Philemon 1-7.30.21
SCRIPTURE
Philemon 1:9-10 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
The author of this letter is clearly stated as none other than Paul. It was written to Philemon, who is a slave owner and a member of the church in Colossae. Paul, writing this letter on behalf of Onesimus, is making an appeal for his forgiveness. Onesimus, a former slave of Philemon, “had apparently stolen from him and then run away, which under Roman law was punishable by death” (Zondervan NASB Study Bible, 1999). In writing the letter, Paul took his time getting to the point, using the first portion of the letter to appeal to Onesimus’ lighter side. After establishing rapport, Paul then makes his request, the forgiveness of wrong doing.
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
Most of my life, I have tried to be self-reliant. I have always wanted to be the kind of person that doesn’t need to rely on anyone else. There are, I’m sure, a number of deep seated reasons from my childhood, of which I should probably seek counseling for, that bring this feeling about. But, regardless of where it comes from, more often than I should, I try to be the stoic who puts his nose to the grindstone and just continues on, instead of asking for help.
That was, until I found myself in a position at work where I was in need of an advocate. In my field, wrongs doings are documented and not quickly forgotten. So after committing a violation of policy, I accepted my punishment and attempted to carry on as if that were the end of it. I quickly found out the importance of having an advocate. As I attempted to put in for transfers, special assignments, and collateral duties, I was met with the same answer on many occasions, “We would like to have you, but you have discipline in your background.” After hearing this for about the tenth time (I’m a slow learner), I realized the importance of having an advocate, someone to vouch for your personality, work ethic, and sometimes your remorse.
Paul was acting as Onesimus’ advocate, in much the same way Jesus acts as our advocate to our father. Jesus, in his humility, suffered greatly on the cross to ensure our debt of sin was payed. He then approaches The Father as our advocate, realizing that we cannot speak for ourselves and ensuring we have an audience with God.
At work, I had to humble myself, change my pig headed ways, and ask for someone to vouch for me in order to move past a failure. In life, I have to humble myself, change my pig headed ways, and ask Jesus to completely cover all of my sin. In Micah 7:18-19 we read, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
LIFE APPLICATION
Jesus, I want to run to you before it’s too late. When I have made a wrong turn, help me to run to you who is quick to forgive and delights in mercy. Help me to also act as an advocate for the lost and hurting, in order to help show the love that you have poured out on me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSz6URsPro
-Tyler Galloway
Psalm 145 - 7.29.21
Scripture - What stood out?
Psalm 145:4
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
Observation - What does it say?
A psalm of David that is couched in the heart of praise for God. A song that remains positive for the sake of God’s name and not positivity’s sake.
Understanding - What does it mean?
I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever
I love how this psalm begins! I extol you, my God and King...Wow. What an immediate shift to the atmosphere, my attitudes, and my desires! I could probably copy and paste the entire psalm in this section but I will control myself.
Today verse four stood out to me. As I get older and the gap/ability to communicate to the younger...eep...generations (plural) widens I have found myself searching for ways to “communicate” God to others. It is legitimately one of the most amazing things ever when God answers you in His word the bible.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
I will declare your mighty acts to the other generations!
Lord, I pray today that you will send me somebody from a different generation that I may declare how mighty and wonderful and awesome and powerful and loving and gracious and how amazing you are to them. I would like to share with them about the talking donkey, or the giant fish that swallowed a man whole, or even about how you brought dry bones to life! Thank you Lord. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
Psalm 144 - 7.28.21
Scripture
Psalm 144: 3-4
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.
Observation
This psalm is assumed to be written after David has become king of Israel. The whole psalm shows his heart for both wartimes and peaceful times, but these verses in particular marvel at God’s care for humans.
Understanding
I think that these verses do a good job capturing the magnitude of God’s love for us. That even while are just mere mortals and a breath in the wind God has a heart for us as His people. Even more when we consider the fact that oftentimes we turn away from God, but He never turns His back on us. It is very sobering to realize that God picked us, He designed us, and He chases us time and time again.
It is a love that isn’t deserved but given to us so freely, and call me sentimental but lately I’ve been awe of just the love of God. Like David I can’t wrap my head around the thought that the God of the universe loves everything about me (my flaws and all). Maybe today, you need to be reminded of that as well. That the God of everything loves everything about you, even the things you hate.
Life Application
Take time today to just share your gratitude of God to HIm. I’m sure He doesn’t hear it enough. And while you are at it, take some time to bask in the fact that you are fully known, and fully loved by God.
-Allison Khan