Christ. Let’s pray: Father, help me give praise to those who are doing Your work faithfully, helping those in need with thought, word, and action, as they are able. Help me be an ambassador for You in everything I do, and be an example of Jesus’ love for those I encounter. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 29 April 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay