Welcome to Week 6: Awaiting Transformation!
Dear H4J Family, as we draw closer to the conclusion of our 40+ day journey through Philemon, this week, we focus on Awaiting Transformation. Inspired by Paul’s anticipation of his release and visit to Philemon, we will reflect on cultivating hope, trust, and hospitality as we look forward to what God has in store.
This week’s devotionals will encourage us to consider preparing a guest room (both literally and figuratively), releasing our burdens to God in prayer, trusting in His provision, and embracing anticipation and hope. May we be filled with a renewed sense of expectation as we eagerly await the transformations God is working in our lives.
We invite you to prayerfully engage with these themes, considering how you can cultivate a spirit of anticipation and trust in your own life. Share your insights and reflections using #H4JPawa #H4JBatuhan #HomesForJesus #Philemon.
Week 6 Devotional Readings: Awaiting Transformation (Philemon 22)
Overall Theme: Cultivating Hospitality and Trusting God’s Provision as We Look Forward with Hope
Day 36: Preparing a Guest Room
Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room for him, anticipating a visit (Philemon 22). Today, reflect on the importance of hospitality in our lives. How can we create a welcoming space for others, both physically and emotionally?
Reflective Question: How can you create a more welcoming and hospitable environment in your home and community?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my heart and my home to others. Help me to be a gracious host and to create a space where people feel loved and accepted.
Day 37: Prayer for Release
Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Paul anticipated his release from prison. How can you release some of the pressure in your life to God? What responsibilities are you carrying that are bringing you down?
Reflective Question: What can you leave at the altar to let God handle?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, show me where I need to have more trust and faith in you. Help me to release my fears and worries to your gracious and capable hands.
Day 38: God’s Provision
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Meditate and pray about how God provides for you. Look for opportunities to thank God for ways He has provided for you in the past. Remember those opportunities, and trust that He will provide for your needs today, as well.
Reflective Question: Can you name five times in your life that God showed Himself capable of providing for you?
Prayer Prompt: Thank you, God, for all the ways that you have come through for me in the past. I trust that you will show me grace today and tomorrow, too.
Day 39: Anticipation and Hope
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Paul expresses hope for his release. In what areas of your life are you feeling hopeless? Ask God to fill you with anticipation. Claim God’s joy and peace that comes from knowing that you can trust Him.
Reflective Question: Spend time with your friends. What do you have to look forward to? What things make you feel happy and at peace?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, lift my spirits with your joy and peace. Help me to release the anxiety and stress in my life, and replace it with joyful anticipation of all that you are going to do for me.
Day 40: Looking Forward with Faith
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Today is the last day of your 40+ days of devotions! Consider how you are looking forward to the future. How has your relationship with the Lord changed over the last several weeks? How are you going to make today, and every day, count?
Reflective Question: What are three goals that you want to work on going forward?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, bless me as I work towards my goals. Keep me close to you as I strive to do good and live a life that pleases you.