My Bible Brothers

I challenged our family to read through the Bible's New Testament by the end of June this year.
(I'm about halfway as of this writing, have to kick it in gear!)

There was just enough time to breeze through Philemon while my plane taxied to the airport terminal last week.
Part of the Apostle Paul's introduction caught my eye and brought out the yellow highlighter pen:

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because i hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 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, my brother have refreshed the hearts of the saints."
From Paul's letter to Philemon

I have been so fortunate to stay in touch with a great network of brothers (and sisters) these past 25 years.
These are the Bible study pals from church who show up without fail every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m..
They are the guys from another state and our previous home, who still get together for annual camping trips when we can.
It's the three new colleagues at work who have been joining together before work or over lunch for fellowship and scripture reading.
And the many, many people I've only known for a brief season of prayer & praise - a neighbor, a co-worker, a musician, a fellow traveler.

I hear and see their faith in the Lord Jesus. More importantly, I experience their faith as encouragement, with great joy.
It is because these brothers in Christ, whether I've known them 25 years or 25 months, are active in their faith - making it real - and thereby refreshing the heart of this Believer.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.

What do you believe?