Day Twelve

Bible Reading

Phil 2:19-30 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 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. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 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. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 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. 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. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 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.

Devotional

Many of us like to make to-do lists. There is a certain satisfaction in checking off things on your list. It makes you feel like your day or weekend wasn’t a waste of time. Accomplishments make us feel important. But not all accomplishments are equal. In the midst of all our errands, it’s easy to forget that our true purpose here on earth is to glorify God and expand the Kingdom of God with the days He has given us. Timothy was such an encouragement to Paul because instead of seeking his own interests, Timothy sought the Lord’s. In the same way, let’s make sure that our own schedules aren’t consumed with doing only things that will benefit ourselves and seek to serve our own interests. We are called to first look out for the interests of Christ and prioritize the things of God and His purpose for us above all else.

Question to Think About

What are some practical ways you can remain thankful of the salvation you have in Christ?