25/09/2022 - THE LITTLE THAT WAS MISSING

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For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.   Philemon 1.7

The apostle Paul tells Philemon again what he felt when he heard about the Lord’s love poured into his heart, which he used to carry out the work. It was the master giving the disciple an A+ for his way of serving the Most High. We must live this way, for it will give us intrepidity when facing the challenges that arise to paralyze our action in the Father’s work. In all these things we are more than conquerors… (Romans 8.37).

The Lord made Paul feel great contentment and consolation for the divine love worked through his student. Doesn’t God want your pastor to feel the same way? Wake up! Your going to the Kingdom of Heaven did not happen by chance. The Deliverer has chosen you for this moment, and He is by your side day and night. However, as it happened with the people of Israel in the past, today many let themselves be led astray (Jeremiah 2.13). Never disappoint the Creator!

It seems that Philemon served as a leader of the church in Colossae and was certainly a worker with a good testimony. It would be healthy if every Christian, regardless of their position in the divine work, acted like this servant of God. The Kingdom of Heaven is given to those who love the Savior and don’t only think about receiving blessings. Now, they exist and belong to us, but if we are servants, we will receive them more easily (Matthew 24.46).

One could imagine that imprisonment was taking away Paul’s joy, diminishing his zeal for the faith. However, hearing about Philemon’s work renewed the apostle, and the satisfaction of serving Christ not only flooded his spirit but also brought him comfort. No doubt that his success in submitting to God and making His power work in his life and in the lives of others – caused many to be revived. Spend hours seeking the presence of the Most High and you will be a source of blessing to many people.

The child of God who gives in to the pessimism or to the desires of people who should set a good example, but don’t because they are on the wrong path, is wrong. Their attitudes can never separate us from the Redeemer (Hebrews 12.1,2). We need to remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8.10), so let’s put aside the confusions of men and dedicate ourselves to doing good. Thus, we will have the necessary support not to fall into sin.

We must revive the hearts of the saints, doing what pleases the Almighty, and continue to believe in the One who has never given us a motive to do wrong. It is best if we remember what we have already heard from the Lord and spend good times in His presence, praying in the Holy Spirit, until our hearts rejoice in Him. When that fulfillment comes, it is time for us to take hold of what the Father has spoken to us. Our stance before temptations and the Lord will make the difference!

Never lose heart! If you do, you won’t have the strength you need when the time to fight comes: If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small (Proverbs 24.10). Why diminish God’s action in you, if your mission is one of the most noble? Get up in the name of Jesus and go into battle. It’s time to fight and prevail. Honor God!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares