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Known Day 5 Parakletos

July 14, 2023 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

Known Day 5 Parakletos

Carol Graft

July 14, 2023

Believe,Beloved,Daughter,Faith,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Luke 4:16-21
John 14:16-17
1 John 2:1-2
Isaiah 11:1-2

“Yada, yada”
A Hebrew phrase meaning to know and be known on the deepest, most intimate levels.

Perhaps you’ve heard it colloquially as “etc, etc, etc,” or perhaps, closer to its true definition, you’ve heard it means “to be familiar with.”

But Truth?
It means to know God and be known by Him in the deepest of ways.
Nothing hidden. Nothing secret. All things known.

Wait, we might say. What about those times when we are deep in sin, or just stepping into the shallows of sin? What about when we feel impossibly far away from Him, separated by oceans of shame and fear?

Even in those moments, He knows us. 

And perhaps more astonishingly, even in those moments, He loves us. (Romans 5:6-11)
Did you know your name is written in the palm of His hand? (Isaiah 49:16a)

Poet, warrior, and eventual king of Israel, David, even wrote about God knowing humankind as we are formed in our mothers’ wombs. (Psalm 139)
God knows us. 

This Journey Theme is focusing on several traits, characteristics, and attributes of God as revealed through His names. Learning His names, characteristics, and attributes deepens our understanding and experience of knowing God and being known by Him.

Parakletos is a Greek word encompassing several attributes of God: 
Comforter (John 14:15-17)
Counselor (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Advocate or Intercessor (1 John 2:1)

In one of Jesus’ last conversations with His disciples and followers, He promised to send a Comforter, and instructed them to wait in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-49) Acts 2 relates how, true to His word, the Comforter was faithful to come to the waiting disciples; He remains readily available to every believer today, as well! 

Did you know this incredible encounter isn’t the first time God as Comforter is mentioned in Scripture? Upon hearing Jesus’ promise of the Comforter’s arrival, the disciples may have recalled Isaiah 61:1-2:
“The Spirit of the LORD God is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort all who mourn[.]”

In fact, Jesus read much of this passage aloud and proclaimed its fulfillment in His own self. (Luke 4:16-21) When we find ourselves adrift, grieving, or simply saddened, we can bring our hurt to the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3) His comforting spirit will overshadow us, lifting our hearts and our spirits. 

  Just as Isaiah, an ancient prophet who spoke God’s word to the people of Israel, prophesied God’s nature as Comforter, he also declared God is our Counselor. 

“For a child will be born for us,
A son will be given to us, 
And the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)

As we come to know the LORD our Counselor more deeply, we learn to recognize His guidance. 

Sometimes, we might go to God with a question, a concern, a “what is my next step, Lord?” and something sinks into our spirits from Him. Perhaps a word or a phrase or the nudge to read a certain passage of Scripture. 

Sometimes, we might also seek counsel from a trusted friend or mentor, always remembering to weigh their advice against the truth of God’s word in Scripture.

This is God the Counselor at work. 
These nudges are holy. 

Finally, God is our Advocate. Ever sin? Ever repent of that sin? When we repent (commit to changing our thinking and behavior) and ask for God’s forgiveness, God our Advocate works on our behalf:
“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ the righteous one. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours, but also for those of the whole world.” 
(1 John 2:1-2)

Jesus already paid our sin-price; the debt of sin to a perfectly righteous and holy God that should condemn us has been paid by God Himself, in Jesus. 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
(Romans 8:1)

Sisters, God is our Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate.

Today, as He perfectly fulfills each one of these characteristics, He is inviting us to know Him and be known by Him in a deep and intimate way.

Tags :
depth,intimacy,knowing,relationship
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It’s unlikely that talk of the Spirit was totally new to Jesus’ disciples. They had likely read or heard the passages of Scripture referring to the Spirit of God.

We don’t know how much the apostles understood in that moment, but they would come to understand the Spirit was also their Lord and their God. He was not merely a vague vapor or mist. He was not a force or an energy. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God personified!
Dig Deeper!

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July 10 - July 28, 2023 - Journey Theme #121

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Posted in: Believe, Beloved, Daughter, Faith, Relationship Tagged: depth, intimacy, knowing, relationship

Sketched XI Day 15 Faith Made Sight

July 7, 2023 by Katelyn Palmer Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 15 Faith Made Sight

Katelyn Palmer

July 7, 2023

Power,Promises,Relationship,Sketched,Spirit,Trust,Truth,Yahweh

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:8-24
2 Kings 2
Ephesians 2:1-10

“It’s been a long journey,” I spoke into the emotionally heavy space between us.
He offered a curt nod but kept his eyes downcast, gently kicking at pebbles with sandaled toes. The heat of the sun and cawing of birds settled into silence as we recalled days past.

“Are you…scared?” he hesitantly queried. I think for a moment. I’ve known fear; I’ve experienced doubt; I’ve faced the threat of death. This time, though, it’s different. I feel…peace. Inexplicable peace laced with expectant joy as I consider the faithfulness of my God.

“I have faced fear and doubt often in my time walking with the Lord, but I have learned that when Yahweh says He will provide, He provides.” His eyes are on mine now, and I notice his shoulders straighten, as though my testimony bolstered him.

My eyes sweep over the arid landscape as I organize my thoughts.

“Before I found you, Yahweh called me to prophesy before King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The stories paint me with courage and bravery, but my legs were shaking! In fact, after I defeated the last prophet who stood against Yahweh at Mount Carmel, escalating queen Jezebel to the point of ordering my own death, I ran away in utter defeat.” I scoff, pausing briefly for a drink of water and wipe the sweat from my brow. (1 Kings 18:20-46, 1 Kings 19)

“I had just called fire down from heaven in the Lord’s name and watched from the hilltop as Yahweh sent rain to end a three year drought, yet I was hollowed out in an instant by fear of queen Jezebel’s words delivered through a messenger.”

