The God Shot: Philemon 1:4-5

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus." (Philemon 1:4-5)

This is just the intro to Paul's letter to a man named Philemon, but somehow Paul manages to fill it with theology. Even his hellos and goodbyes can show us a lot about who God is if we pay attention. So what do we see about God in this verse? Did you see who Paul thanked for Philemon's faith and love, not Philemon. Instead, he thanks God for it. He rightly recognizes God as the source of all elements: faith, love, and good works. God is the source of supply and goal. When we try to do things in our own strength, we will come to the end of ourselves, but when we tap into the love God has poured out to us, we're able to extend it to others. God is our source and he's where the joy is!