Pastor Bob DuPar
October 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Lamentations 1:1-2:19; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20

Observation

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:6-7

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Proverbs 26:20
Application

Philemon 1:6 can be translated two different ways: either that as we share our faith we become more aware of our blessings in Christ (“every good thing we have in Christ”), or that as we become more aware of every good thing we have in Christ it will motivate and inspire us to share our faith more. Whichever the case is, the application is both obvious and exciting.

If we understood gossip as a raging, destructive fire (which it is) perhaps we would all make more of an effort to eliminate it from our lives. Maybe we should start referring to each other as “verbal arsonists!” That might help to keep us in touch with the severity of gossip.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to share my faith, my experience with You. May my evangelistic efforts be both fueled and enhanced by Your goodness in my life.”