Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
An elderly man was elected "moderator," a high position in the Church of Scotland. Proud of his election, his family hosted a celebration that included numerous grandchildren. Weeks later one little grandson, still impressed by his grandfather's success, was overheard telling his friends, "My grandfather was made a radiator of our church."
There are two kinds of radiators. There is the one in our cars which is the main component of the car's cooling system. The radiator's job is to cool the engine. Another kind of radiator is the kind we may have in our homes which radiates heat produced by the furnace. Christians are to be like radiators, but not the kind that cools things down. As we live in this world we are to heat up others with the warmth and vitality of the gospel. We are to let the joy of believing in Jesus radiate from us.
The apostle Paul was that kind of radiator. Particularly in this letter to the Christians at Philippi, he radiates the joy that comes from the grace of God and peace of Christ. The word “joy” or a form of it occurs 16 times in this short letter. That is remarkable since Paul wrote this letter while under arrest in Rome because some powerful people didn’t like what he was preaching. Paul was waiting for the emperor to decide his fate.
Today we start a series of devotions based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. (You can learn about the founding of this Christian congregation by reading Acts 16:6-40.) As we proceed with the study of this inspired letter, God’ word will encourage us in all circumstances to radiate the joy of trusting in our Savior Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with the joy of salvation and encourage me to share my faith even in difficult circumstances. AmenSeries of daily devotions are available for download purchase: Devotions on God’s Word
Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com
1 comment:
Why do we, as Christians, fear radiating our joy of Christ Jesus? Are we not proud of our own children and boast of their accomplishments? Then why not be proud of the accomplishments of our savior who died on the cross to provide us with eternal life? Do we not owe him that? Are we not humbly proud to say the we are part of the lords flock? I know that I and my family are.
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