What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christthis will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For, to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.

It is most interesting that Paul links the prayers of the saints through the power of the Holy Spirit in a life or death situation. There is no hint of the self-centered Saul of Tarsus, a Hebrew of the Hebrews. No, he comes to the saints of Phillipi to lift him up for the strength to continue his witness in either outcome.

One of the lessons to me is to be open and willing to seek the support of the congregation with whom I worship. If the Apostle Paul needs to ask for support, what makes me think I can manage on my own?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 35

Mid-day: 119:25-32

Evening: Psalm 110

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.