Philemon 1: 12 I am sending him back to
you now, and with him goes my heart. 13 I would like to keep him here with me,
while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your
place. 14 However, I do not want to
force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free
will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.
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Being chosen early
for the game on the playground seemed strange to me. I had nothing to offer the
team. I had no athletic prowess, broken glasses and a tiny stature. I was not
one of the “leftovers” who would not get a chance to play but remained on the
team in name only. When I scored, I felt like I could do this more often.
- I had nothing to offer, yet I was chosen.
- Even though I was chosen, I did not have to play.
- When I chose to play, I let go of my fears and participated better than I thought.
Paul appeals to Philemon
on behalf of Onesimus. He had just acknowledged that Onesimus was now “useful”
and Paul continues to say how much of a blessing he was. Paul asks Philemon to
accept Onesimus from his own free will.
My Observations
- Sometimes I think GOD is too harsh because HE has rules and can’t stand sin.
- GOD, on the other hand, is extremely forgiving of me and wants a relationship with me.
- Free will to choose GOD or choose my selfish justifying ways has been given to me so I can experience true love.
GOD made it so easy
to follow HIM that it is hard to follow HIM. I mean, HE chose me before I was
born, but gave me a choice to participate with HIM or not. It is my choice to
believe in JESUS and to live for HIM or not.
HE put me on HIS
team before I was born, but I still have a choice to live for HIM daily. When I
choose to live for myself, I bear no fruit for HIM. Conversely, when I choose
to live for HIM, I experience love beyond measure. I am glad GOD does not
obligate me to serve HIM but wants me to come to HIM with my own free will.
Challenge
- What is the heart posture of the writer?
- Have you ever wanted to be chosen for who you are?
- Will you strengthen your relationship with GOD by choosing HIM versus feeling obligated, so you can have a healthy connection with HIM today?
Prayer
Dear LORD, please
bless this reader to have a healthy relationship with YOU today. Let him or her
know YOUR love / yoke is easy and YOUR burden is light. Please show YOUR love
to those who choose YOU. amen
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