While I think it's neat that Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, I also think this letter is a bit manipulative near the end. I won't mention that you owe me your very soul...but he just did. So I don't like that part. Guess it shows Paul's humanness coming through.
He's sending Onesimus back to face the music and hopefully forgiveness & reconciliation. I was reminded of the importance of forgiveness so we can move on & grow and heal again yesterday afternoon.
I wish we knew the outcome of the story, that we knew more of Philemon & his response. Forgiveness doesn't = forgetting or blind trust so I'm sure there were some issues to work out. There still had to be conversations, I'm thinking, when certain situations cropped up. But since we aren't let in on that part of this story we don't know for sure.
I like how Paul expressed faith at being released soon, asking Philemon to make a room ready for him. Always gotta have hope!
Liked the reminder to always turn to God for help in v1-2.
"I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!" The mtns were probably the strongest thing David could see when he was running from Saul. Would the caves & the steepness of the terrain save him from Saul? No, it was God who saved him, over & over again. It wasn't a cake walk for David to wait on God's timing. It isn't for us either. But the most influential person, the strongest material man has invented or the most rugged & "enemy proof" place we can think of can not save us. If God wants us, He will find us. He will help us because man fails time & time again.
v3 made me pause a bit & that's why I went to James 1. v3 says "He won't let you stumble." But I do constantly! I fail & mess up all the time! Can't I trust Him? James 1:12-15 immediately came to my mind & I realized, I choose to stumble when I let go of Him, when I stop trusting Him & think I can do it by myself. He never wants me to stumble, just because I'm tempted, doesn't mean I'm failing or falling into sin or a bad person. I usually think I'm being punished but I don't know why. My mindset, my understanding of temptation has to change if I'm going to over come it.
Which takes me to Romans 12:2 "...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." So please Lord, renew, change, my mind. I give you permission to tweak me anyway, anyhow to accomplish your perfect will for me today. And thank You in advance.
Good tri-text thought Chris; I went back to James 1, and yes -- we are the cause of our stumbling. The Lord is a Rock.
So in numbers, it took me back to the biting snakes, the bronze snake; which was good (part of the WOP is Nicodemus's talk) Hard to believe they could complain about the manna -- they not only complained about their lack (nothing to eat, nothing to drink) but they complained about what they DID have -- not good enough, even tho it had been sent miraculously from God. OK -- so, how many times do I do that? Complain about what I don't have, and complain about what I do have. The bite of sin is ingratitude, feeling like I deserve something else instead of a life of contentment.
And, it's only when I get my eyes up off myself and look toward God that I can find that healing.
The 2nd story today was Balaam. I was wondering why God told B to go on the 2nd time around, yet became angry with him and sent the angel to let him know it. I think the key is in 23:19 "God is not a man, so HE does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind" Who are WE to question God.
The word pic left in my mind this morning is both Balaam and his donkey face down before the angel. O for a glimpse of the glory of God -- it puts everything into perspective.
I appreciate God's concern for our animals -- why did you beat your donkey?
The bite of sin is ingratitude. That is so true! Unfortunately, I am just like the children of Israel as well. All I do is complain it seems like. So ungrateful!
Perspective. That's what Solomon had as well. He asked for wisdom & knowledge to govern God's people. That's perspective. Seems like he already had some wisdom there.
I thought awhile on the 1,000 burnt offerings he offered to God. How long that must have taken. And I know if I would have been in the crowd that day I would have lost interest after the 20th or so. But 1,000!!!! Just blows my mind. On just one altar. Wow & wow! The priests must have been red instead of white after that too. So much blood shed & it still doesn't come close to what Jesus did in shedding His blood once.
Then when they brought the Ark to the temple, they couldn't keep count of the sacrifices. That's just crazy extravagant! I'm trying to find a comparison today. Would that be like giving up a 6 figure job to go to some island to share the Truth with people who have never heard it before?
It was taking from Solomon's wealth to do this I'm thinking. Maybe the people gave as well after seeing his example. I don't know. But it cost him something. I think that's the point.
111:2 the deeds of the Lord All who delight in Him should ponder them. This is part of sitting still or being open to what God is doing -- not letting God's intervention just pass by as some coincidence, but looking for Him in everything that happens around us; ponder them.
