The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Philemon 4-7
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
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"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."
As Paul addresses his friend, Philemon, he makes an observation of him. It has to do with his faith in Jesus Christ and the love he has for the saints. Paul prays for him that he would be active in sharing his faith, so that he might have a full understanding of "every good thing we have in Christ." Paul goes on to speak of the "great joy and encouragement" Philemon's love has brought him because of the refreshment Philemon's love has brought the hearts of the saints.
In this observation I see some things connected. The faith of Philemon in Jesus Christ brought a love within his heart for "all the saints" that resulted in refreshing the hearts of the saints - and great joy to the apostle. In the midst of this love of Philemon is Paul's prayer that he be active in sharing his faith that will bring him further understanding of the good things we have in Christ. Faith-love-refreshing/joy-sharing the faith-increased understanding. These are all strung together with the Holy Spirit behind it all.
Faith results in the Holy Spirit coming into our lives to produce fruit, among which is love. Love brings a refreshing and a joy and the opportunity to share our faith. As this process rolls along, it brings us further understanding of the wonderful blessings we have in Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ is like a snowball rolling down hill. It grows and encompasses more as it rolls along. Here there is no stale stagnated religion. Here there is no dry theological bickering to fall into. Here there is no tedious life without meaning, without joy and without purpose. Here there is no waiting in our pews for boring sermons to get over so we can get to Sunday dinner. Here we find love and passion for the things and people of God! Here we find love and purpose within life - true love and true purpose! Here we find transformation taking place, growth and vitality!
As Paul addresses his friend, Philemon, he makes an observation of him. It has to do with his faith in Jesus Christ and the love he has for the saints. Paul prays for him that he would be active in sharing his faith, so that he might have a full understanding of "every good thing we have in Christ." Paul goes on to speak of the "great joy and encouragement" Philemon's love has brought him because of the refreshment Philemon's love has brought the hearts of the saints.
In this observation I see some things connected. The faith of Philemon in Jesus Christ brought a love within his heart for "all the saints" that resulted in refreshing the hearts of the saints - and great joy to the apostle. In the midst of this love of Philemon is Paul's prayer that he be active in sharing his faith that will bring him further understanding of the good things we have in Christ. Faith-love-refreshing/joy-sharing the faith-increased understanding. These are all strung together with the Holy Spirit behind it all.
Faith results in the Holy Spirit coming into our lives to produce fruit, among which is love. Love brings a refreshing and a joy and the opportunity to share our faith. As this process rolls along, it brings us further understanding of the wonderful blessings we have in Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ is like a snowball rolling down hill. It grows and encompasses more as it rolls along. Here there is no stale stagnated religion. Here there is no dry theological bickering to fall into. Here there is no tedious life without meaning, without joy and without purpose. Here there is no waiting in our pews for boring sermons to get over so we can get to Sunday dinner. Here we find love and passion for the things and people of God! Here we find love and purpose within life - true love and true purpose! Here we find transformation taking place, growth and vitality!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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