October 1
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
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We are challenged by the Apostle Paul to be willing to take a genuine interest in other believers- to truly "go the distance" for them.
Do you find yourself eagerly standing alongside others cheering them on without envy or jealous pride nipping at your thoughts?
It is all too easy to get into a church "habit" and just play along.
But the Lord calls us to BE part of the Body! To have real compassion, to seek to encourage other believers, to be willing to stand up for Jesus Christ in this world, to be involved in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ in every way .... to help.
Take a few moments to think of someone who needs some encouragement today. Then, act on it... Pray for them, then call or even text message them to let them know that they are on your heart and in your prayers today!
Philippians 2:19-3:4
New International Version (NIV)
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
No Confidence in the Flesh
3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:****************************
We are challenged by the Apostle Paul to be willing to take a genuine interest in other believers- to truly "go the distance" for them.
Do you find yourself eagerly standing alongside others cheering them on without envy or jealous pride nipping at your thoughts?
It is all too easy to get into a church "habit" and just play along.
But the Lord calls us to BE part of the Body! To have real compassion, to seek to encourage other believers, to be willing to stand up for Jesus Christ in this world, to be involved in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ in every way .... to help.
Take a few moments to think of someone who needs some encouragement today. Then, act on it... Pray for them, then call or even text message them to let them know that they are on your heart and in your prayers today!
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