READING: Jeremiah 30-31, Philemon 1
“I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.”
Philemon 1:5
Once in a while, a Bible text brings someone to mind, and my heart leaps for joy. Today is one of those days.
Paul was writing a letter to Philemon, his “beloved fellow worker” (Phm. 1:1). He had heard of his faith and his love toward the saints. In fact, Paul wrote, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you” (Phm. 1:7). This was the way it works for brothers in Christ: we receive blessings when we hear what God is doing through people we love. They serve well, and we rejoice with them.
My heart leaps today because I’m thinking of so many guys whose lives and work bring me joy. I actually started writing their names for this devotion, but stopped for fear that I’d never get this devotion done – so I’m writing their roles instead. Pastor. Missionary. Assistant Pastor. Student Minister. Insurance Agent. Denominational worker. Real estate agent. Banker. Professor. Car salesman. Lawyer. College minister. Musician. Church planter. Writer. Student. I could keep writing here, too, about men I’ve called “my guys.”
Some are serving in urban centers, and others are in the rural settings. Some are in dangerous places of the world where other world faiths dominate. Some are married, some are single, and some can’t wait to get married. They serve in churches that are small and large. A few are dedicated, equipped, faithful lay leaders in their churches. Whatever all these men are doing, they’re doing it for the glory of God—and He is using them to lead non-believers to Christ, to disciple believers, and to refresh the hearts of hurting people. I’m so grateful for what God has done in and through them, and I’m honored to have played a part in their lives.
So, today my heart is happy. I find much joy because God is using my guys to bless the saints.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for people you’ve been privileged to lead at some point.
- Pray that your life would be a refreshment to the saints.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for what You’re doing through people I’ve grown to love.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 32-33, Hebrews 1