Shaking my head, I continued, “That fear seems silly now, but the enemy is crafty and will try to convince us Yahweh is small, powerless, or distant. But if you remain devoted to Yahweh, you will come to know Him as I have, for
He alone is sovereign,
He is enough,
He is omnipotent,
He is truth,
He is jealous,
He is revealed,
He is sustaining,
and He is just.”

Elijah
We continue on in silence as each step brings me closer to Yahweh. My body tingles at the prospect of witnessing His glory! Who am I that the great I AM guided my heart and my step in tandem with His will? Who am I that the great I AM held my precious life in His hands, protecting me from enemies who sought me in the flesh and the spirit alike? I am no one, but He…He is unlike any other and I long to rest in His presence. 

“Teacher?” Elisha interrupts my thoughts.

“Yes?”

“We are here,” Elisha gestures with a sweep of his hand at the valley of Jericho.

“Elisha, there is still a final piece to my journey. Stay here; the Lord is sending me to the Jordan.”

“As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:6)

We leave Jericho for the Jordan River, the very place Joshua led our people as they entered the Promised Land. (Joshua 3:14-17) Though we tainted this land with idolatry, I know the God of Abraham, the God of Jacob, my God is faithful. Just as He left seven thousand believers before me in a show of His mercy (1 Kings 19:18), and just as he breathed life into the son of the widow who fed me during the famine (1 Kings 17:8-24), He is faithful to save His people.

“When Yahweh calls you to do His work, Elisha, you will falter at times, but God will be faithful to you. Our God has a plan for you; embrace it. Though it may be difficult, like living in the wilderness, and though there may be pain, like losing a teacher,” I say as I rest my hand on his shoulder, “trust that Yahweh is good and He will carry you forward, as He carried me.”  

As we reach the Jordan River, I can feel the eyes of the sons of the prophets at our backs, waiting to see what happens next.

I gesture for Elisha to stand back as I remove the mantle from my shoulders. Like Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), I strike the water with my mantle and watch as God parts the river, leaving a dry bed for us to cross.

“Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you,” I ask, once we’ve reached the far shore. (2 Kings 2:9)

“Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.” (2 Kings 2:9)

“You have asked for something difficult,” I muse. “If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.” (2 Kings 2:10) I say a silent prayer, asking Yahweh to fulfill the request of my appointed successor according to His will. 

Give Elisha the portion of a first born son as he inherits a ministry in You, Yahweh. Let him experience Your blessing and guidance as he lives and prophesies in Your name, as I have for so many years. Fulfill Your calling on his life, my Lord, as You call me home. I am ready, Yahweh.

As we walk on, I can feel a warmth spread through my bones and peace wash over my heart. It is time. 

As if on cue, a chariot of fire pulled by horses of the same separates myself from Elisha, and the winds of Yahweh surround me. (2 Kings 2:11)

Elisha
“My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” I cry out as I tear my clothes in two. (2 Kings 2:12) Through my tears, I gather up my teacher’s mantle and strike the Jordan. 

“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” I shout, courage flooding my spirit. Once again the water parts and I cross the dry bed. (2 Kings 2:13-14)

I am greeted by the sons of the prophets of Jericho, who bow at my feet. God of Elijah, Yahweh, I am Your servant. Guide my steps and let me walk a righteous path as my teacher did.

A Note About Sketched

In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally.

We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.

Perhaps we will find parts of our story reflected in theirs!

Tags :
assurance,belief,faith,future,hope,power,Sight,Truth
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Elijah was a foreshadowing of Jesus in many ways. His life was used as a beacon to not only point people to God who lived in his timeline, but, generations later, we too can look at Elijah’s life and see Jesus.

What do other people think when they spend time in relationship with you in your timeline? Do they see Jesus?!
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June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

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Posted in: Power, Promises, Relationship, Sketched, Spirit, Trust, Truth, Yahweh Tagged: assurance, belief, faith, future, hope, power, Sight, Truth

Sketched XI Day 13 Unpopular Justice

July 5, 2023 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 13 Unpopular Justice

Rebecca Adams

July 5, 2023

Encourage,gentle,Impatient,Preparing,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 21
Philippians 3:18-21
Deuteronomy 32:1-9
Romans 2:1-16

The fire blazed in the hearth as I sat with my brother, Elisha, whom the Lord had given me. He would take my place when my ministry to Israel ended. His friendship encouraged my heart as if the Lord Himself was walking beside me.

Following my runaway cave experience when I was nearly consumed by the black waves of depression, the Lord gave me the gift I didn’t know I needed, a brother in partnership for this ministry, Elisha.

We had just finished our evening meal together, swapping stories of the afternoon, laughing, and prodding for the other’s thoughts around Ahab’s latest ridiculous antics. Reflective quiet engulfed us for a few moments before Elisha broke, “It’s so frustrating!”. His comment was laced with disgust as he gripped his mug of water.

“Ahab saw the Lord’s fire on Carmel. He saw the Lord send rain. His own chariot wheels got stuck in the mud the Lord made!”, Elisha’s voice emboldened emphatically with each point. Elisha paused, and his burdened eyes wandered to the window, watching the movement of fellow Israelites preparing for evening.
I waited. I knew there was more he wanted to say.

“They are the ones who pay the heaviest price for Ahab’s rebellion”, he voice was thick with emotion as he jutted his head in the direction of our people outside our walls.

The truth of his words settled around us both.
True, God had proven Himself as
Sovereign,
Enough,
Omnipotent,
Truthful, and
Jealous.
He had Revealed Himself to mere humanity and proven He would Sustain those who trusted Him.
But where was Yahweh’s justice?

The question eked into the corners of my heart despite my best attempts to thwart it. Inside, my flourishing faith fought against my doubt-soaked question that begged an answer.
My faith fought back my doubts with truths I had come to know.
“No, the Lord is good.
The Lord is faithful.
The Lord sees all.
The Lord knows all.
The Lord sees Ahab.
He will bring justice.
We just need to wait.”
 
