Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Philemon 1 ~ Praying Scripture

Please read Philemon 1.
Meditate on verse 7.

For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love,
because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Philemon had a decision to make.   His runaway slave, Onesimus, became a Christian while he was with Paul.  Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with this letter appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than punishing him as a runaway slave. 

By law, Philemon could have killed Onesimus for his crime.  Yet Philemon is a follower of Jesus Christ who even has a church meeting in his home.  What choice should he make for the cause of Christ?  Paul had confidence in Jesus that Philemon would do what was proper.

What would you do?  What choice are you going to make right now in the decision you are facing?  You have the legal right to do _______________, but because of the love and grace you have received from the Lord, will you extend that mercy to another, even if they do not deserve it?

Read Colossians 4:7-9 to find out the rest of Onesimus’ story.  Philemon’s decision refreshed the heart of Paul (Philemon 1:20).

Pray Philemon 1:4-7 over someone for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“Thank You, God, for __________.
May I always hear of their love
and faith toward You and all the saints.
Let the sharing of their faith be effective
for the knowledge of every good thing
 that is in us for Your sake, Christ.
Let the hearts of the saints be refreshed through __________.
Thank You for the joy and comfort I have in their love.
In Your name, Jesus~”


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