112 talks about 2 concepts: wealthy and generous -- I think that is talking about more than money wealthy; I think it means wealth in wisdom, confidence, skills -- you name it. People that are willing to share are the ones that are confident and remembered by others. They don't fear bad news, because they know they've lived a full and upright life:)
113:5 Who can be compared with the Lord? Absolutely no one, but how many times do I say "move over, Lord" and try to make the decisions about my life or other's lives; I want to lay it all down in His hands intellectually -- but so many times my emotions or pride take over. Again this morning, Lord -- forgive me, change me, humble me.
111 Has that word Amaze in there again. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! Oh Yeah! I like what you brought out about pondering them Linda. And notice that when godly people get together they talk about what God is doing & has done for them. Not politics or other people. This is part of Paul's admonition to build each other up, encourage, etc.
I too thought 112 talked about more than $$ wealth. How confidently they rest or trust in the Lord to take care of them. This is because they KNOW Him. They are indeed rich who know the Lord in this manner. Their very spirit breathes this richness of God's Presence in their lives.
Yeah, who can be compared to God? And yet, He stoops to lift us up when we get trampled in the dust of live & buried under the rumble of sin. Why wouldn't you want to praise a God like that?
I love the caution of 25:7 "Just because you've seen something, don't be in a hurry to go to court" caution for the tattle tale; so many times there are reasons for actions -- just watch, wait, observe; time has a way of sorting actions out; if time is on your side -- use it.
Several cautions against gossip -- I appreciate that; we are so drawn to evil; I think that's why the media feeds on catastrophies -- it'd be fun to have a media station that fed on victories and inspiration; but somehow -- I don't think people would go for it:(
Timely advice; listening to valid criticism -- both again are tough learning experiences for us humans (me) who are so quick to give advice, so slow to listen to advice
I was thinking of the enemy thirst -- giving them water; that can be more than physical -- totally can be spiritual as with Jesus and the woman at the well; but remember how he offered, then she asked -- then He could give. He didn't force it down her throat -- just placed the glass on the table and watched to see if she'd reach for it:)
Even when I walk through the dark places in my life, I will not be afraid because I know You are right beside me, protecting me physically and mentally from the enemy...You honor me, when I feel like a failure, by bringing something or someone to me that tells me You are especially fond of me. Sometimes You even whisper that in my ear when I'm low. My life overflows with blessings, regardless if I choose to see them, they are there. Representing Your faithfulness to me. Ps 23:4-5 my paraphrase.
v6 NLT "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life..." Thank you Lord for always pursuing me with Your love.
Amos not the most "Joyful" of books! But God is passionate for Israel to turn around - turn to Him so he doesn't have to send the bad stuff their way! He's spelling it out for them; but they choose to close their ears - they choose to lounge in luxury 6:1 and feel secure.
His call in 5:4 "Come back to me and live" a call to every one of us, we can never get close enough to God -- we can always snuggle down even closer.
Stop and reflect -- 5:21 -24 "I hate all your show and pretense - the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies . . . with your noisy hymns of praise . . instead I want to see a mighty flood of justice, and endless river of righteous living" I think God wants our worship in a flooding, endless way -- it's who we are always, not just during church.
9:9 "For I will give the command and will shake Israel . . as grain is shaken . . yet not one true kernel will be lost" I know that there are some that think if you are one of God's you will avert tough times; however, it appears like all will be shaken, but the one's that are His will be saved.
Pretty scary when God has nothing more to say to you because you haven't listened in the first place. So many things fight to crowd out the Voice of Truth in our hearts. He is so quiet & unobtrusive. Only the listening heart can hear, not the one busy with fear of man & expectations.
Mary was so caught up in the grief of the loss of her expectations that she didn't recognize Jesus' voice until He said her name. I think Jesus knew that. He knew she was so wrapped in her disappointment that He said her name in only the way her Savior could say it & talk to her heart. Immediately, all she saw was Jesus & He was the center of her world again.