“How long will we wait, Elijah?”, the question jolted me.
It was as if my brother had been made privy to the wrestling of my heart.
I caught his gaze, knowing the Lord desired truth in the inmost places (Psalm 51:6),
“I don’t know, Brother. But I know He’s worth waiting for.”

A child’s cries and mother’s call carried through the window, seeming to draw out our hearts even more with the ache for justice. Will the Lord hear their cries for mercy? Will the Lord save them from plunging headlong into greater rebellion as Ahab recklessly led them astray again and again?

In a moment, time seemed to freeze and my heart soared with the joy of intimacy and the trembled in awe as again I heard the voice of the Lord penetrate me through to my bones and marrow, “Get up and go to meet King Ahab of Israel, who is in Samaria. He’s in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you murdered and also taken possession?’ Then tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, the dogs will also lick up your blood!’” (1 Kings 21:18-19)

Just as quickly as it came, the Voice left. I looked up to see Elisha’s eyes locked intently on mine, “What has Yahweh said, Elijah?”, he queried.

“We are to go to Ahab. He will be in Naboth’s vineyard. He has murdered Naboth and stolen his vineyard.” I stood quickly, but the younger man was already ahead of me grabbing our water skins, packs, and walking sticks.

“What else, brother? Something else is inside you from the Lord, isn’t it?”. I was taken aback by Elisha’s sensitive awareness of the moving of the Lord. It was a good reminder to me of the Lord’s wise choice in providing Elisha as my successor. He would do well in listening and obeying the voice of the Lord. (1 Kings 19:19-21)

I gripped my staff more tightly and thrust myself through the door’s opening. It was no small matter to speak of the justice of Yahweh, especially regarding the death of the Lord’s appointed ruler.

“Ahab’s death is near”, I finally managed to speak after several minutes of heavy, silent walking.

Elisha’s arm stopped my forward momentum as he turned hard eyes on me,
“It will be dishonorable, won’t it?”.

I closed my eyes against the scene the Lord had given me of dog’s licking up Ahab’s blood. (1 Kings 21:19) He was intended to be Israel’s king, leading us to worship Yahweh, but instead his death would be a mockery just as his life had been.

The righteous justice of the Holy One of Israel was about to be carried out not only to Ahab, but also to his Queen Jezebel who had incited him to wholly devote himself to vile wickedness.
(1 Kings 21:23-25)

Our casual conversation over bread and meat earlier came rushing back with immediacy.
We both longed for justice.
But did we really understand that the Lord’s justice meant
recognizing we were all sinners? (Romans 3:23)
Every heart rebelled, including mine and Elisha’s.

No, not all of us murdered and thieved and led an entire nation astray as the royal couple had, but Elisha and I both knew our hearts were still tempted away from trusting the Lord. We still grew impetuous and angry, impatient for the Lord to carry out justice.

Warmth of understanding swept over me and I could not stop the tears racing down my cheeks,
“It is the kindness of the Lord to delay His justice, Elisha.
But the time for Ahab’s repentance is about to expire.”
The king lived as an enemy to Yahweh and his just punishment was nearly here.

The fact that the Lord’s Justice was coming, stirred up urgency in me to plead with all of Israel to turn back to the Lord while there was still time to repent. (Philippians 3:18-19, Romans 2:4)

I stepped forward with renewed urgency to follow the Lord’s word exactly as He had spoken it,
“Come, Elisha, let’s worship the Lord together
by obeying His commands
while it’s still called today.”
(Hebrews 3:15)

Tags :
hope,Journey,justice,relationship,reliance,trust
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The Son was struck not by the rod of Moses, but by the Father’s rod of wrath concerning sin. It is our unchanging Rock who perfectly completed the work of redemption and satisfied the justice of God. (Romans 9:30-33 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Sweet Sister, as a result of this, we have been given, not the promised land of Israel but a promised life with God! God's love lasts forever!!
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June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

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Posted in: Encourage, gentle, Impatient, Preparing, Relationship Tagged: hope, Journey, justice, relationship, reliance, trust

Worship XI Day 2 Alef & Bet: Digging Deeper

May 30, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Worship XI Day 2 Alef & Bet: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

May 30, 2023

Gospel,Know,Lord,Relationship,Repent

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Alef & Bet"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:1-16

א Alef 1 How happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the Lord’s instruction! 2 Happy are those who keep his decrees and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept. 5 If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep your statutes; never abandon me.

ב Bet 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. 10 I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. 12 Lord, may you be blessed; teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the Hebrew words interjected between stanzas in Psalm 119?

The Bible is a bound collection of Holy Spirit inspired writings about the Hebrew God and His ways, all pointing directly to God’s ultimate plan for humanity: salvation from sin through his Son, Jesus Christ.

The entirety of Psalm 119 is a masterful work of poetry; it is specifically focused on the value, importance, and usefulness of God’s law. The flowing poem consists of 22 stanzas, composed of eight verses each. Every stanza is preceded by a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet; every line or verse therein begins with the same preceding letter, encompassing the psalmist’s love for God’s Word from beginning to end.

Alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which can also mean “oneness with God.” Every verse within the Alef stanza of Psalm 119 declares obedience to God as the pathway to oneness with God, and also speaks of the psalmist’s personal relationship with God.

Bet, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is the beginning letter of every verse within the Bet stanza. Bet can also mean “house.” The Bet stanza begins with the psalmist’s question about how a young man can make his way pure. (Psalm 119:9)

The rest of the stanza provides the answer to his question in first person form, indicating the psalmist is the young man in question who desires to keep his way pure. He goes on to espouse the wonderful glory of God’s Word and proclaim his love for it. This first person account of worshipful devotion to God and his ways provides a clear picture of one who chose to make their “home” with the God of Israel, by obeying, keeping His laws, and treasuring His ways and Word. (Psalm 119:11)

The Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the Hebrew words interjected between stanzas in Psalm 119?

