When we are separated from the ones we love, we are always happy to hear from them. Nowadays it's so easy to send a text or FaceTime someone to let them know how things are going.
In Paul's time, however, news was hard to come by. So when he was visited by a friend from the church in Philippi, it did Paul a world of good. 
But as much good as sending Athene's did for the Philippians, and as much good as hearing this news did for Paul, he was quick to point out that his strength came from a deeper source- from Christ alone.

This week's scripture reference is Philippians 4:10-13 (NLT)