Paul highlights the importance of the Philippians‘ financial supportand how they have been consistent and generous givers for a long time.
- P408
He wants them to know that their act of giving does not merely meetPaul‘s physical needs but also has a spiritual significance: by supportinghim, they share in his trials and ministry. - P108
Also, as they give, they deposit
"credit" into their heavenly accounts such that God will in turn providefor their needs. - P108
More importantly, their partnership brings glory toGod and serves as a good example of how we all can participate in thework of gospel ministry. - P108
Our shared goal is to glorify God, whether itis through proclaiming the gospel to the unreached ourselves or supporting
those who do. - P108
Paul mentions a number of ministry partners who serve with him as hewrites his concluding greetings to the church. Although he is in prison, God‘s work goes on. - P108
The fruits of his ministry may even include somemembers of the imperial palace. There is no place in the world whereGod is not at work. - P108
He is both willing and able to use us regardless of tour circumstances and limitations. The Holy Spirit has no boundaries!
- P108
He is at work in established worship spaces, offices, prisons, and coun-tries where the preaching of the gospel is severely restricted. - P108
Let thisencourage us to keep an eye out for what God is doing so that our faithand resolve may be strengthened. - P108
2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and theother Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannahhad none.
2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannahdid not. - P110
6 Because the LORD had closed Hannah‘s womb, herrival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.
6So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the LORD had kepther from having children. - P111
7 This went on year afteryear. Whenever Hannah wentupthe house of the LORD, her rival provoked her tillshe wept and would not eat.
to7 Year after year it was the same-Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to theTabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. - P111
Elkanah son of Jeroham has two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnahhas children, but Hannah has none. Every year, Elkanah goes up to Shiloh toworship God and offer sacrifices. He gives a double portion of meat to Hannahbecause he loves her, but Peninnah provokes Hannah until she weeps. Elkanahasks Hannah why she is downhearted. - P111
Some of the greatest things God does in and through us are born outof heartbreak and pain. - P112
This is the story we see in the opening passageof 1 Samuel, which describes the circumstances leading up to Samuel‘sbirth. - P112
His mother, Hannah, is not only burdened with the shame ofchildlessness but endures intense persecution from Elkanah‘s other wife,Peninnah, who is blessed with many sons and daughters. - P112
But as we shallsee, Hannah will experience the love of God in the midst of her trials.
- P112
This eventually leads her to turn to the Lord in faith, and this faith leadsto God‘s blessing on her and on His people, Israel. - P112
May the love of Godenrich and strengthen your faith today. - P112
Hannah endures constant and relendess provocation from her rivalover many years. - P112
Despite the loving care of her husband, Hannah‘ssorrow is beyond human comfort. Elkanah loves Hannah dearly, burhe is powerless to deliver her from her barrenness. - P112
We can hear his ownpain as he seeks to comfort his hurting wife. It is never easy to watchthose nearest and dearest to us suffer. This is especially true when thereis little or nothing we can do to help. - P112
But like Elkanah, we can standwith them and speak comforting and encouraging words to them. Andin so doing, our love and care for others often becomes the catalyst forGod to move in their lives. - P112
Lord, thank you for the comfort and encouragement others have provided meduring times of heartache. - P112
Lead me to others who also need
that same comfort. - P112
May the wounds I have received become a catalyst that helps others findhealing. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P112
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