Read Philippians 4:10-20
While more and more money is being raised for religious causes, less and less is being diverted per capita towards spreading the message of the gospel. Few who attend church in our day and age tithe and fewer still give sacrificially for the kingdom of God. It has become the norm for Christians to give God a tip rather than a tithe. More and more believers have swallowed the notion that Christ is felt more than lived. That they do not have to give up anything in order to be a vibrant Christian. We have lost the Philippian attitude of selfless sacrifice.
When Paul said he could “do everything” – whether living in poverty or living in plenty – it was only “through Him who gives me strength.” This was not some expression of puffed up personal pride in his own abilities but rather a humble declaration of the strength provided by Jesus. What would you consider sacrificing for the Lord? Where 80% of all households in America have cable or satellite TV; where 70% own a cell phone; and where 97% of American households own computers what would be considered sacrificial? Sacrifice costs the one doing it dearly.
PRAYER OF PRAISE AND ADORATION
We praise you, O God, with words of thanksgiving in our mouths and in our hearts - words which can never really do justice to the depth of your care for us. We rejoice in your blessings, yet we so often fail to live up to them. Like your people of old, we often desire to fashion you in our image or in ways that we can control. Knowing these failings of ours as you do, you still invite us to share your life of grace and abundant love by being united with Jesus Christ through the power of your Spirit. We do not deserve such gifts. We can only receive them and respond because Jesus intercedes for us in our weakness. May our daily living proclaim our thanksgiving for these undeserved and lavish gifts of grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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