OUR DAILY BREAD : WORTHY OF RESPECT

[cimi]

March 26
Friday


WORTHY OF
RESPECT

READ:
Philippians 2:19-30
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Receive [Epaphroditus]
therefore in the Lord
with all gladness, and
hold such men in
esteem. __Phil. 2:29
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Just before kickoff at Super Bowl XL111 Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award--a tribute given to the player who had best combined on-field excellence with off-field community service. "I am humbled the Lord has given me such an amazing life to impact others," said Warner, a dedicated Christian. "Of all the awards given to NFL athletes, [this one] stands out...because of what it represents." It represents a commitment to giving and sacrificing for others.

Paying homage to those who serve is not a new concept. Paul spoke of it when he reminded the Philippians to honor those who gave themselves in serving Christ. He told them of their friend Epaphroditus, who had nearly died (Phil. 2:30) because of his efforts for Christ in ministering to others--including the people at Philippi. How should they respond? Paul said, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem" (v.29). Clearly, when we think of those who sacrifice in serving the Savior, they are worthy of our respect and appreciation.

Why not look for ways to show gratitude to those who have served you spiritually. Give then the honor they deserve. __Bill Crowder
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`````````````````````To honor is to show respect`````````````````
```````````````````````To meet another's need,``````````````````
```````````````````To give someone encouragement,``````````````
```````````````````To love in word and deed. __Sper`````````````
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We honor God when we honor those who serve God.

***********Today's Bible Reading __ Philippians 2:19-30************

19 But I trust in the Lord
Jesus to send Timothy to
you shortly, that I also may
be encouraged when I know
your state. 20 For I have no
one like-minded, who will
sincerely care for your
state. 21 For all seek their
own, not the things which
are of Christ Jesus. 22 But
you know his proven
character, that as a son with
his father he served with me
in the gospel. 23 Therefore I
hope to send him at once,
as soon as I see how it goes
with me. 24 But I trust in the
Lord that I myself shall also
come shortly.

25 Yet I considered it
necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow worker, and fellow
soldier, but your messenger
and the one who ministered
to my need; 26 since he was
longing for you all, and was
distressed because you had
heard that he was sick.

27 For indeed he was sick
almost unto death; but God
had mercy on him, and not
only on him but on me also,
lest I should have sorrow
upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I
sent him the more eagerly,
that when you see him
again you may rejoice, and
I may be less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in
esteem; 30 because for the
work of Christ he came
close to death, not regarding
his life, to supply what was
lacking in your service
toward me.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul
(v.25) and to bring the church's financial support (4:18) to Paul in
prison (Acts 28:14-31). Epaphroditus was sick and almost died (Phil.
2:27). Paul decided to send him back with this letter, asking the
church to hold in high esteem the sacrificial ministry of this man
(vv.29-30). __SIM KAY TEE