Impact

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

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This post is the beginning of my study of Ruth.

The book of Ruth begins with background and introduction. The background is there was a famine so Elimelech took his family to Moab, where there was food.

Let's take a look at the people involved:

Elimelech - means "That is, God is my king"; the Dad

Naomi - means "Beautiful", the Mom (Mother-in-law)

Mahlon - means "Infirmity', son 1

Chilion - means "Finished", son 2

Orpah - means "fawn", a Moabitess, the wife of Chilion 

Ruth - means "friend", a Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon

We learn in Ruth 1:3, that Elimelech dies and leaves Naomi a widow raising two sons. We then learn that the sons marry Moabite women in Ruth 1:4. Then in Ruth 1:5, both Mahlon and Chilion die. 

Now we have three widows and Naomi hears that God is once again blessing the land of Israel and wants to return home. She tells her daughter-in-laws for them to return to their families, as she will go back home. Oprah, finally agrees and returns to her family. Ruth, however, decides to stay with Naomi and "Your people shall be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:7-16)

So Naomi and Ruth set out to return to Bethlehem, to the home of Naomi (Ruth 1:19). 

I wonder what Naomi and Ruth talked about on that journey. Years before Naomi left Bethlehem to travel to Moab. Did Naomi share how she felt when traveling to a strange place? Did Naomi talk about home and the people and places she missed? Did Naomi talk more about God and the love for His people, the Israelites? 

From what we read, Ruth saw something in Naomi during the time in Moab, that made Ruth wiling to leave a place she knew well and give up the idols and family and travel to an unknown—where she would be an "outsider". 

I can't help but think of the testimony and influence Naomi must have had in Ruth's life. It must have been a powerful impact for Ruth to want to follow Naomi and create a new life in a foreign land. 

Makes me think of the impact I have in the lives of those around me. Am I showing God in a "good light" so that others will want to have the relationship with God that I have? 

If I do want to have a good impact in the lives of others, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Conclusion

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

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This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.

At the same time prepare a guest room [in expectation of extending your hospitality] to me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be granted [the gracious privilege of coming] to you.

Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner here in [the cause of] Christ Jesus (the Messiah),

And [from] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace (blessing and favor) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with your spirit. Amen (so be it). Philemon 1:22-25 (AMP)

Paul closes his letter to Philemon with another request, "get a room ready for me". He had an expectation that the prayers of those at Colossea would be answered, and he'd be released from prison. 

Do I earnestly pray for others, expecting my prayers to be answered? Do I trust that God can do the "impossible" and act accordingly? Or do I wait until God answers and then hurriedly, and often unthankfully, make the necessary preparations? Earnest prayers met with expectations of God's answers. 

Paul also ends his letter as he does so many, mentioning others who are serving along with him. Paul realized the importance of having the help of others. He knew that he couldn't do it alone. And the support of other godly men and women were vital to the ongoing ministry of sharing the gospel. 

Alone or with support of others? Often we view the "I'll do it myself" mentality as "super-christain", where in reality, it's only stubbornness and actually, not biblical. 

So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Romans 12:5 (AMP)

We each have different responsibilities and gifts which we are to use to help each other in the overall ministry of sharing the gospel. 

Paul finally concludes his letter with, "grace to you". 

What is wished and prayed for: Grace, the free favour and love of God... Observe, Grace is the best wish for ourselves and others; with this the apostle begins and ends.

From whom: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, second Person in the Trinity, Lord by natural right, by whom, and for whom, all things were created, and who is heir of all things, and, as God-man and Mediator, who purchased us, and to whom we are given by the Father. Jesus, the Saviour . 

To whom: Your spirit, not of Philemon only, but of all who were named in the inscription. With your spirit, that is, with you, the soul or spirit being the immediate seat of grace, whence it influences the whole man, and flows out in gracious and holy actings.

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

Philemon is a short letter, however, we can learn a lot from the relationships found within this letter. First and foremost the relationships of each individual to Christ. And that personal relationship with Christ has a profound impact on the lives and relationships with others. And from what we read, the key individuals in Philemon, each had a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

I wonder what would be written about me....... 

Reputation—One that Honors God

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.    

I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Philemon 1:21 (AMP) 

Past knowledge = confidence of obedience. 

Paul knew Philemon and was aware of Philemon's obedience to God. Therefore, Paul was confident that Philemon would again to right concerning Onesimus. Paul knew that Philemon understood what God would have him do, and that Philemon would do it. 

Reputation. It can be a good thing, or a bad thing. Philemon's reputation as based on his relationship with Christ. Philemon had a good reputation—one that honored God. Paul knew that because Philemon "put on" the things in Colossians 3, Philemon's response to Paul's request would be one that would go beyond expectations. 

What is my reputation? Can others trust me to go beyond their expectations in honoring God and their requests? 

