If you're not there, I'll ask you to turn there.

And once you do, if you're able, I'll ask you to stand.

You can follow along as I read.

If not, where you're seated is fine.

The Apostle Paul is writing to the church there in Philippi,

a church that he planted some 10 years prior to this letter.

He writes by the Spirit verse 10,

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.

Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this verse 11 because I am in need for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have

learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want, and then verse 13,

well known to many, I can do all this through Christ, as some of your translations render it,

who strengthens me?

Let's pray if you would, join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, we are so thankful to you for your word in this portion that we have

here before us this morning.

But Lord, we're also keenly aware that unless you by the Holy Spirit give us eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to receive what you have

for us today, that our time together is going to be a complete waste of time.

And I don't think there's a one of us here in this amazing church

that I'm so privileged to pastor that wants our time together to be a waste. So Lord, will you as

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