Christian Tiews

Today we read Philippians 2. Paul takes a moment to inform the Philippians about the significance and well-being of two close associates, Timothy and Epaphroditus. These men provide remarkable examples of devotion to the Lord’s mission and to His missionary Paul. God’s grace makes a person genuinely concerned for the welfare of others and sustains us in such service. • Dear Lord Jesus, by Your mercy, make us faithful servants, looking after the welfare of Your fellow servants. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10289). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today, we begin a new book of the New Testament, the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Christian congregation in the city of Philippi. *** Paul turns his attention from the question of whether he will live or die to a more important issue: what it means to live in this world. If God grants you a day in this world, it is because He would have you serve others by living and speaking in a way that is consistent with (worthy of) the Gospel. Our ability to live this way is a product of the salvation God lavishes on us in the very words we read here and in the Spirit that accompanies those words. • Dear Lord Jesus, grant us grace and presence of mind to live in a way that agrees with Your Gospel and to strive for advancing the faith in the hearts and minds of others. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10284). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Ephesians 6. Paul exposes the *demonic* forces that battle against us, and he encourages us with the *divine* weapons that protect us. In the modern world, the spiritual dimension of life is often overlooked. We view our problems—and try to solve them—in purely human terms. But the Lord would work in us by His *Word and Spirit*. • Lord, may I see life as You see it and always stand firm with Christ. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10237-10238). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Ephesians 5. If we say with Paul that the husband is the “head” in a marriage, then we may say the wife is the “heart.” Is one more important? No, both heart and head are necessary for life. We are inclined today to view our marriages selfishly: what can I get out of it? Instead, we should consider what we can offer to our spouse and see behind each action a picture of the Gospel itself. • Father, may our marriages always be living pictures of Christ’s love and forgiveness. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10234). (Function). Kindle Edition.