And finally, ...Paul's benediction to the Philippians is found in chapter 4, verse 21-23.
Salutations: Paul, the brothers and all the rest of the 'saints' send their greetings to the Philippians. Tucked in there is a clue about the Christian movement in Rome..."especially those who belong to Caesar's household." Looks to me like Paul had been busy with more than just writing letters! Paul had been told by the Spirit that he would go to Rome. Paul was on mission, while in chains under guard, in Rome. He didn't let his circumstances or resources deter him from that mission. How often do we (I) wilt under the 'have nots' or 'can nots' when opportunities to minister come our way? Shouldn't we, as Christ followers, look for ways (even the smallest) to work for Jesus each day? This isn't about our salvation or even rewards in heaven. This is about doing something eternal with this finite life we've been given. How wonderful to come to the end (every day we get closer!) and know that how we spent our time made a difference in God's eyes.
Blessings: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

Philippians 4:19 - this one is worth memorizing! "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Shall we pull this one apart a little? It's personal: notice the word, 'my'. It's positive: God will (not may, or could - will). It's specific: all your needs. It's plentiful: "His glorious riches". And it's powerful: in Christ Jesus. That word 'according' is interesting to me. As rich and wonderful as Jesus is, that is the resource for our needs to be met. Wow!

Are you lacking abundance right now? What kind of abundance do you need? Abundant joy? Check out Psalm 36:8. Abundant life? John 10:10. Abundant grace? 2 Corinthians 9:8. Abundant power? Ephesians 3:20. Abundant acceptance? 2 Peter 1:11. Look up some of these verses. I'll bet you'll sleep better tonight. See if you can say Philippians 4:19 from memory when you close your eyes....

You gotta give a little to get a little.... If you've been studying Scripture for any length of time, you've probably picked up on this fact: Investing in others brings a high return to yourself. This is what Paul is talking about in verses 10, 14-18. Yes, he appreciated the gifts they sent via Epaphroditus, but more than that he was happy to know that they got this concept down. They thought about him, sympathized with him and then put those good intentions into action and sent something. Their motivation wasn't to receive a reward, it was to help. Yet, that's what Paul is indicating here: "I am looking forward to what may be credited to your account." ..."They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

I'm wondering about those "opportunities to show it" (verse 10) that come along. We who are so busy with, well, busy-ness find it easy to put these opportunities aside and depend on 'others' to do it. The meal for those new parents, the check to that missionary in Russia, the shoebox for some child who needs to hear about Jesus...it's easy to let another handle it while we cope with the business of life. But it seems to me that this must be put to the top of our list, this should be the business of our lives as Christ followers.

• Who are you helping today? Who or what should be on your prayer list that isn't?