Sent Back Different

Paul said, “I’m sending him(Onesimus-the runaway) back to you, and with him comes my own heart.” Philemon 12 NLT

The problem in Onesimus’ life was not his master, or his circumstances or any other thing, instead the problem was his heart. That’s what Paul worked on in his life. Often times when the heart is healed then going back to what you have run away from is no longer intimidating or fearful. Is there a something that you have been running from because it brings a great deal of pain into your life? Often running away seems like the only solution. Running to Jesus to have your heart renewed is God’s solution. The bible says to guard our hearts because the course of our lives is decided there. David was spoken of in the bible as a man with God’s own heart. I believe if we ask today, then God will give us His heart and going back may seem a better option than ever.

From Useless to Useful

I’m all about things that work. If it doesn’t work then I don’t have much use for anything. Paul said that Onesimus, the runaway from Philemon was previously useless had become useful.

“Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he’s very useful to both of us.” Philemon 11

It’s a great art to take something that doesn’t work and make it work again. That’s exactly what God does with our lives. He takes the “useless” parts of our lives and changes them so they become useful to both Him and to you. It takes a skilled person to repair a car or a dryer much less repair a soul. God says that He makes all things new. I’m determined to let the Spirit of God work in me to make all of my life useful for both Him and me. Our church is all about allowing that to happen to others like you and me.