Daily Treasure

“That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints…” (Romans 16:2a).

As we enter the last week of our study on Phoebe, we are going to see what Paul asked the saints at Rome to do for Phoebe once she arrived in Rome.  First of all, Paul wanted them to take notice of her with respect.  He asked them to welcome her with love because she, too, was a child of God.

Paul’s words about Phoebe resembled a character reference. She was a Christian woman of good report. It would become them as saints to receive her and make her feel loved and welcomed.

How are you about welcoming others? Are you eager to greet visitors in your services? Would an unknown weary traveler like Phoebe be received well in your congregation?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray God would anoint Bible Conference speakers at Gateway Christian College and challenge listeners through His Word.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”  (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT)

Are you preparing to worship this morning—no matter where in the church you’ll be spending your Sunday?

You’re not grumbling about your turn with the kids’ worship, are you?

You’re not disgusted because it’s your turn in the nursery, again?

You’re not dragging your feet in regards to the fact that you’re greeter today, and that means you’re going to miss part of the worship service?

Well, I’m here this morning to give you a little shove in the right direction…

…you’re doing it for the Lord.

…you’re able; be glad about that.

…it’s a calling.

…you’re planting seeds.

Everything you do for the Lord—everything— is of great importance.  Everyone, small or large, you serve for God is of value to Him.  Every moment spent in His house, among His people, gathered, is a reason for enthusiasm.

Get that Bible located and get out the door. Important things are awaiting you.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the grand opening service today at the CrossPointe FWB Church in Suffolk, VA.

“Evil people may have all the money in the world, and they may store away mounds of clothing.  But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide all that money”  (Job 27:16-17 NLT)

Can you imagine leaving nothing behind but money and clothing?

Does it break your heart to imagine passing on nothing but perishables?

Ever thought about the fact that there are some who receive their rewards here on earth, because what this world offers is all they’re going to get?

We may hit the rummages of the evil after their estates have been settled and their family and friends have packed up what’s left of their belongings.  We may receive a check in the mail awarding us an inheritance bequeathed to us.  We might even buy up the property they’ve left behind…but what they’ve left is temporal.

What are you leaving behind?

Are you leaving a legacy of faith?  An inheritance of godliness?  A good name?  An influential and highly impacting position in your church?  Are you leaving behind a family raised to know God?  Lives touched by your testimony and commitment to serving God?

Or will you leave behind piles of clothing and mounds of money?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that women will hear God’s voice and respond during this final day of the California FWB Women’s Retreat.

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also” (Romans 16:1-2).

We have learned that Phoebe was a very trustworthy person in Paul’s eyes.  He entrusted her with the delivery of the letter to the believers in Rome—believers who knew nothing of her or her character.

Phoebe surely felt humbled that Paul would include such an introduction of her to the Romans.

Phoebe task to deliver what today we know as the Book of Romans, was quite an undertaking. She wasn’t just down a few blocks from Rome.  Phoebe would have to travel 800 miles to deliver Paul’s priceless letter to the Romans.  There would be some travel by boat and much walking. She possibly could have ridden part of the way by donkey.  It is not known whether she had any traveling companions or not.  Whatever the case, it took an enormous amount of faith to even consider making  that long of a trip.

We will finish our study of Phoebe next week. I trust this week you have seen the joy that can come from putting God and others ahead of yourself. It’s a lesson Paul’s 52 words about Phoebe teach us well.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for Khristi Shores as she speaks to women at the Illinois WAC Fall Blessings Retreat.

“….for she hath been a succourer of many, and myself also” (Romans 16:2b).

Phoebe was there for those who were in want or distress. She was quick to give assistance to those facing difficult times.  Paul mentioned in our Scripture that she was there to help him as well. Basically, Phoebe was the type of Christian that when she saw a need, she was there to help fill it.  By now we can see that Phoebe is an example of a woman who was far from self-centered and one who lived to help others.

How about you? Would people say that about your life?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Today is the first day of fall. Praise God for the blessings and beauty of this season.

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1).

One  commentary shares that Phoebe may have been a woman of means, but that didn’t interfere with her serving in the church.  She was known for her acts of charity and hospitality. It is possible she may have held church services in her home.  That was common practice in that day.  She ministered to the needs of women in her church, which might be why she was called a “deaconness.”  It is likely she held that position in her church.

For someone who was well respected in her church and in society, she had a “servant’s heart.”   Cenchrea was not far from Athens, so she may have met Paul on one his missionary journeys.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Read Romans 10. Pray for boldness to share the good news of salvation with someone today.

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister…” (Romans 16:la).

Paul begins his introduction of Phoebe by calling her “sister.”  This is not literally, but spiritually.  She was a Christian, part of the family of God, a sister in the faith.  We are all one in Christ no matter where we live or what our nationality .

From what I read, she and Paul were friends.  It wasn’t unusual for the apostles to become best friends with honorable women as well as men.

It was important for Paul to let the saints at Rome know Phoebe loved the Lord. They would share a common bond with her just as he did.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Neil and Mandy Morgan as they seek to begin ministry in Uruguay.