At the Name of Jesus!

Good morning to all on this Glorious Monday morning. Waine and I had a blast at a Superbowl Party yesterday with some dear friends. It was GREAT to see Green Bay win. I was sitting with a crowd of Steelers' fans and boy did I have to take some ribbing but all in good fun. Waine and I also attended a church yesterday and had great fellowship. The Pastor preached from Ephesians 3 verses 20-21" Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.". We serve a God who is able to DO IMMEASURABLY more than we can ASK or THINK! When you speak the name of Jesus, ask in the name of Jesus, believe in the name of Jesus, receive in the name of Jesus YOU will be blessed MORE that you can ask or imagine! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah in Jesus name, let it be done. Amen and amen. Continue to lift ET and his family in your prayers. Pray and believe in his healing and pray in Jesus name. Continue to life JKS up in your prayers. Pray for her healing and pray in Jesus name; "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth!"

I am continuing my journey in Philippians verses 10-23 "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. 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 more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

Paul is closing out his letter to the Phillippian Christians and thanking them for what they "tangibly" did for him. He is also thanking them for their intent as well. He also reminds them though, that God has taught him (Paul) the secret of contentment and that is to rely on the ONE who is able to provide all that you need and for each situation. Paul is writing that the true blessing in the giving is for the one who gives and gives unselfishly because then the act of giving becomes as a "credit" to their SPIRITUAL account. I think Paul is speaking both figuratively and in real time. I am a firm believer that when you give unselfishly, not because you expect something in return, the act of giving allows you then to receive the kind acts of others. I also believe that our "mansions" in Heaven will be based on the life we lead here on earth and the generosity of spirit that we live by. At the church Waine and I attended yesterday, there is a monthly offering for the Community Fund. This fund is available to the "community" that is served by the church. If someone needs a gas billed paid or a light billed paid the church is there and that is how a church is supposed to work. Not for its own aggrandisement but for the benefit of the community in which the church has set up its ministry. I think alot of churches have lost site of their calling. Paul is urging us to be generous because the God of all is generous to us and without hesitation. Thank you for your prayers and diligence in praying with me for those in need. Thank you for your encouragement and thank you for your love.

Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.

Stephanie