Faith-bearing Seed for the Soul
"While the earth remaineth,
Seedtime and harvest
....shall not cease"

Genesis 8:22

One of the Most Misquoted Scriptures I've Seen!

When we are trusting God's Word, one of the tricks of Satan is to misquote it.

And when he misquotes it, he's usually robbing us of something... remember, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy! (John 10:10)

Philippians 4:19 (Emphasis mine)

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Nearly every time I hear this verse quoted, the word "need" (singular) is quoted "needs" (plural). You might think...what's the big deal, the Word says in many other places that God will supply our need(s). Yes, it does, and yes He does, but in this particular passage the church at Philippi was being told something greater than having their needs supplied on a daily basis. It was sort of like the saying that if you give a man something to eat, he will be in need and hungry again  tomorrow. But if you teach him how to grow food his hunger will always be met.

The word "need" here is translated: EMPLOYMENT...and it is implied that there is  destitution or lack because of no regular employment.

Can you see the difference? If my needs for today are miraculously supplied and I have no employment, I'll have needs again tomorrow that must be met with another miracle. But, if God supplies me with EMPLOYMENT...the employment will meet my future needs on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

The Phillipian church was blessed in that they had entered into a "giving and receiving" relationship with Paul...they sent supplies and money to Paul, something he would not PERMIT other churches to do. He did this with them because he knew that their primary motivation was to get the Gospel out... they had no hidden agendas. This church was faithful and gave out of their  poverty. Paul was so thrilled, not because of the gifts they sent to him, for Paul had learned to live with a lot or a little...he said he had learned to live on a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want, and still be content. (Phil. 3:10-13)

Paul was so happy for the Phillipians because...

Philippians 4:17

But though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.

Paul went on to tell them what a sweet smelling SACRIFICE, that pleased God, their gifts were, and then he told them that his God would supply all of their "employment".

When God permits us to enter into a giving and receiving relationship with His servant, I've found that the supply never runs dry, especially when we give when  we think we can and mostly when we give in faith when it looks like giving should be impossible. And, yes, there are those who will try to "con" us into this type of relationship, but all we need do is look at their "fruit" to know what might be behind their motives. One very important verse to remember when entering into this kind of relationship is found in Psalm 37:25

David said... (Emphasis mine)

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the RIGHTEOUS forsaken, nor his seed BEGGING bread.

You can give to a "begging" ministry, but I wouldn't look for a return or a blessing from God for it, for a truly RIGHTEOUS minister will not beg bread, he will look only to his Source, the Lord, whether the need is to supply the Gospel to many or few.

Paul was one of the greatest evangelist known to mankind, yet we never see where he begged, but was very choosy about who was "permitted" to give to him.

Luke12:30,31 LB

All mankind scratches for its daily bread, but your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

In conclusion...this most often misquoted verse in Phillipians 4:19 was given to those who gave out of their need, who would see the Gospel advanced no matter the personal cost, and who had a pure heart. For God to supply our need...our employment... is such a glorious promise for living that sort of commited life.

Se'lah...pause and think about that.

Planted and rooted in Him,

Marlene

Seed for Thought Devotionals are written as the Lord leads and are sent only if you request a subscription by e-mail.  

Would you like to subscribe to the TexasSower Devotional?  e-mail texassower@texassower.com and put "subscribe" in the subject line.

"Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know

which will grow--perhaps it all will."

Eccl. 11:6

return to the TexasSower home page

.

You are cordially invited to visit the   page for additonal inspiration readings and prayer..