“¹⁸ But I (Apostle Paul) have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

²⁰ Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18-20.

Many of us recognize “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  However, when we read the preceding Scripture we will see the Apostle Paul had received a gift from the Philippians which enabled him to further the preaching of the Cross of Jesus.

This gift the Apostle Paul received helped spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified to a lost and dying world and was looked at by God as part of the atoning work of Jesus.  It was an “odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”  This gift given by the Philippians to help further the Gospel of Jesus was a result of His atoning work; therefore it was a part of  His atoning work.  The fruit is a result of the vine.

So I humbly ask you, is your giving because of the atoning work Jesus Christ has done in your heart?  Is it given to help further His atoning work to others or is it given for increase?  Is it a part of (a fruit of) Jesus’ atoning work?  If so, your giving is an odor of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God…and He WILL supply all your needs according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We are all responsible for discerning the work to which we give.  If it is not the work of God…to be plain and blunt, that promise is not for you.

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren