What opportunities is the Lord opening to you?

While Paul sat under guard in house prison in Rome, God stirred the hearts of believers more than 800 miles away.  Ten years had passed since Paul and Timothy met Lydia and her friends riverside. 

Gathered for worship and prayer, the women welcomed Paul into their midst.  He told them about Jesus. And God opened Lydia's heart to pay attention to every single word he said.

Ten years ago, Lydia said, "Yes!" and went into the waters of baptism giving the world an outward picture of an inward reality.  Family, friends, and servants in her household followed her example and went down into the river.  Ten years ago, a church was born.

Ten years ago, Lydia's home became a place of welcome for Paul and Timothy, and a place of worship, prayer, study, fellowship for the growing number of believers.  When Paul, in annoyance, freed a slave girl from demonic oppression and was throne in prison, people gathered in Lydia's home for prayer. 

Ten years ago, when Paul and Timothy's prayers rose to heaven and mingled with those rising from Lydia's home, God unlocked their chains and brought a jailer and his household to faith. And before Paul and Timothy left town, they visited Lydia and encouraged her in her newborn faith.    

It's been ten years.  And now God has opened the opportunity for this still-young church to revive their concern for Paul.  

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me.

You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

Not that I am speaking of being in need,

for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret 

of facing plenty and hunger,

abundance and need.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

And you Philippians yourselves now 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.

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

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.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his reaches in glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.  

The brothers who are with me greet you.

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Philippians 4:10-23

God stirred the hearts of this still-young church.  And even though they had their outward threats and inward struggles, they collected an offering, an over-and-above gift to care for their brother, friend, and pastor.  God opened an opportunity for the church of Philippi.

What opportunities is the Lord opening to you?  

Because the church of Philippi came together to send a financial gift to Paul, we have the book of Philippians.  Paul received their gift and sat down to write them a thank-you letter.  But it became so much more than a thank-you letter.  

Paul's thank-you letter was exhortation and encouragement to this growing church to live out their faith with passion and perseverance.  

When we recognize and respond to the opportunities God opens to us, we can be sure that 

~people will be blessed,
~the Kingdom will advance, and
~God will take care of us.  

What opportunities is the Lord opening to you?  

We've been gathering riverside for fourteen weeks.  We've gone passage-by-passage, sometimes verse-by-verse through the book of Philippians.  It's been a journey of joy and I've been blessed.  Thank you for joining me!  

Tomorrow, we'll begin Promise.  Our goal is simple -- to prepare our hearts to welcome the promised  Christ child.  Would you do me a favor and subscribe?  All you have to do is put your name in the little box up-and-to-the-right.  This way every post will land right in your inbox.  And if you like what you've been reading here, would you share cindyfinley.com  with your friends?  As always, I love to hear from  you.  You can comment right her, connect with me on Facebook, or email me at cynthiafin@gmail.com.