Month March 2026

WALKING WORTHY

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“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-3)

The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the unity of His Spirit in the bond of peace. In this passage He gives 3 avenues through which we are to “walk worthy of the vocation you are called.” To understand this passage, we need to understand the words.

Walk: To conduct one’s life, behave, or live in a habitual manner; the ongoing pattern of daily conduct and lifestyle as a believer (Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 5:2)

Worthy: Suitably, appropriately, or in a manner that matches or balances the value of something; living in congruence with the dignity and nature of what has been received. Philippians 1:27 — “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (worthy manner);

Vocation: The divine calling, invitation, or summons to salvation and service in Christ; the position or role to which God has invited believers. 1Corinthians 7:20 — “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called”;

Called: To be summoned, invited, or effectually drawn by God into relationship with Him through the gospel. 2Thessalonians 2:14 — “Whereunto he called you by our gospel.”

Lowliness: Humility of mind, lowliness of thought about oneself; thinking soberly of self in light of God’s grace, without pride or self-exaltation. Colossians 3:12 — “Put on… humbleness of mind.”

Meekness: Gentleness, mildness, or controlled strength; a disposition that is patient and considerate, not harsh or self-assertive, even under provocation. It’s Restrained power, not weakness. Matthew 11:29 — “For I am meek and lowly in heart.”

Longsuffering: Patience, forbearance, or endurance in bearing wrongs; slow to anger and long to endure provocation or hardship. Colossians 3:12 — “Putting on… longsuffering.”

Unity: Oneness, harmony, or unanimity; the state of being one in spirit and purpose, produced by the Holy Spirit among believers. The term appears only here and in Ephesians 4:13.

Peace: Harmony, tranquility, and reconciliation; the state of concord and absence of strife, especially the bond that holds believers together. Ephesians 2:14 — “For he is our peace, who hath made both one.”

These words reveal that walking worthy involves humble, gentle, patient conduct that preserves the Spirit-given oneness among believers.

Agape
spencer

the Providence of God

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How does it work?

Since the end of the age of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 13:8-10) folks have wondered how God works in our lives. Many have gone the way of Calvinism that portrays God as a cosmic puppet master, but the scriptures teach something completely different and so much better. The bible teaches that God continues to work in our lives PROVIDENTIALLY.

There is a big difference between the MIRACULOUS and PROVIDENCE.

MIRACLES: God works directly, supernaturally, and immediately, suspending, overriding, or working outside the ordinary laws of nature He established (eg; John 11:43-44).

PROVIDENCE (or divine providence): God cares for man through the ordinary laws of nature, (“natural” processes). The word itself is rooted in the Greek word meaning to look out for beforehand actively, by way of maintenance for others.1 It’s used in 1 Timothy 5:8, “if any provide not for his own…” We understand DIVINE PROVIDENCE to mean God makes available what is needed to accomplish a purpose.

Since the age of Miracles, God works in our lives through PROVIDENCE providing what is needed to accomplish a purpose. There are 5 elements we can draw from scripture that God PROVIDES to the Saints to accomplish His purposes through the church (1Tim 3:15; Eph 3:10; Matt 28:19-20). These PROVISIONS are;

INSTRUCTIONS: God has provided with us His will with instructions about what He wants through His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:16-17). The Bible contains instructions on how to live, and commands to obey.

RESOURCES:* God provides us with all necessary resources to do His will, both spiritually (for saints) & physically. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2Peter 1:3). These resources are found in His creation through constant natural laws, and other provisions that help us to do His will. “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17; eg 2Cor 9:10-15). The framework of creation, PROVIDED by God, contains all that we need to do His will.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH: Within God’s word, we also have the provisions for growth. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph 4:15). The scriptures contain principles that develop us in all areas of our lives (Relationships, Industry, Community, Child rearing etc.).

INCENTIVES (PROMISES):* God has also provided us incentives contained in promises that motivate us. “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). We can know WHY God wants things because He has revealed it to us. We know from His word that there is hope beyond this present world. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2Corinthians 4:16).

