Feasting on God's Word (One Year Bible)

Often, Lord, we feel so useless. Make us useful – Your faithful and fruitful servants.

Philemon 1-25 ‘He was useless... now he has become useful’(11). This is the story of Onesimus (the name means ‘useful’). A runaway ‘slave’, he became ‘a beloved brother... in the Lord’(16). It appears that Onesimus had stolen from his master, Philemon (18-19). He landed up in prison - and there, he was converted! This is what Paul is telling us when he speaks of ‘Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment’(10). Why did God allow Paul, His faithful servant, to land up in prison - for the sake of the Gospel? Part of the reason was Onesimus. God wanted Paul to meet Onesimus. Paul was to lead Onesimus to Christ. Sometimes, our difficult circumstances may feel like a prison sentence. You want to get out, but you can’t - until God has fulfilled His purpose: the ‘useless’ becomes ‘useful’- in the service of God.

At the heart of the book of Lamentations, there is this great declaration concerning the love of God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed” ( Lamentations 3:22 ). His love reaches us not only directly but also through the love of His people - “Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all God’s people” ( Philemon 7 ). In difficult times, our faith is tested - “My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, looking for Your righteous promise” ( Psalm 119:123 ). In times such as these, we cry to God, “It is time for You to act, O Lord; Your law is being broken” ( Psalm 119:126 ). This prayer is to be accompanied by obedience: “I love Your commands, more than gold, more than pure gold” ( Psalm 119:127 ).

Day 29 8 Jeremiah 52:1-34 ; Titus 1:1-16 ; Psalm 119:105-112 The final chapter of Jeremiah speaks of the fall of Jerusalem , followed by captivity in Babylon . Difficulties face God’s people in every generation: “There are many rebellious people ... “ ( Titus 1:10 ). The Lord’s people must not be afraid to stand up for Him ( Titus 1:11 ). Whatever others may say and do, this is what we must say and do: “I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow Your righteous laws” ( Psalm 119:106 ).  Day 299 Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 ; Titus 2:1-15 ; Proverbs 26:3-12 “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights” - These are the last words of Habakkuk ( Habakkuk 3:19 ). “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age ...” ( Titus 2:11-12 ). ...