Maybe she thought all her expectations were reinstated, I don't know. I'm just going off of how I would react. Now we can get this plan in motion again, it's going to be ok. But since it's God's plan that counts & not mine, I would have to deal with my lack of understanding again & surrender my expectations to His will & timing.
When His public followers were paralyzed by fear & grief, God had other men come forward to take care of Jesus' body & bury Him. He always has ways of taking care of our needs, even when we aren't cognizant of them. Our real needs that is, not our imagined ones.
Jesus' conversation with Peter reminded me of the video clip PM showed last week. Really good stuff.
So thankful God has protected His Word throughout the ages for us to be able to read it today.
I was caught by the journey of Pilot -- he almost crossed over it seems; but pride and ambition won out:( from going to calling Jesus a man, he questions him thinking he might be God, then he calls him a king -- finally King of the Jews, and by that point -- he refuses to be bullied into recanting that -- it's a pretty sad story.
Why did they have to use a led-tipped whip? Why is man so very very cruel -- those first few verses of torture are just gut-wrenching.
Every wonder if Jesus brothers questioned why Mary was living in John's home and not theres?
Ever wonder why Mary's sister was named Mary?
I think it's sick that the Jewish leaders didn't want their perfect passover pageant to be tarnished by the crosses outside the city -- the death that they instigated and forced - that's just sick.
Yes -- I thought it was precious that the secret disciples came forward -- I'm guessing as they watched their fellow leaders lead the torture, they washed their hands of that hypocritical lifestyle forever -- I bet they never looked back. And I bet they were a real encouragement to Saul/Paul later on down the road.
20:29 believe without seeing = faith; what Jesus is after!
I'm so glad John captured the story of Peter's "what about him" so many times we tend to look at the what about thems -- and Jesus simply says, what is that to you? follow Me! Keep your eyes planted on the One that really matters!
While I think it's neat that Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, I also think this letter is a bit manipulative near the end. I won't mention that you owe me your very soul...but he just did. So I don't like that part. Guess it shows Paul's humanness coming through.
ReplyDeleteHe's sending Onesimus back to face the music and hopefully forgiveness & reconciliation. I was reminded of the importance of forgiveness so we can move on & grow and heal again yesterday afternoon.
I wish we knew the outcome of the story, that we knew more of Philemon & his response. Forgiveness doesn't = forgetting or blind trust so I'm sure there were some issues to work out. There still had to be conversations, I'm thinking, when certain situations cropped up. But since we aren't let in on that part of this story we don't know for sure.
I like how Paul expressed faith at being released soon, asking Philemon to make a room ready for him. Always gotta have hope!
It seems you have lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever - -
ReplyDeleteI wonder how often that scenario plays out in life; and how often in life "Onesimus" disappears forever.
God deals with our Onesimus factor all the time - - will we return or will we stay away
The O factor. Hmmm & hmmm. Good point.
ReplyDeleteRead in Ps 121 & James 1 today.
Liked the reminder to always turn to God for help in v1-2.
"I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!" The mtns were probably the strongest thing David could see when he was running from Saul. Would the caves & the steepness of the terrain save him from Saul? No, it was God who saved him, over & over again. It wasn't a cake walk for David to wait on God's timing. It isn't for us either. But the most influential person, the strongest material man has invented or the most rugged & "enemy proof" place we can think of can not save us. If God wants us, He will find us. He will help us because man fails time & time again.
v3 made me pause a bit & that's why I went to James 1. v3 says "He won't let you stumble." But I do constantly! I fail & mess up all the time! Can't I trust Him? James 1:12-15 immediately came to my mind & I realized, I choose to stumble when I let go of Him, when I stop trusting Him & think I can do it by myself. He never wants me to stumble, just because I'm tempted, doesn't mean I'm failing or falling into sin or a bad person. I usually think I'm being punished but I don't know why. My mindset, my understanding of temptation has to change if I'm going to over come it.
Which takes me to Romans 12:2 "...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." So please Lord, renew, change, my mind. I give you permission to tweak me anyway, anyhow to accomplish your perfect will for me today. And thank You in advance.
Good tri-text thought Chris; I went back to James 1, and yes -- we are the cause of our stumbling. The Lord is a Rock.