PRAYER FOR HELP:* God provides aid through prayer for those in Christ (“all spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus” Eph 1:3). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). He hasn’t walked away from us and left us to fend for ourselves, but when we pray “according to His will” He continues to work through the ordinary laws of nature. He tells us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Peter 5:7). The very fact that He commands us to pray (Matthew 6:9-15) shows that He continues to help us. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). The record of scripture shows that He answers our righteous prayers through the agency of divine providence. To pray for things outside of His will is to “ask amiss” (James 4:3).

Here is where we get into trouble. We want to know HOW, WHAT, WHERE, & WHEN God helps us. That’s the thing about PROVIDENCE, we don’t know. Mordecai could only say, “Who knows” (Esther 4:14)?

Error automatically runs to claims such as, ‘God has a plan for me.’ As if God hasn’t revealed anything about what He wants. When they say, “God is in control” they mean that He is moving every atom & person separate from our own free will. They speak as if God has an unrevealed individualized divine plan for everyone. This leads to frustration.

The truth is, God has created a system (Instruction, creation, natural laws, growth, incentives, & prayer) in which man has freedom to direct his own life and will be judged according to his deeds (2Corinthians 5:10; Mt 25:31-32; Ro 2:6; 14:10; Ga 6:7; Eph 6:8; Col 3:24-25; Re 22:12). God has revealed His will for man and He has PROVIDED all we need for life & godliness.

It’s all in His word.

Agape
Spencer

  1. Strongs Concordance.

* Spiritual Blessings are only for those who are “in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

Heroes of Faith: Onesiphorus

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ONESIPHORUS, AN UNUSUAL FRIEND

Few figures shine as quietly yet powerfully as ONESIPHORUS, a faithful believer from Ephesus mentioned in Paul’s final letter, 2 Timothy. Paul, imprisoned in Rome and facing execution, contrasts the desertion of many (2 Timothy 1:15) with Onesiphorus’s steadfast loyalty. In 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Paul prays, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” Later, in 2 Timothy 4:19, Paul greets “the household of Onesiphorus,” underscoring the lasting impact of this man’s life. His name, meaning “bringing profit” or “help-bringer,” perfectly captures his character. Onesiphorus stands as a model for Christians to emulate in an age of fleeting commitments, (Phil 3:17).


Let’s note first of all his UNPARALLELED SUPPORT: Onesiphorus “often refreshed” Paul, a term implying revival and cooling relief amid suffering. This shows that Onesiphorus gave aid frequently to Paul and his efforts—which Timothy was well acquainted with, “and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” This kind of commendation tells me that his work was done quietly without fanfare, but noticed, especially by those who are helped (see Prov 27:2).

Then there’s his UNABASHED EFFORTS: Paul highlights that Onesiphorus “was not ashamed of my chains.” In 2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16, Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul’s imprisonment. A Roman prison would discourage lesser men, but not ONESIPHORUS. Paul was not suffering because of his own faults, but was suffering wrongfully for the sake of the Gospel (e.g., 1Peter 4:14-16). Paul was confined in the bowels of Rome’s ancient Mamertine Prison—a place nearly devoid of light, which make modern-day prisons feel like a cheap motel room by comparison. Unlike his confinement in the final chapters of Acts, this one treated him as a condemned “evil doer” (2 Timothy 2:9), with no privileges. Roman prisons did not reliably provide sustenance; prisoners relied on external support—Paul needed help.

Then there’s his UNSTOPPABLE EFFORT: When in Rome, Onesiphorus “sought me out very diligently, and found me” (2 Timothy 1:17). In a time without cell phones, nor GPS, no obstacle deterred him; he persevered until he located and delivered the aid Paul desperately needed in the deep, dark, and dank prison.

Finally, there’s his UNSURPASSED REWARD: Paul prays, “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day” (2 Timothy 1:18), pointing to eternal reward. Jesus promises in Matthew 10:40-42 that whoever receives His servants receives Him, and even a cup of cold water given in His name will not lose its reward (see Matt 25:31-46).

O to have more like Onesiphorus.

Agape
spencer