When I pause to meditate on and consider the intentionality of the psalmist’s poem, I am convicted that I have not loved God’s word as I should. The mosaic law in Scripture, as delivered to Moses, seems so far removed from our modern daily lives. However, we must continually remind ourselves that the Bible is not a book about us.

It’s a book about the only holy God, history and His plan of salvation for humanity. The law is not irrelevant; it is essential! It had and has great purpose! Jesus highlighted its importance in saying, “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18) 

The deliberate inclusion of each Hebrew letter in the psalmist’s praise demonstrates an immersive, intentional love for God’s law and ways. Every part of the law shows us more about who God is, and what he is like.

As we begin to understand more about him, we are confronted with how very un-like Him we are in our flesh.

The psalmist’s expansive praise to God through every letter of the Hebrew alphabet reminds us this walk with Christ was never designed to be a thing with boundaries or dedicated “hours” of performance.

The call has always been a whole-life, fully surrendered, offering-every-resource, constant-and-forever kind of thing. 

The Original Intent

2) What does the psalmist mean by “precepts” in verses 4 and 15?

The whole of Psalm 119 is written as an all-encompassing tribute showcasing the psalmist’s love, appreciation and dedication to God’s law. When Psalm 119 was written, the specific portions of Scripture it referenced were called the Torah. The Torah consists of the five books Moses wrote, which are included in our modern Bible today: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Among other things, these books include the historical accounts of Creation, mankind’s original fall and sin, the history of the family God chose to use in the earthly lineage of His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the law God gave to Moses to show people how utterly unlike God they are, and to demonstrate humanity’s need for atonement and salvation.

The word “precepts” refers to the guidance, instructions, and specific direction God provided to His people through the Torah. The nature of the word is not a fluid term, but instead lends itself to the overarching, specific guidelines God gave to Moses and called good for His people.

The Everyday Application

2) What does the psalmist mean by “precepts” in verses 4 and 15?

The law was given to the Jewish people to display God’s character, holiness and righteousness, and to show them their urgent need for a Savior. The same is true for us. When we read the Mosaic law (delivered by Moses) and learn about God’s ways and commandments, we draw the only logical conclusion and conviction: we need a Savior.

The law points us straight to Jesus Christ. Because of this truth, we too, should love the law! Any gift the Lord has given to teach us about Him and His ways is worth our time, study, and faithful attention.

Days are busy; life can be chaotic. Little voices will clamor; little mouths will be hungry. Projects have deadlines, and emails must be answered. On days when there is little time for a bathroom break, let alone time to read or study God’s word, are we investing our mental and emotional capacity on holy things?

Do we grumble and “roll with the punches,” or do we grab hold of what is true and good, and meditate on God’s word even as we wipe noses, walk the dog, and file paperwork?

If love isn’t about how we feel in a given moment, and is instead a humble demonstration of willing obedience in all things, do we create space in our days to meditate on the perfect, holy law of God? 

The Original Intent

3) What is the difference between “precepts” mentioned in verses 4 and 15, and “statutes” mentioned in verses 5, 8, 12 and 16?

While “precepts” may describe the broad direction of the Law God gave to Moses, the word “statutes” points to the specifics given within the Law, from commands not to do certain things, to seemingly smaller picture guidelines God provided for particular “if-then” situations.

Throughout Psalm 119, and specifically in Alef and Bet, there are various words used to describe God’s law and each is used to imply various nuances and communicate a more complete picture: instruction, decrees, ways, precepts, statutes, commands, judgements, word.

Each of these words are used to give glimpses of a different part of the whole, all working together to point out the value, significance, necessity, and relevance of God and His word to the psalmist and all people. 

The Everyday Application

3) What is the difference between “precepts” mentioned in verses 4 and 15, and “statutes” mentioned in verses 5, 8, 12 and 16?

The law God gave to Moses provided both broad and specific directions for His people that outlined a standard of holiness and righteousness while giving intentional guidance regarding specific situations. The purposeful way God provided a path for His people to have a right relationship with him before Jesus Christ came exemplifies how much He loves us and all people.

Just as the psalmist covered everything from “a to z” in his expression of love and gratitude for God’s law, God’s law provided for all. In God’s perfect timing, Jesus, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13) and the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17-20), would come to earth to live a perfect, sinless life, then lay down His life as the sacrifice and atonement for all sin, for all time.

Jesus was fully God and fully man; He alone could perfectly fulfill and satisfy every stroke of the law, paying the price for sin and providing salvation for all who would repent from sin and put their trust in Him.

Thank God for His law, and the fulfillment of the law we could never achieve on our own! 

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grace,law,love,relationship,worship
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Journey Study

Approaching my Bible in the morning, I feel the presence of my Abba. (Galatians 4:6) He fills my parched soul with His living water. (John 4:13-14)

Jesus draws me into a delightful space where I encounter the grace of Father, Teacher, and Comforter as He shares love, wisdom, joy, and laughter.

Only God gives true, happy delight.
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Posted in: Gospel, Know, Lord, Relationship, Repent Tagged: grace, law, love, relationship, worship

Mission Day 15 Mission Accomplished

May 26, 2023 by Rebecca Adams 1 Comment

Mission Day 15 Mission Accomplished

Rebecca Adams

May 26, 2023

Alive,Relationship,Rescue,Victorious,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23
John 10:1-5
Revelation 19:1-9
1 Corinthians 15:53-58

If there’s a topic we’d rather not dwell on, it’s death.
We pull away from feelings of loss, grief, and sadness, putting it off for “later in life”, secretly hoping to die peacefully in our sleep. Remembering our lives are fleeting and no one escapes the finality of death is a thought we’d prefer not to embrace.

Still; reality remains.
Death is coming.
One day, likely when we least expect, Death will have the final word over our earthly existence.

