Friday – December 17th – Philemon 1:17-19 -----
1:17) If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
18) But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
19) I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay--not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
THERE IS A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVITY AND PROGRESS.*
We have arrived at Friday and are just one week away from Christmas Eve. How is your shopping going? Are you already finished, haven’t even started, or somewhere in between? Our inspirational thought for today is a great but gentle reminder of how we need to keep the proper perspective and a healthy focus on how our time is spent this next week. We can easily get caught up in the busy work of the season – especially for those of us connected to church life – and as a result we can lose out on the enjoyment of experiencing the hope, peace, joy, and love that should define this season of advent and Christmas. How might you take a breath and slow down, if even for a moment, to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas? For me that would qualify as real progress.
In our pick verses today, Paul once again steps up his game as he is willing to accept any financial responsibility due on behalf of Onesimus. Paul’s leading with an “if” - “then” statement in verse seventeen highlights the present condition of reality. It means that Philemon in fact must count Paul as a co-worker and should then receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself. Paul goes on to assume that Onesimus owed Philemon something for his leaving his work duties, or even possibly something Onesimus may have taken when he left. Paul was willing to take responsibility for that debt. However, if Philemon took a look at his life’s ledger, he would be reminded that he was fully indebted to Paul for his own spiritual life. It is not hard to see that Paul is passionate that this situation be settled for the benefit of the Kingdom of Heaven and for the example it would set for those who knew both Philemon and Onesimus. Our willingness to extend grace to those who have wronged us is a powerful witness to those who may not yet know Jesus. How, or to whom, might you be a witness of God’s grace today?
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Saturday – December 18th – Philemon 1:20-21
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Location 65206). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
1:17) If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
18) But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
19) I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay--not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
THERE IS A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVITY AND PROGRESS.*
We have arrived at Friday and are just one week away from Christmas Eve. How is your shopping going? Are you already finished, haven’t even started, or somewhere in between? Our inspirational thought for today is a great but gentle reminder of how we need to keep the proper perspective and a healthy focus on how our time is spent this next week. We can easily get caught up in the busy work of the season – especially for those of us connected to church life – and as a result we can lose out on the enjoyment of experiencing the hope, peace, joy, and love that should define this season of advent and Christmas. How might you take a breath and slow down, if even for a moment, to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas? For me that would qualify as real progress.
In our pick verses today, Paul once again steps up his game as he is willing to accept any financial responsibility due on behalf of Onesimus. Paul’s leading with an “if” - “then” statement in verse seventeen highlights the present condition of reality. It means that Philemon in fact must count Paul as a co-worker and should then receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself. Paul goes on to assume that Onesimus owed Philemon something for his leaving his work duties, or even possibly something Onesimus may have taken when he left. Paul was willing to take responsibility for that debt. However, if Philemon took a look at his life’s ledger, he would be reminded that he was fully indebted to Paul for his own spiritual life. It is not hard to see that Paul is passionate that this situation be settled for the benefit of the Kingdom of Heaven and for the example it would set for those who knew both Philemon and Onesimus. Our willingness to extend grace to those who have wronged us is a powerful witness to those who may not yet know Jesus. How, or to whom, might you be a witness of God’s grace today?
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Saturday – December 18th – Philemon 1:20-21
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Location 65206). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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