Fasting Encouragement Day Twelve

Day 12
Final Day of the Fast
Philippians 4:14-23

You've done it!! I trust that you have been encouraged as you have set time aside to meet with the Lord and as you have given time this year to help out. I am so excited to say that we have taken a massive bite out of the Outreach Centre's renovation project and have not lacked for help through the process. Thank you so much for giving your time, energy, and resources.

This theme of giving is reflected in today's portion of Philippians. Let's read part of today's passage.

Philippians 4:14-20 (ESV) 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

I've highlighted verses 17 and 19 as key verses for us today. On occasion, you have heard me share during our Financial Minute, Paul's gratitude and encouragement from this passage, and it fully reflects the heart of Gateway's leadership. Our great desire is that you experience the full return and fruit that increases to your credit as a result of your generosity.

How does the increase in fruit manifest? Genesis 1:11-12 tells us that seed will bear fruit according to its kind. Farmers sow wheat expecting wheat, gardeners sow carrots expecting carrots, and orchard stewards plant apple seeds expecting apple trees. In the same way, we can sow expecting a return in accordance to what we've sown.

Due to past abuses in the church, there has been dysfunction around healthy confidence and doctrine regarding giving. We don't give simply to receive; we give as an act of worship and obedience. But at the same time, we can give with confidence because God keeps His promises.

Here is the key, God doesn't need our resources, but He allows us to partner with Him in His purposes to create, on our behalf, a business model of blessing as we participate in what He is doing in the world.

With this in mind, I am confident that my God will supply your every need according to His riches in Glory in Jesus. And the time, energy, finance, and effort you have spent during our fast, including what you have done in the past, will be returned to you in like kind. So much so that your barns can't contain it!

I love you so much and so proud of our Gateway Family!

PL