Perhaps, like every other aspect of following Jesus, our minds need to be renewed by
Life Himself in order to gain a right perspective on life and death.  (Romans 12:2)

The world urges us to seize the day,
manipulating us into believing today is the gift,
and it’s all we have.
Armed with this faulty belief system, we miss not only the purpose of now,
but also entirely eclipse the reality yet to come,
as well as the Giver Himself.

Life’s true purpose is inextricably bound up within an intimate relationship with the very source of Life Himself, the Triune God.

The often-missed secret to a spectacularly satisfying life is laying our life upon the foundation of worshiping the Creator rather than ourselves and our desires. (Romans 1:25) When we release our façade of control we find the freedom to flee fear, dis-entangle from sin, and find fulfillment, not in achievement, but in surrender.

Genuine Christ-followers, having arrived at the end of their days, ready to embrace the full reality of the richest life yet to come, recognize the familiarity of joy found in their last minutes. Its source isn’t knowing they have “checked every box”, but rather that all the boxes have been checked for them by Jesus, the One to whom they have run towards and delighted in through worship.

One week ago at the time of this publishing, Pastor and author, and most importantly genuine Christ-follower, Tim Keller, died on earth and awoke to the real life for which he’d been living for decades. Some of his last words earth-side were, “There is no downside for me leaving, not in the slightest.”

Like the five virgins in Jesus’ parable who eagerly awaited Jesus’ return (Matthew 25:1-13), Keller was ready for death because he had firmly set the course of his life upon worshipping the Author of Life while waiting for the life that would not end.

When the mercy and goodness of God that had pursued him his whole life, finally caught him, Death was forever slain for him and he eagerly rejoiced. (Psalm 23:6) His mission of worship was not only accomplished on earth, it would continue in radiant glory for eternity to come as he welcomed an in-person, face-to-face worship that would ceaselessly endure forever.

A life committed to worship and marked by eagerness for life after death isn’t reserved for pastors but is available to all who follow Jesus.

Recently, a young woman from my church was brutally murdered. According to the onlooking world, her whole life was ahead of her. Which is true, but in a much different sense. Unlike Keller, Riley had lived most of her life in rebellion against the God who had surrendered Himself for her. She never authored a book, pastored a church, or studied at seminary, but one decision changed the theme of her life’s song. (Psalm 119:54)

Months before she died, Riley chose Jesus and her worship radically shifted off herself and onto the God who desired a relationship with her. With her mind renewed by the Spirit of God, she began sharing the Hope of Jesus. Roommates, coworkers, and neighbors who had never heard of the transformation offered by Jesus who came to pay the penalty accrued by our sin, now saw Jesus reflected in the worship-focus of Riley’s changed life.

As Riley breathed her last on earth, she was welcomed with the same celebration Keller received. Her mission on earth was accomplished, but her life of face-to-face worship was just beginning!

As we re-orient the worship of our lives, we will discover what Keller, Riley, and countless others have embraced. Regardless of the number of our days, the satisfaction of our mission is bound up within the joy of intimate knowledge of the Holy One as we lay our lives before Him in surrendered worship.

Perhaps there is no more beautiful picture of adoring, breathless worship than what is portrayed in Revelation 4 as angelic beings ceaselessly cry afresh, “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God the Almighty Worship, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8) If you haven’t read the whole scene and imagined yourself there to join the worship in person, you’re missing out! Go read Revelation 4!

Wherever you are in your faith journey today, decide to shift your focus.
Choose to place your worship solely on the Only One Worthy of it in the first place.
Then get excited, and eagerly anticipate the Forever Face-To-Face Life that will begin when this earthly life ends.

“Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent (life on earth),
burdened as we are,
because we do not want to be unclothed (
without Real Life)
but clothed (with Real Life),
so that mortality
(Death!) may be swallowed up by Life. 
Now the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God,
who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.”

(2 Corinthians 5:4-5, commentary mine)

 

Our purposed mission by God’s design is life with Him,
made available because of Christ’s sacrifice and His Spirit alive within us.
When we breathe our last on earth, Mission Accomplished is just beginning!

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death,life,mission,purpose,victory,worship
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When the end of time has come and we are united with Him and other believers, free from all sin, we will worship in pure spirit and sheer love. Nothing will hold us back from giving God all glory He deserves for Who He is and what He has accomplished for us.

We will delight in Him as a bride delights in her beloved husband and He will receive us as a husband delighting in His Bride whom He has desired and given everything for.
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Posted in: Alive, Relationship, Rescue, Victorious, Worship Tagged: death, life, mission, purpose, victory, worship

Mission Day 1 Praying For Purpose

May 8, 2023 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

Mission Day 1 Praying For Purpose

Carol Graft

May 8, 2023

Jesus,Joy,Purpose,Redemption,Relationship,Rescue

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 9:35-38
Matthew 28:16-20
1 John 3
Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 96

“Jesus came near [to His disciples] and said, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 26:18-20)

Following His death and resurrection, Jesus opens this discourse in Matthew 28:18 by reminding His disciples, “All authority has been given to me[.]” Even in this last appearance before ascending to heaven, He confirms His identity yet again by fulfilling the prophet Daniel’s prophecy about the Son of Man establishing an “everlasting dominion.” (Daniel 7:13-14) For those familiar with Hebrew Scripture’s prophecies of the Messiah, what an impossible yet glorious moment this must have been! 

This wasn’t the first time Jesus had commissioned His followers based on His authority. When teaching, preaching, and healing, Matthew 9:35-38 tells us Jesus was moved with compassion for the people. Comparing their widespread, desperate need for a savior to a harvest groaning to be collected, He asked His disciples to pray to the Lord of the Harvest. “Lord” is translated from the Greek kyrios, meaning authority. As the One who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, He commissions His followers as workers to reap an abundant harvest.  

What does it mean to be commissioned by Jesus, often called being “on mission”? Every believer is called to a mission field whether it’s abroad, in our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, or even our churches. Jesus calls us to be His missionaries. (Mark 13:10, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-48)

Scholar, theologian, and bishop N.T. Wright asserts, “The church’s task is to proclaim the Lord Jesus, to summon people to follow him with faithful allegiance, to nurture believers so that they become holy disciples […]” (The New Testament In Its World) 

Mr. Wright cautions those on Christ’s mission to avoid arrogantly thinking we can build the kingdom as he explains we are builders for the kingdom. Christ already paid the price and will re-establish His kingdom when He returns; our role is to reflect the love, peace, and joy exemplifying the new creations that Christ followers become. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Early apostle and preacher, Paul, expressed similar encouragement in his letter to the church at Galatia. (Galatians 5:22-26) We are image-bearers of Christ (Genesis 1:26-27), reflecting Him to our world. This mission isn’t just to get people to Heaven, but to show them the grace and hope they can have as believers while they still inhabit the earth. 

This is why we pray for a mission.
Pray to our Lord of the Harvest,
who sees the fields ripe and needing workers. 
Pray for workers, 
pray for a field to work in, 
pray for open doors and divine appointments to share the Gospel.

Such prayer aligns our minds and hearts with God’s. If we aren’t in alignment with His purpose, then we can fall into a trap of thinking it’s all about us. If our mission isn’t God-led, we easily become self-absorbed and proud and God gets no glory. We also run the risk of being all about the numbers, rather than reflecting Christ’s unconditional love.

Just as Jesus redeemed and discipled His first followers, giving them grace and lavish love, so too is our mission to point to redemption through Jesus, then disciple believers. No one is beyond the reach of God: not our supervisor at work, not our in-laws, not our grumpy neighbors, not our children. It is our job as believers to show love and grace to others, telling them the wonderful news of freedom and eternal life in Christ. (John 5:24)

Twenty centuries later, the teachings of Christ and the Word of God (Scripture) still matter. There are still souls to be saved (by God) and nurtured (by us) . . . even our own. 

If you don’t yet know of the unconditional love of Christ, it’s there for the asking!
Truly.
Repentance is simply acknowledging the sin in your life, and your desire to turn away from it. When we repent, ask for forgiveness, and accept Christ’s love for us, He will continue His sweet work within us, and invite us into partnership on His mission, for the rest of our lives. 

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mission,prayer,purpose,rescue,salvation
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There is no list of rules or behaviors I can follow to prove my holiness, or right the wrongs I’ve committed.

I am a sinner, and I know this because God’s law shows me what sin is.

But Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, came to earth as a man. He lived a perfect, sinless life, then laid down his life when he was crucified on a cross to pay the price for my sins and the sins of all people, was buried in a tomb and was resurrected to bodily life three days later.
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Posted in: Jesus, Joy, Purpose, Redemption, Relationship, Rescue Tagged: mission, prayer, purpose, rescue, salvation

Another Day 13 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle

March 22, 2023 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Another Day 13 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle

Rebecca Adams

March 22, 2023

gentle,Grace,Humility,Love,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Isaiah 46:1-5
Psalm 139:1-7
Revelation 3:19-21
Matthew 11:25-30

We cannot authentically love what we do not deeply know.

I was enamored with my husband from Day 1.
But it wasn’t until over two decades had passed and we walked dark pathways that I had an inkling of what love meant.

I was head over heels in love with my firstborn the moment I saw those 2 pink lines on the pregnancy test.
But my love for her multiplied with every day I spent with her, knowing her, arguing with her, and learning from her.

Love grew strong, fierce, and authentic in the days, years, and decades of learning to know.

Intimate familiarity changes everything.
Misconceptions flee, doubts dissolve, and the brilliance of authentic love shoots through like daybreak when we commit to deeply know another.

Who is this God who has called us to live together in the humble fabric of gentle love, seeking the other’s good, and partnering with them for peace and unity? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

He is precisely who He has called us to be as we love One Another as brothers and sisters in the family He calls His Bride, the Church.

He is constantly humble toward us. (Philippians 2:7)
Perpetually extending us peace. (Colossians 3:15)
Continuously
seeing the unseen. (Matthew 9:36)
Ceaselessly
helping the helpless. (Psalm 116:6)
Patiently
hemming us within His love on all sides. (Psalm 139:5)
Modeling
submission to the law of Love. (John 13:34)
Steadfastly
convicting us with kindness. (Romans 2:4)
Endlessly lowering Himself to bear our burdens.
(Psalm 68:19)

He desires us.
He wants us.
Not just to be “His”, another “child” in His family to do His purpose,
but to both know Him and be lovingly known.

Is there anything as precious as being deeply known and authentically loved?

When the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His own heart posture toward us,
He chose the words “gentle” and “lowly”.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30, ESV)

He spoke these words while describing what it means to know the Almighty God,
whom Christ perfectly represented.
To know Christ, is to know God Himself.
(Hebrews 1:3)

Hundreds of years before Jesus spoke these words, King David penned his understanding of the great I AM as the God who “day after day… bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19)

Daily.
Bears.
OUR.
Burdens.

Can we just say that again?

On the DAILY, sisters.
Love Himself,
who reigns in the heavenlies,
holds all power,
possesses all wisdom,
and is present in all places
stoops low to DAILY lift our burdens.

Forever the gentle and lowly of heart lowers Himself to shoulder-level with us only to rise and carry the weight upon Himself.

The weight of our hard things, our broken things, our wounded things, and infinitely greater, this is the God who stooped to the cross, naked and shamed, to bear the weight of the sin of the world. (1 John 2:2)

Do you see those precious words that next cross Jesus’ lips following His nondescript characterization of His heart?
“My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Not only does He carry our burden for us, and our sin for eternity if we will entrust our wretchedness to Him, but He gives life in return! In His humility, He teaches us to shoulder up next to Him, the wholly divine God, that we might learn His easy rhythms of life.

As several of our authors have noted in this Journey theme, it’s impossible for us to live out these One Another commands if we have not first submitted to the Spirit of God living inside of us. This is holy work; it’s His work, and we cannot muster or manufacture it ourselves.
But neither…
Can we live out these richly beautiful, life-giving commands if we do not intimately know the heart of the God in whom they perfectly abide.

