Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
Philippians 4:14-19
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. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 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. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What a giving church! The Philippians were such faithful supporters of Paul’s ministry. Here he recounts how and when they had given to help him out. He tells them that they were the only church who went out of their way to give to him. When I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
When he was in Thessalonica, they sent multiple times to meet his need. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Paul used the gifts not just thinking of his own needs; he also saw them as a means of sharing the gospel and gaining fruit on behalf of the Philippian church. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Then recently, at the writing of this letter, his needs were met again with the coming of Epaphroditus. As a result, Paul felt that he had an abundant supply and was so overwhelmed that he counted their gift as if it were an offering to the Lord. 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.
Paul knew that this church was not a wealthy congregation and that their gift had been a sacrifice of love to him. So, he wanted to assure them that God would not fail them because of their giving. This reminds us of the widow’s mite that Jesus pointed out to the apostles. She gave all she had, and God was aware of her need. Luke 21:3, And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: Luk 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
God knows when we give and how much we give, and He takes that into account when it comes to meeting our needs. For that reason, Paul put verse 19 in today’s portion which says, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Our lesson for today is that we cannot out give God. He will supply our need when we are faithful to reach out to others who lack. Let’s be generous when it comes to giving and trust that God will supply.
Bible Reading for the Year
July 17th, Psalms 28-30; Acts 21:1-18
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans. This Friday, the 17th, she will see her cancer doctor for the results of her bone marrow biopsy. Please pray there is no cancer!!
Continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. Please keep praying for complete healing. She sees her doctor at Duke on Friday, July 17th. Please pray for wisdom for the doctor concerning her future treatment plan.
Please continue to pray for Kenny Deans. He had an appointment on Tuesday, July 14th, with his kidney doctor. He had a scan of his kidneys, and the doctor should have the results on Friday.
Please continue to pray for Dr. Joe Jordan. He is doing physical therapy but still has a long way to go. Pray for him to get stronger! He had an appointment with his hematologist on Tuesday, the 14th, and he will have to take shots to improve his red blood cell count.
Please pray for Linda Franks who will have thoracic surgery on July 23rd.
Please pray for Corey Crandell and his family. His grandmother passed away Sunday morning around 11:30.
Please continue to pray for Peggy Warren. She is facing some difficult challenges.
Please continue to pray for Robbie Harvey who has MAC lung disease. He seems some better, and the pain has decreased some.
Please pray for Carolyn Tyson’s sister, Shirley Deal. She now has an infection and is under hospital care.
Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne for his eyesight to improve.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia