Today's Passage - Phil 4:14-17

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Philippians 4:14-17   Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.  Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.  Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.   The Philippian church is one that knows how to empathize with those who are suffering.  When Paul was locked up in prison, from human view he must have been suffering in loneliness and bitterness, but because of outpouring of love from the Philippian church Paul was enormously comforted.  That is why he could maintain his joy while persevering such great suffering.  So how did the Philippian church express their love during his suffering? They provided for his needs.  They did that not only when Paul was locked up in prison, but also while he was traveling for ministry.  The Bible says that the church repeated sent people to delivery for his needs, and Paul even said here that "not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only."  The Philippian church is one that takes action in love.  Very often we see the needs of brothers and sisters, and we'll just say "ok, I'll pray for you," but it is merely a line of spiritual jargon, and we may not even intercede for the person after we go home.  No wonder many people have unmet needs at church, because we seldom see ourselves as the vessel in God's hands which He can use to fulfill the needs of others. They dispatched Epaphroditus to take care of Paul.  In chapter three, we saw that even though Epaphroditus became seriously ill, Paul was comforted tremendously by his companionship.  It is great for us to visit brothers and sisters in need, to pray for them or even help them financially, but it is even more precious for us to spend time with them.  We don't do it because we pity them, but it is for us to pray with them, to allow the power of the Holy Spirit be released to bring forth comfort, healing and reaffirmed faith during their sufferings.             Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, I ask you to forgive me because for many years I have held on to the grace that you've given to me, and I didn't understand the principle of letting my life flow.  I ask you to open my eyes today to see those whom I can help; give me faith to follow your prompting, and I know you will provide me with all I need.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!