Welcome to Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 25 November 2022, Friday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Productivity in Adversity
TEXT: Philemon 1:8-16(NIV)
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,
9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—
10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[a] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.
13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.
14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—
16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL 25 NOVEMBER 2022 STUDY
As Christians, the Lord did not promise us a troubled-free life. We are told that adversities are part of life’s package. Apostle Paul was one man who had a fair share of adversity, but his attitude was quite inspiring and exemplary. In verse one, Paul introduced himself as a PRISONER, not of the Roman authority, but of Christ. He further implied in verse 8 that he was Christ’ Representative (Ambassador) to the prison community.
It was a positive and bright perspective for productivity. He did not despair, nor feel dejected, helpless or hopeless in his situation. He did not recline to self-pity. But he recognised that Christ was with him. He took every opportunity he had to make the best for his Master. He saw the other prisoners and officials as his audience and continued his evangelistic mission which eventually paid off –”my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” (v.10). Let us remember that adversity can become an advantage for our advancement if faced with the right attitude.
PRAYER: Lord, in every circumstance of life, give me the right attitude for maximum benefit.
God bless you for reading Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 25 November 2022 Message. Encourage someone today by sharing this Gospel.