I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:4-6
Generous Lord Jesus, I read Paul’s words of affirmation to Philemon and dedicate this to be a day of positive affirmation of others and what You have done in my life. I remember Paul’s reason for writing his friend Philemin in Colosse on behalf of Onesimus, the Colossian’s runaway slave whom the apostle had met and led to Christ in Rome.
I am moved by the way Paul affirmed Philemon before he asked him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Lord, remind me first to affirm the people I want to help act on some aspect of Your truth or guidance. May my affirmation not be some solicitous schmoozing to manipulate people, but a genuine expression of how much You love them and have done for them. Free me to communicate that I enjoy and cherish them for who they are. When I want to influence people who believe in You, may my desire be that their faith will become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in them because of You. Thank You Father for answering my prayers in Jesus Christ Name. Amen. Shalom.
Pst. Mrs S.K. Zango