Porcelain Heart

"Creator, 

only You take brokenness 

and create it 

into beauty once again..."

I'm struggling. I know my loving Father is sovereign and that he never makes mistakes and I'm so very thankful for that fact. But my heart aches and body is weary. I long for home...and can't help thinking how wonderful heaven will be. No more goodbyes, no more sorrow, no more pain -- just being in the presence of God forever. What joy that will be!

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Community Bible Church  July 25, 2010

Message Notes  Paul Lavery

Philemon: Forgiveness Applied

Philemon

Four components of a forgiving body of Christ:

Component #1: A faith in Christ and love for the saints (1-7)

Example: Philemon

Component #2: Willingness to humbly go to your brother (8-14)

Example: Onesimus

Component #3: Willingness to forgive your brother in love (15-17)

Example: Philemon

We are to forgive others the same way the Lord forgave us

(Colossians 3:12-13)

How did Jesus Christ forgive you?

• Totally
• Permanently
• Undeservedly

Component #4: Willingness to intercede on behalf of another (18-25)

Example: Paul

Application:

1. Are you like Onesimus? Do you need to seek forgiveness of someone?

2. Are you like Philemon? Do you need to extend forgiveness to someone?

3. Are you like Paul? Are you willing to intercede to bring about reconciliation?

PRIDE

be aware of it

pray against it

HURT

pray about it

let it go

FEAR

person wronged

consequences

***this was a sermon I heard recently***

Half-full or half-empty?

Today was an "Alexander day" in the worst way. I'm not saying every single thing went wrong, but the things that did sure seemed big. I realized I lost my debit card, that my medications cause dizziness, that my car died (with the windows down) while expecting a thunderstorm, and that I didn't have the energy to handle all of it. I think my biggest disappointment was not being able to go to church. I look forward to getting away from the worldly perspectives I'm surrounded by on a daily basis, the refreshment of sharing burdens and joys with fellow believers, and the opportunity to dig deeper into God's word. He knew I needed to learn another lesson though. Sometimes He just has to knock me down flat on my back to get me to understand that He is in control. I might pretend that I can handle everything, but the truth is, I can't, and never will be able to.

So, I was forced to place all my worries into the hands of my loving Father who orchestrates all of these circumstances for my good. I continue to marvel at the power of prayer and the peace that comes from casting all my cares upon Him. Fortunately, when I'm tempted to forget these things, I have godly friends who give gentle reminders.