Aug 4

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,…” Philemon 1:4

Paul used similar terminology when addressing the church at Ephesus, at Rome and when writing to Timothy. It would seem that the Apostle was in the habit of including specific prayers for individuals and congregations, and then doing so consistently. Here we learn a simple yet deep truth about the necessity of upholding one another before the Lord in prayer. Prayer is not some mere liturgical form or empty repetition of words. It is the communication of the heart to God, and the listening to the voice and direction of God. It carries to heaven’s door the needs and requests, not only of the person praying, but of others who may be mentioned in the prayer. Whilst repetition of form and words without heart is not what prayer is all about, the fact that Paul mentioned the saints ‘always’, shows that regular and continuous requests for known or ongoing needs, are acceptable in prayer. They do not reflect a lack of faith, because they are regularly raised with God! The perseverance of the believer in daily prayer to God, is a vibrant and essential part of the Christian walk. It has been correctly noted that like all necessary daily physical activities of eating, sleeping, working and bathing, keep us healthy physically, in the same manner the spiritual activities of prayer, meditation of God’s Word, worship and witnessing, keep us healthy spiritually. Some sharp mind has stated that seven days without prayer makes one weak! Surely any day which passes without our lifting prayers to the Almighty, is a day of potentially lost opportunities and blessings! The ministry of intercessory prayer that is, praying for and petitioning God on behalf of others is an essential structure and requirement in the church. The love we are commanded to have one for another, must by necessity include prayer for each other. Ministers need the prayers of the saints to uphold them in the work they are to do. Upholding one another in our daily walk with God by prayer for strength, protection and enduring faithfulness forms a vital framework of mutual support, much like the bracing which fortifies bridges, walls or other load-bearing structures. Let us never tire of petitioning heaven with requests and supplications for the needs of our brethren and for the salvation of those yet unreached.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 23

“…that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me…” Philemon 1:13

As he sends him back to Philemon, Paul gives reference of the servant Onesimus, in such a positive light, that he compares the services he is rendering to Paul while in prison, equal to and as valuable as those that Philemon himself would have offered, had he been with Paul. There is an affinity which grows among fellow ministers. This is the result of the calling that is placed on their lives by the Lord. It is a precious fellowship, one that goes beyond mere organizational ties, or academic connections. It is borne of the like precious faith which joins and makes a common bond and purpose, for those who are part of it. It is a spiritual fellowship; a companionship and friendship ordained by God’s Spirit and supported by His Word. The called ones, who are privileged to experience such excellence of ministry, benefit not only from the gift of God to minister to others, but the blessing of receiving the ministry of others. In difficult times, times of trials and afflictions, when few understand the heart and burden of the minister, God sends one who is called, to help carry the load, encourage the heart and remind the wearied servant to remain yet faithful. Paul was in bonds not for some misconduct or crime, but for being a preacher of the gospel of Christ. He might have been limited in his space and movements, but was not impoverished in the faith and in his zeal for the Lord. Onesimus proved profitable, as he willingly helped to support the weight of Paul’s cross! Helping him to carry the burden of his prison bonds and ministering to his needs, as Paul in turn, concentrated all he had left to minister the word of God to others! Might we pray that God may supply us with more ‘Pauls’ to see the gospel go forth and God’s kingdom spread, but that he may also provide more precious workers, like useful Onesimus, to minister to the needs of the ministers, faithfully and without complaint. This is what true service and ministry to God, is really all about, each doing what God has called us to do, lovingly, humbly, patiently and joyfully, as unto the Lord!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Jan 19

“Hearing of thy love and faith…” Philemon 1:5

Philemon’s godly life and the love he bore towards God and the fellow-believers made Paul joyful and thankful. There is a reputation of godliness and diligence, which should precede those who are true Disciples of Christ. It is not a status, achieved through personal boasting, advertising of one’s virtues or self-promotion of any kind! The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were bent on attracting attention to their spirituality through such means. It is rather that which God brings forth in us and others are able to communicate, having experienced for themselves the reality of the fruit, which the faithful servant abundantly bears unto the Lord. There can be no pretence about this. It cannot be a strummed up ‘character reference’, without supporting ‘documentation’! The enduring quality of the individual’s life, his loving interaction with peers and the longevity of his service and diligence, become the ‘unwritten’ documents, which underpin the claims of godliness others may proffer about him!  Though some may appear in the shorter term to bear such fruit, it is over the longer period of service in Christ, that such fruit and the reality of it is validated and verified. A tree may bear good fruit for one season, but if after that it fails to raise a crop, or its fruit is stunted and sickly, it will hardly be sought after. A good tree and one worthy of commendation, on the other hand, is one which continues to bear good fruit, season after season, and is reliable for the quality and quantity of its produce. Clearly as Christians also, it is not a matter of merely having some spiritual fruit, some of the time, but rather, as God’s Word exhorts, that it should be plentiful and remain - that is be more permanent in nature. This is how godly reputation is formed. It cannot be the result of a single effort, just a season of well-doing followed by periods of indifference and fits of tepidity, nor a resting of previous ‘laurels’ of achievement, without present signs. It must stem from ongoing, active and evident, submission to the ways of God in love and faith, and from assiduousness to fulfil the law of Christ towards others, which is the law of love. Such a fruitful life brings great rejoicing to those who lead, and great inspiration to all who follow Christ!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion