November 2 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

Philippians is Paul's love letter. The epistle is also a good instrument for learning the secret of this great man. Paul considered living Christ and dying gain. And, although he wrote from a prison cell, his refrain was "Rejoice in the Lord always."

Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:3–5

Bible Text:

... joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Phil. 1:5 ).

Devotional:

Philippians is Paul's love letter. He writes to Christians who supported him and his ministry by prayers and gifts. With them, Paul had a "fellowship" or "partnership" in the gospel.

We use the word "fellowship" mostly for a friendly atmosphere in a public building, enhanced by the consumption of food and drink. Most of us like and all of us need such social occasions. But "fellowship" is also something deeper.

It's a common bond of interest that brings and holds a group together. For example, there is fellowship between revolutionaries in their secret meetings or among people who share a very strong interest in motorcycles or computers. Similarly Christians have a fellowship in the gospel of Christ.

Our enjoyment of the gospel is not the only thing we have in common. We also share an interest in activities that spread the gospel. So when Paul refers to the "partnership in the gospel" that he shares with the Philippians, he means that his brothers and sisters in this church have an interest as strong as his own in spreading the good news. They'll put life and limb on the line to keep and promote the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I like to believe that all readers of this page share with me that same all-consuming interest in the gospel. There's nothing greater than having a "partnership in the gospel." It binds us forever—and closer than flesh and blood.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.