ReplyDeleteSo in numbers, it took me back to the biting snakes, the bronze snake; which was good (part of the WOP is Nicodemus's talk) Hard to believe they could complain about the manna -- they not only complained about their lack (nothing to eat, nothing to drink) but they complained about what they DID have -- not good enough, even tho it had been sent miraculously from God. OK -- so, how many times do I do that? Complain about what I don't have, and complain about what I do have. The bite of sin is ingratitude, feeling like I deserve something else instead of a life of contentment.
And, it's only when I get my eyes up off myself and look toward God that I can find that healing.
The 2nd story today was Balaam. I was wondering why God told B to go on the 2nd time around, yet became angry with him and sent the angel to let him know it. I think the key is in 23:19 "God is not a man, so HE does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind" Who are WE to question God.
The word pic left in my mind this morning is both Balaam and his donkey face down before the angel. O for a glimpse of the glory of God -- it puts everything into perspective.
I appreciate God's concern for our animals -- why did you beat your donkey?
The bite of sin is ingratitude. That is so true! Unfortunately, I am just like the children of Israel as well. All I do is complain it seems like. So ungrateful!
ReplyDeletePerspective. That's what Solomon had as well. He asked for wisdom & knowledge to govern God's people. That's perspective. Seems like he already had some wisdom there.
I thought awhile on the 1,000 burnt offerings he offered to God. How long that must have taken. And I know if I would have been in the crowd that day I would have lost interest after the 20th or so. But 1,000!!!! Just blows my mind. On just one altar. Wow & wow! The priests must have been red instead of white after that too. So much blood shed & it still doesn't come close to what Jesus did in shedding His blood once.
Then when they brought the Ark to the temple, they couldn't keep count of the sacrifices. That's just crazy extravagant! I'm trying to find a comparison today. Would that be like giving up a 6 figure job to go to some island to share the Truth with people who have never heard it before?
It was taking from Solomon's wealth to do this I'm thinking. Maybe the people gave as well after seeing his example. I don't know. But it cost him something. I think that's the point.
111:2 the deeds of the Lord All who delight in Him should ponder them. This is part of sitting still or being open to what God is doing -- not letting God's intervention just pass by as some coincidence, but looking for Him in everything that happens around us; ponder them.
ReplyDelete112 talks about 2 concepts: wealthy and generous -- I think that is talking about more than money wealthy; I think it means wealth in wisdom, confidence, skills -- you name it. People that are willing to share are the ones that are confident and remembered by others. They don't fear bad news, because they know they've lived a full and upright life:)
113:5 Who can be compared with the Lord? Absolutely no one, but how many times do I say "move over, Lord" and try to make the decisions about my life or other's lives; I want to lay it all down in His hands intellectually -- but so many times my emotions or pride take over. Again this morning, Lord -- forgive me, change me, humble me.
111 Has that word Amaze in there again. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! Oh Yeah! I like what you brought out about pondering them Linda. And notice that when godly people get together they talk about what God is doing & has done for them. Not politics or other people. This is part of Paul's admonition to build each other up, encourage, etc.
ReplyDeleteI too thought 112 talked about more than $$ wealth. How confidently they rest or trust in the Lord to take care of them. This is because they KNOW Him. They are indeed rich who know the Lord in this manner. Their very spirit breathes this richness of God's Presence in their lives.
Yeah, who can be compared to God? And yet, He stoops to lift us up when we get trampled in the dust of live & buried under the rumble of sin. Why wouldn't you want to praise a God like that?
I love the caution of 25:7 "Just because you've seen something, don't be in a hurry to go to court" caution for the tattle tale; so many times there are reasons for actions -- just watch, wait, observe; time has a way of sorting actions out; if time is on your side -- use it.
ReplyDeleteSeveral cautions against gossip -- I appreciate that; we are so drawn to evil; I think that's why the media feeds on catastrophies -- it'd be fun to have a media station that fed on victories and inspiration; but somehow -- I don't think people would go for it:(
Timely advice; listening to valid criticism -- both again are tough learning experiences for us humans (me) who are so quick to give advice, so slow to listen to advice
I was thinking of the enemy thirst -- giving them water; that can be more than physical -- totally can be spiritual as with Jesus and the woman at the well; but remember how he offered, then she asked -- then He could give. He didn't force it down her throat -- just placed the glass on the table and watched to see if she'd reach for it:)
Even when I walk through the dark places in my life, I will not be afraid because I know You are right beside me, protecting me physically and mentally from the enemy...You honor me, when I feel like a failure, by bringing something or someone to me that tells me You are especially fond of me. Sometimes You even whisper that in my ear when I'm low.
ReplyDeleteMy life overflows with blessings, regardless if I choose to see them, they are there. Representing Your faithfulness to me. Ps 23:4-5 my paraphrase.
v6 NLT "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life..." Thank you Lord for always pursuing me with Your love.
And I love the "thirst" pic you painted of the woman at the well Linda
ReplyDeleteAmos not the most "Joyful" of books! But God is passionate for Israel to turn around - turn to Him so he doesn't have to send the bad stuff their way! He's spelling it out for them; but they choose to close their ears - they choose to lounge in luxury 6:1 and feel secure.
ReplyDeleteHis call in 5:4 "Come back to me and live" a call to every one of us, we can never get close enough to God -- we can always snuggle down even closer.
Stop and reflect -- 5:21 -24 "I hate all your show and pretense - the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies . . . with your noisy hymns of praise . . instead I want to see a mighty flood of justice, and endless river of righteous living" I think God wants our worship in a flooding, endless way -- it's who we are always, not just during church.
9:9 "For I will give the command and will shake Israel . . as grain is shaken . . yet not one true kernel will be lost" I know that there are some that think if you are one of God's you will avert tough times; however, it appears like all will be shaken, but the one's that are His will be saved.
Pretty scary when God has nothing more to say to you because you haven't listened in the first place. So many things fight to crowd out the Voice of Truth in our hearts. He is so quiet & unobtrusive. Only the listening heart can hear, not the one busy with fear of man & expectations.
ReplyDeleteMary was so caught up in the grief of the loss of her expectations that she didn't recognize Jesus' voice until He said her name. I think Jesus knew that. He knew she was so wrapped in her disappointment that He said her name in only the way her Savior could say it & talk to her heart. Immediately, all she saw was Jesus & He was the center of her world again.
Maybe she thought all her expectations were reinstated, I don't know. I'm just going off of how I would react. Now we can get this plan in motion again, it's going to be ok. But since it's God's plan that counts & not mine, I would have to deal with my lack of understanding again & surrender my expectations to His will & timing.
When His public followers were paralyzed by fear & grief, God had other men come forward to take care of Jesus' body & bury Him. He always has ways of taking care of our needs, even when we aren't cognizant of them. Our real needs that is, not our imagined ones.
Jesus' conversation with Peter reminded me of the video clip PM showed last week. Really good stuff.
So thankful God has protected His Word throughout the ages for us to be able to read it today.
I was caught by the journey of Pilot -- he almost crossed over it seems; but pride and ambition won out:( from going to calling Jesus a man, he questions him thinking he might be God, then he calls him a king -- finally King of the Jews, and by that point -- he refuses to be bullied into recanting that -- it's a pretty sad story.
ReplyDeleteWhy did they have to use a led-tipped whip? Why is man so very very cruel -- those first few verses of torture are just gut-wrenching.
Every wonder if Jesus brothers questioned why Mary was living in John's home and not theres?
Ever wonder why Mary's sister was named Mary?
I think it's sick that the Jewish leaders didn't want their perfect passover pageant to be tarnished by the crosses outside the city -- the death that they instigated and forced - that's just sick.
Yes -- I thought it was precious that the secret disciples came forward -- I'm guessing as they watched their fellow leaders lead the torture, they washed their hands of that hypocritical lifestyle forever -- I bet they never looked back. And I bet they were a real encouragement to Saul/Paul later on down the road.
20:29 believe without seeing = faith; what Jesus is after!
I'm so glad John captured the story of Peter's "what about him" so many times we tend to look at the what about thems -- and Jesus simply says, what is that to you? follow Me! Keep your eyes planted on the One that really matters!