Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Philemon "Refresh my heart!"

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Read: Philemon

Verse chosen for reflection:

Philemon 1:7 "For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you."


Reflect

Philemon is a letter written by Paul to a fellow brother in Christ. The emphasis of the letter is Paul's appeal to someone call Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus back to his household. 


We are not entirely sure what Onesimus, once a bond servant of Philemon had done. It is apparent some restitution and reconciliation needed to happen and Paul was acting as the mediator.


Paul got to know Onesimus while in prison . Through Paul's sharing of the Gospel, Onesimus committed his life to Christ and had been a source of help and encouragement to the Apostle. As a fellow believer, Paul took it upon himself to plea the case with Philemon, regarding Onesimus as his "very heart". 


Paul exemplified and lived out what Christ our Lord asked of the disciples to do; to love one another. Such actions, Jesus said, is characteristic and witness of the Gospel to those yet to be saved. 


As a church universal, I believe we have much to learn from Paul's treatment of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, there are times when we get the feeling that our non-Christian friends treat us better than some would from the church. When this happens, the church goes against the Great Commandment and therefore the Great Commission. Such a church will not witness anything but sorrows and confusion for the world. 


Relate


Philemon is a letter close to my heart. I have preached this letter and had always cherished how God led me to the sermon title: "Refresh my heart!" Just as Philemon refreshed Paul's heart through his faithfulness and help of the saints; Paul was asking him to refresh his heart once more through reconciliation with Onesimus. 


Yes all of our hearts need refreshing once in a while. Not just from the toils of ministry but from everyday living. Therefore hearing of each other's spiritual growth and works of righteousness is always a boost to our ears, and hearts. 


This is what the Body of Christ should actually be good at. Refreshing one another's heart through mutual edification, conversations and witness of the Gospel.


Yet there are times when believers would instead, do or say certain things to dampen and discourage the hearts of fellow believers. These words and actions can even come from nowhere and you are left wondering about the true intent of the author. This is not what Jesus had in mind when He called us to love one another just as He had loved us. In fact, Paul had more than once, warned to stay away from those who seek to cause harm to the Body.


Yes my friends, refresh my heart. I hope to refresh yours too. Let us continue to fight the good fight of faith so that we can be of good witness to the world and also serve as an encouragement to one another. Let us work towards building one another up through mutual edification, encouragement, truth-telling in love and works of righteousness. 


Let us not seek to tear each other down through petty quarrels, personal ambitions and ungodly desires. We have no time for such nonsense and disunity; for there are many out there waiting to be loved and served. Amen.


Rest

His glory and my good by CityAlight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5nUTO4m9oA


Jason


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