We cannot authentically love what we do not deeply know.

Consider the Lord’s own words through His prophet Isaiah to His beloved people.
Come, know Him!

“Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. (false gods)
[…] The images [they] carry are loaded,
as a burden for the weary animal.
The gods cower; they crouch together;
they (false gods) are not able to rescue the burden,[…] “Listen to Me (true God),
[…You] who have been sustained from the womb,
carried along since birth.
I will be the same until your old age,
and I will bear you up when you turn gray.
I have made you, and I will carry you;
I will bear and rescue you.”
(Isaiah 46:1-4)

If you do not know the Lord as a gentle and lowly, burden-bearing God, then come on into His heart. Feast with Him, see His smile, hear His laughter, and confidently grow in authentically loving this God for being precisely who He claims to be in the pages of His Word.

To know Him, is to love Him!
And the proof of our love is made manifest when we stoop low with humble gentleness to lovingly carry another’s burdens just as Christ has done, and is doing right now, for us!

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burden,church,family,humble,kind,service,tender
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May we grow in deeply knowing the One who knows us so well! For the Lord is near to those who draw close to Him through repentance of our sins. (James 4:8-10)

What intimacy awaits those who feel lonely, fearful, and depressed when they come to the Lord to confess their sin and enjoy the pleasure of relationship with Him because of His forgiveness and mercy!

What sweet connection awaits if only we would pour ourselves over His Scripture and meditate on His character day and night that we might deeply know Him! (Joshua 1:8)
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Posted in: gentle, Grace, Humility, Love, Relationship Tagged: burden, church, family, humble, kind, service, tender

Another Day 10 Holy Submission

March 17, 2023 by Michelle Brown Leave a Comment

Another Day 10 Holy Submission

Michelle Brown

March 17, 2023

Christ,Humility,Jesus,Reflection,Relationship,Submission

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 5:15-21
Luke 2:41-52
John 6:36-40
Philippians 2:1-11
Isaiah 66:1-2

Submission is often a touchy and misunderstood topic, yet it is a vital aspect of our Christian walk. 

“[B]e filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18-21, emphasis mine)

If we are to submit to one another, we must consider why God places such an emphasis on its role in the church.

Submission is defined as an “act of referring to a third party for judgment or decision”; a study of the word’s Latin roots adds, “a lowering, letting down; sinking,” and “to reduce, yield.”  As a verb, submission means “to place (oneself) under the control of another, to yield oneself.” Already, we see common themes! Keep these in mind as we explore submission in honoring God and others.

We find the perfect model of submission in Jesus Christ’s submission to the will of the Father. Submission to the Father characterized Jesus’ life from a young age. Following a Passover celebration in Jerusalem, Luke 2:41-49 describes how Jesus remained in the city unbeknownst to His parents. They found Him three days later, sitting among the religious leaders and asking questions. 

When they expressed their anxiety at losing Him, Jesus responded, “Why were you searching for me? [. . .] Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) Jesus was willing to submit Himself to the Father, even at the cost of causing conflict with His earthly parents. 

Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus’ continued submission to the Father’s will. In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan tempted Jesus to worship him and rebel against the Father,
but Christ,
the Son of God, 
used the Word of God 
to dispel Satan’s attempt to turn Him from God’s ordained plan of salvation. 

In the final hours before His arrest, despite the intense suffering He knew awaited Him, Jesus’ prayers revealed His submission to God’s plan for redemption.

“My Father, if this [cup of suffering] cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

John 6:38 reiterates, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” 

1 Peter 2:24 succinctly reveals the fruit of Jesus’ submission. “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.” 

Philippians 2:1-11 sums up Jesus’ submission by explaining He was born as a human being and humbled Himself in obedience to God, dying a criminal’s death. “For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross,” doing the will of the Father.
“See, I have come to do your will [. . .] By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10)

Similarly, we are called to follow Jesus’ example in submitting to God. This holy submission stands in sharp contrast to how the world and some Christians view submission, such as oppressive, sexist, or justification for husbands to abuse wives.

Submission is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Through faith in Christ, we receive His righteousness as our own and keep His commandments through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Submission denies us the power and privilege we want,
instead choosing to stand under the Lord’s authority, wisdom, and power. 

Philippians 2:1-11 helps us understand submission practically by noting its key attributes like humility, loving one another, working together, being humble and considering others as better than ourselves. This is the same attitude Jesus Christ displayed when He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died on the cross in our place. Submission to God’s rule and reign begins with humility and is displayed through genuine love, generosity, and service to all people.

We can submit to one another in real-life and bring honor to the God who humbled Himself for us!

Prayer & Scripture Study
Consistent Bible reading and fellowship with God allows us to know Him and teaches us how to practically love and minster to others. Just as Jesus prioritized time alone with God, so should we. (Matthew 14:23)

Consider Others First
In holding our own desires loosely and actively asking God to use us to love well, opens the door for authentic submission. We can trust that even if submission doesn’t feel fun, God will lead us to that which is “good, pleasing, and perfect[.]” (Romans 12:2)

Servant Heart, Hands, & Feet
Practice choosing to serve others in real-life scenarios as the Holy Spirit leads you to build others up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Known & Listened To
Take time to honor others with active listening. Without intentional listening to know the other person, we make our submitted service or generous outreach more about our own good feelings than loving others or honoring God. (James 1:19)

Submission is bigger than our preferences and bigger than ourselves. It allows our ego to die so we can enter a joy-filled life with Christ, living in God’s pleasure as He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

Tags :
Christ,generous,humility,love,Submission
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Time is one of the most valuable things we have, and most of us frequently squander it on unworthy endeavors. We scroll through our social media pages, looking up to find we have spent an hour viewing dance trends, pranks and clever pet videos.

