For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have been convicted over the last few weeks to seek to develop a disciplined prayer life. It is still a work in progress. Please pray for me, that the Holy Spirit may show me how to pray in a disciplined manner.
Gossip is fuel for quarrels in the same way that wood is fuel for a fire. If you take away the fuel the fire will go out. If both parties, and everyone around them, stop spreading gossip about them the quarrel will fade away.
This psalm is a wonderful basis for a personal devotion. If we remind ourselves of each piece of this everyday, it will help us live godly lives.
- lead a life of integrity…even when no one can see
- refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar…whether on television, at the movies, or on the Internet
- have nothing to do with those who deal crookedly
- reject perverse ideas, and stay away from evil…even when they promise pleasure
- call out those who slander others
And the key to accomplishing these things is seeking out faithful people with whom to companion. If we spend our time hanging out with faithful people and people who are above reproach, we will be inspired to be the same.
This letter reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving debtor. In this letter to Philemon Paul reminds us that we should extend our kindness to those who are “beneath” us. More than that, we are to consider our fellow believers our siblings. That means that no matter how the world sees them, they are socially our equals.
There is one other thing worth noting. Paul does not order Philemon to take the actions he wishes, which involve economic issues for Philemon. Paul merely requests that he do so (with a reminder that Philemon owes him a non-economic debt of much greater value). Paul does not say, “God calls you to offer this economic asset to His work, so I am just going to take it and use it to do God’s work.” Instead Paul tells Philemon that it is his Christian duty to use his economic assets to do God’s work, but leaves it up to Philemon to choose how to use his assets in doing the Lord’s work. It is not God’s will that we demand that others use their assets to do what we think is God’s work. Each of us is responsible to determine the best way to use what God has given us in order to serve Him.
Jerusalem fell and its people suffered. This happened because of the sins of its people. However, we should mourn for those who suffer such a fate, even though they brought it on themselves. It is a sin to rejoice at the suffering of others, even those who have brought such suffering on themselves. Let us call out to God to relieve their suffering. At the same time, let us encourage them to call out to God as well. If we suffer such a fate, let us not blame God. Rather let us recognize the ways in which we have brought our suffering on ourselves and turn to God for relief and for rescue.