How does one build a good reputation? It once again begins with a relationship with Christ and then living a life in accordance with His Word. 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I will have strong foundation in building a good reputation—one that honors God.

Refresher of Hearts

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]—and that is to say nothing [of the fact] that you owe me your very self! Yes, brother, let me have some profit from you in the Lord. Cheer and refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 1:19-20 (AMP)

“Refresh” - ἀνάπαυσόν anapauson- means “to give rest to, to give repose, to free from sorrow or care;” and the sense is, that by receiving Onesimus, Philemon would cause the deep and anxious feelings of Paul to cease, and he would be calm and happy. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Cheer and refresh my heart. Do my actions cheer and refresh the hearts of others? That would be an awesome daily goal—be a refresher of hearts! 

How does one be a "refresher of hearts"? 

Well, first and foremost, it all begins with a relationship with Christ. Then that relationship with Christ must impact one's daily life and relationships with others  (Colossians 3; Put On). And as that relationship with Christ impacts relationships with others, then one can be a "refresher of hearts". 

Refresher of hearts. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed andrestored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16

To be a "refresher of hearts", my own heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Paid in Full

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.    

And if he has done you any wrong in any way or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account. Philemon 1:18 (AMP)

Paul was telling Philemon, "I will pay Onesimus' debt IN FULL." Why would Paul be willing to do that? 

Reason 1: Because that is what God did for him (us). There can never be a way for us to pay for our sin. We are born sinners. And sinners cannot enter the presence of a Holy God. Yet, God in His gracious mercy, provided a way for ALL our Sin to be forgiven. Jesus Christ died in our place, and EACH and EVERY sin was placed upon Him.  (For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJ)

Reason 2: Because Onesimus was now a fellow Christian and was helping Paul in a great way. Onesimus knew that he needed to return to Philemon, and set things right. Paul saw Onesimus' heart of submission and willingness to do the right and godly thing.

Reason 3: Paul, didn't want there to be any reason for Philemon not to accept Onesimus back. Paul wanted Onesimus to begin with a clean slate. No past debt, rather a new beginning. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I then begin to fully understand what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross. Having my debt paid in full should make me forever grateful to God and I should be willing to do all I can for Him. "Should" — sadly, I fall short on both those accounts. However, God in His love, provides grace and mercy on a continual basis—for that I am very thankful! 

Debt is paid in full. That provides freedom to live, not randomly, but rather with a sincere and godly purpose—because my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence and apparition for God. 

Civic & Christian

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated [from you] for a while, that you might have him back as yours forever, Not as a slave any longer but as [something] more than a slave, as a brother [Christian], especially dear to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh [as a servant] and in the Lord [as a fellow believer]. If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome and receive] me.
Philemon 1:15-17 (AMP)

Civic & Christian

Onesimus left Philemon. That was wrong. However, while gone, Onesimus was then introduced to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Paul. And from all accounts, was a changed man. 

Each of us have a Civic responsibility, for we live in this world. But we also have a Christian responsibility and the two cannot be separated. 

We are to work hard, take care of property, and live in accordance with the laws (that do not go against God's standards). If we agree to work for someone for a particular amount of money, then we need to do our job to the very best of our ability. We do not complain about not getting more money, nor do we "call in sick" simply because we don't feel like working. Responsibility is to fulfill your duties based on your word, not how you happen to feel. Remember we are working for God, and He has very high standards. 

Civic & Christian

Friendship is a wonderful gift. With friends we laugh, cry, grow, and create many memories. Friendship based on mutual faith in Jesus Christ takes that friendship to a deep level. We now have the wonderful bond of knowing Jesus Christ who died so that we can have eternal life. That bond goes beyond any earthly bond. 

Civic & Christian responsibilities are only fulfilled to the highest standard when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

Want vs Right

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I would have chosen to keep him with me, in order that he might minister to my needs in your stead during my imprisonment for the Gospel’s sake.

But it has been my wish to do nothing about it without first consulting you and getting your consent, in order that your benevolence might not seem to be the result of compulsion or of pressure but might be voluntary [on your part]. Philemon 1:13, 14 (AMP)

What I want vs what I know is right. 

In today's society it's all about what I WANT, rather than what is the right or moral thing to do. We want instant gratification and what feels good at this particular moment. We don't care about consequences or how it may effect others. We only care about ourselves in the here and now. 

Paul could have chosen not to write a letter to Philemon about Onesimus. However, Paul knew that Onesimus returning to Philemon was the right and honest, and more importantly the Christ-like thing to do. 

How often do I do want, what feels good, rather than what I know to be the right thing? How often do I consider the consequences or long-term effects of my actions? 

It's not about what feels good, what I want, or what serves my purpose right now. It's all about—or suppose to be about—doing what is the good, honest and Christ-like thing—doing the RIGHT thing. 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll know what is the right thing, the Christ-like thing to do in each and every circumstance.