Philemon 1:1-7
We're spending this weekend reading the tiny book (only 25 verses total) of Philemon. Paul is the author and he is writing to a wealthy Christian slave owner about one of his slaves, Onesimus, who has apparently run away and is now with Paul and has received Christ as his Savior.
Today we're only looking at the first seven verses of Philemon which is basically Paul's hello to his friend Philemon. Now we won't get to Onesimus (the reason for this letter) until tomorrow. But that's actually good because there are things for us to take in and consider right up front. The main thing that caught my attention today was how Paul recognizes and commends Philemon for being a "refresher" to other Christians. And, if you think about it, Paul is doing that same thing here to Philemon--refreshing and encouraging him through this letter.
So how does receiving refreshment from others impact you (or how has it)? How are you doing in the area of giving refreshment to others? Who can you support and encourage this weekend? Tami W.
HI TAMMI
It took a while for me to learn this but receiving encouragement is as refreshing as giving it i am a person who does not know strangers i use it as opportunities to express the joy i feel to be alive in christ no matter what especially when i am down about a situation i can turn it around by saying or doing something for someone else it is a beautiful gift
Hi Tami,
After reading these verses this morning I started to envision the faces of those whom God has brought into my life to refresh me. Even now as I type more are coming before me. What a gift they are to me. Some so timely and some so quietly. I do thank God for them. I too want to be that to others. An encourager of the faith. Building individuals up in the body of Christ. Lifting non believers up with my words.
Being that drink of cold refreshing water to that thirsting soul. Pointing them to the very source of our refreshment. The Lord reminder me that I must drink deeply first before I pour myself out. Thank you Lord for your refreshing and for those that you have used in my life. May I be faithful in doing the same daily for you .
this scripture is really amazing ii like it because when i look at it its encouraging me as an individual to have faith that the financial crisis shall come to cease my mom always told me that when you give up hope you have nothing if you admit defeat then you have already lost if you give up trying then there is no doing but if you trust that God will guide you then anything can happen faith is not believing God can its knowing he will
I have learned over the years that if you really listen to people—whether someone we know or a stranger—that there is always something that we can do or say that can lift that person up. I remember once when I was getting groceries God told me to pay for the person in line behind me. So, I did; and this young lady was so touched she started crying in the store and she told me that never before in her life had anyone done anything kind for her. I told her that God loved her, that she was special and God wanted to bless her.
I try everyday to do something for others. Sending a card with a Bible verse, calling a shut-in or a teen that is having a hard time, giving neighbors fresh baked cookies or bread, or something out of the garden. I make hats for the orphans and Afghans for the nursing home. I do not have a lot of money but have found that sometimes all that is required is some of my time. I want nothing in return But, to be very honest I have to tell you that when I do these things for others it lifts me up as much as them.