As Paul faced the difficulties of imprisonment, he was more concerned about the people in Ephesus than he was about himself. Rather than keeping Tychicus close at hand for his personal benefit, Paul sent him back to bless the people in Asia Minor. Even in his times of difficulty and danger, Paul was more concerned to bless than he was to be blessed. Isn't that a great example to us today? We often get upset about minor inconveniences, and let our being upset ruin our attitude toward everyone around us. Paul's example should convict us and lead us to be a blessing to others regardless of our circumstances.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Father, please forgive me for letting my difficulties ruin my attitude. I want to be a blessing to others regardless of my personal circumstances. Convict me with your Spirit when I begin to focus too much on myself and my personal situations. Expand my heart with your grace so that I can use my inconveniences, problems, struggles, and challenges to be opportunities to share and display your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own..."
"This is to be a permanent statute for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month you are to practice self-denial and do no work, both..."
"[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things [about my going to the Father] before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
...."
"After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, [Paul and his companions] sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then..."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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