Sometimes the things that drain our time are not so benign, and are actually evil pursuits that bring us harm and separate us from God.
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Posted in: Christ, Humility, Jesus, Reflection, Relationship, Submission Tagged: Christ, generous, humility, love, Submission

Philemon Day 7 For The Love: Digging Deeper

February 21, 2023 by Dr. Leslie Umstattd Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 7 For The Love: Digging Deeper

Dr. Leslie Umstattd

February 21, 2023

Faith,Prayer,Relationship,Scripture

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "For The Love"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:8-10

8 For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, 9 I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, 10 appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) To what “reason” is Paul referring in verse 8?

When we read, “For this reason”, it reads much like other flag words of Scripture like “therefore” or “because”, which signal every reader to pause and consider what has come before the flag word in order to properly understand the context.

Based on what Paul has said in previous verses, he is making a transition argument. Verses 4-7 describe Paul’s prayer for Philemon’s faith to become effective in its daily living out by recognizing the good work God had already been doing inside of Paul and Philemon as fellow redeemed believers in Jesus, which resulted in glory being given to Christ. (3 John 1:11, Philippians 1:6)

Philemon’s love for others was both well-known and actively refreshing the saints. (verses 4 and 7) Paul’s letter would soon challenge the depth of Philemon’s love in connection with his faith. Paul writes “for this reason” to Philemon, prodding him to consider his love for others and his growing faith as reasons to appeal to Philemon before setting the challenge before him.

The Everyday Application

1) To what “reason” is Paul referring in verse 8?

Paul knew Philemon’s character, as he was known for loving fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus. This encouraged Paul and gave him reason to believe he could ask Philemon to consider his faith and love in the matter of Onesimus, who was also a believer.

The Christian life is not simply about individuals living out their faith between themselves and God, it also encompasses living out faith in community, allowing one’s relationship with God to overflow and connect with others.

Our effective faith is put into action when we bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and when we love as Christ loved (1 John 4:17-21). As a fellow Christ-follower himself, Paul is calling on Philemon to act in faith and love his brother with practical actions. (James 1:22, 1 John 3:18)

The Original Intent

2) How does Paul motivate Philemon to do what is right? (verse 8)

When Paul writes of his great boldness to command Philemon to act and behave in a certain way that would align with Christ, Paul is reminding Philemon of his position within the church. In other letters, he reminds his audience of his authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, meaning He had personal, physical experience with Jesus and been called to do God’s mission of preaching the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:7-8)

Given we already know there is a previous relationship between the two as signaled by the language of “dear friend” and “coworker” in verse 1, we understand Philemon has great respect for Paul along with sharing a deep friendship. Paul had earned the right to tell Philemon what to do and how to do it.

Additionally, Paul calls himself “an elderly man”. (verse 9) In the original Greek language and then-current culture, “elderly” signified “ambassador” or “older man”, or possibly an official of the church. (studylight.org) Paul had a clear line of position and authority over Philemon but as we read further, Paul chooses to appeal to something greater than his position.

The Everyday Application

2) How does Paul motivate Philemon to do what is right? (verse 8)

Paul had enough authority as an “elderly man” (ambassador) within the church to force Philemon’s hand in the situation with Onesimus. He was recognized as a widely respected leader of the New Testament church and in his position, despite the subject at hand, he could have commanded Philemon to do as he said.

However, Paul is setting up his letter to go in a different direction and wants Philemon to take note. Paul chooses not to command, but simply asks as a fellow family member in the faith to act in accordance with the gospel. Throughout Paul’s ministry there were several young men he discipled, mentored, and spiritually fathered calling them sons in the faith.

Paul called Timothy his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and said of Titus, “my true son in our common faith”. (Titus 1:4) On the basis of “dear friend” and fellow “coworker” (verse 1), Paul calls Philemon to protect and love another “son in the faith”, Onesimus. (Philemon 1:10)

He could have commanded Philemon to act, but rather, Paul relied on the faith and love he knew Philemon possessed. If Paul, a revered authority within the early church, and perhaps even more so today, chose love before authority, how much more so should we?! Let’s choose the gentle, loving approach of inviting others to also choose love alongside us!

The Original Intent

3) To what does Paul appeal while pleading for Philemon to act? (verses 9-10)

Paul pivots from discussing his right to command gospel-oriented actions from Philemon in verse 8 to a much deeper source for his appeal. In verses 9-10, Paul petitions Philemon on the basis of love.

Paul points out that Onesimus, whom he is pleading for, has become like a son to him in the faith, and Philemon, based on his love and compassion for those in the Body of Christ should allow Onesimus to be free from his obligation as Philemon’s former slave and forgive him for wrong doing. Paul calls on Philemon to put his faith into action and love well on the basis of faith.

The Everyday Application

3) To what does Paul appeal while pleading for Philemon to act? (verses 9-10)

In these verses Paul appeals to Philemon’s love for fellow believers. Paul opens his letter with words of encouragement and affirmation regarding Philemon’s character and his actions towards the saints. Paul shares his joy in hearing how Philemon has refreshed the saints due to his effective faith towards them. (Philemon 1:4-7)

Paul uses these truths as a springboard to call on Philemon to show the same kind of love and effective faith towards the one who had betrayed him.

It is easy to love the lovely, but it is a great deal harder to love those who have unjustly hurt us. (Luke 6:32-36) In the body of Christ, there is no room for vengeance, spite, or hatred. (Romans 12:17-19) Just as Paul points Philemon to love well in an act of effective faith so also God desires us to act in faith and love others as He loved us, which always involved humility. (Philippians 2:5-12)

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Philemon’s richly authentic love was the very thing Paul hoped would move Philemon to hear his earnest request regarding Onesimus, Philemon’s former slave. Paul knew that the more Philemon leaned in to knowing Jesus and being anchored in Christ’s love, the more effective his faith would become. Authentic love that mirrors Christ’s results in a life of humble, gentle kindness, which is exactly what Paul knew Philemon would need in order to love, and forgive, Onesimus.
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