Make My Day Fruitful Oh Lord With Daily Devotion

TUESDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2023

TEXT: Philippians 4:1-9

1: Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2: I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

3: Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5: Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: AN APPEAL FOR UNITY AND STEADFASTNESS

Paul wrapped up his final exhortation with a call for unity and steadfastness.

Euodia and Syntyche were both great supporters of missions but didn't see eye to eye. Obviously, the two women did not heed this appeal by Paul: "... make my joy complete by being like - minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.... In your relationship with one another, have the same mind - set a Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:2-5).

If Paul were to write a letter to your church, your family, your department, your community, etc, would he plead with you and your opponent as he did with Euodia and Syntyche?

Paul offered a powerful remedy to fractured relationships and any other spiritual problems in verses 8-9: fine - tune your thoughts to whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, worthy and whatever learned from Paul should be put into practice.

QUESTION: Are you in the ministry of reconciliation but need to be reconciled with a fellow labourer?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to reconcile with my opponent, in Jesus name. Amen.