October 4th, 2013
Hey, everyone!
Turn in your Bibles please, to…let's see…Philippians chapter four…verses…uh…sixteen through…um…twenty….(flip flip flip flip…oops…too far…flip flip…there!)…
Let's read together. Ready?
"…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!"
I love the Paul's letter to the Philippians! It's so full of joy! I think the word "joy!" or "rejoice!" are in those four short chapters like, twelve times! For a brother having tons of problems, that's a truckload of joy! Paul was locked up for his faith at the time…You usually don't find that much happiness at the circus, let alone in jail!
One of the reasons he had so much of it was that he was thankful! In fact, Philippians is basically a "thank you" card. They had sent Paul gifts of money for all that he would need for his travels to share Jesus everywhere, and now for all he would need in prison (in those days, you were kind of on your own for food and stuff, even in prison!)
Their gifts and help not only put food in his face, but also a smile on it! "Thanks, Lord Jesus, that they care! Not only about me, but even more than that, they care about what I'm doing! They know it matters more than anything! In a world of hostility and indifference, there are hearts that beat with what moves Yours!"
If Paul could take space in the New Testament to thank faithful folks, I think it's OK to take the Friday C3 email to say, "Thanks!!!" to my Triple C family!
You all gave so much from your hearts to help my kids in Africa! As most of y'all know, Emily and Graham have had on their hearts for so long to give a home and family to two of the 134,000,000 orphans all over the world who wouldn't and won't have a future unless someone cares. With fees and flights and now months in Africa, this is a super expensive mission for them and along with their hearts, they have given all they have to it. And now, you've helped them! Along with the easing of the burden, it is a gift that gives in many, many more ways! It has given them inestimable encouragement!
To know that others understand what they are doing…And what God has called them to…
And to know that others care about this!
And about them!
And about their boys!
And about the other 133,999,998 orphans in the world who are without a home…or family …or food …or love ...or a future.
One thing that people usually notice and comment about in their travels throughout the world is that different countries have "new" smells. Sometimes the smells are strange. Lots of times they're yucky. But Paul told his Philippians friends and family that their gift to him…or rather, gift FOR him, but given TO God!…was a sweet and beautiful sacrifice. And just like in days of old, the smoke from an offering of love and devotion to our Lord wafts heavenward and…mmmm!…it's a "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God!"
Because of you, from Tennessee and West Africa there is something that smells…Ahhhh! Beautiful! To Him!
For all of you who have prayed…
given…
cared…
loved our kids…
and their kids…
Thank you!