Short Daily Manna ECWA Food for the Day

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2022

TEXT: Philippians 2:19-30

19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

(King James Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS

Paul was concerned for the spiritual welfare of his friends while still in prison. So prison did not prevent him from reaching them with the message of encouragement.

At this time, Timothy was with him, which indicated that Paul was under house arrest. In the epistle to the Philippians, he explained why Timothy was such a good example when he wrote that “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests…. But you know that Timothy has proved himself …” (vs. 19-22).

So also was Epaphroditus whom he considered “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier … he risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me” (vs. 25-30). These two demonstrated attitudes of humility, commitment to serve and support to Paul, despite his being in prison.

Every Christian is called to serve other believers and by this demonstrate that we understand that we are objects of grace and mercy.

QUESTION: When you are evaluated, will your life and service count as a good example of love and service in the body of Christ?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, here I am, make me a vessel of honor to be used as an instrument to serve Your children, in Jesus name, Amen.