Slavery Philemon 1

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Slaves, slavery, and what do you first think of?  Probably the black slaves in America!  Why?  Because this is our home, and we have studied the Civil War and all that happened.  But, the negro or colored (back in the 1800's & early 1900's) were not the only slaves, the only ones looked down upon.
   Slavery starts way back in early Biblical days.  In fact, slavery began with Adam and Eve through what.........?  SIN!
    Please take time to read Philemon 1, it is only 25 verses but carriers a lot of meaning, thought, and should stimulate you in forgiveness, love and crossing barriers.  In this story Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, and Onesimus ran away.  He came in contact with Paul, became a Christian, and went back to Philemon.  So the story ends.  But read and understand the meaning.
    Every where in life we have barriers; not wood, stone or steel; but barriers in life: social status, race, wealth, education, personality, etc.  We become slaves to what we owe and own; therefore, what we owe and own actually owns us and we are slaves.
   The biggest master of our lives, if we let it, is sin - sin can come in like a thief in the night and destroy all we have.  We must be more like Paul, and be a slave to Jesus Christ; letting all we do-walk, talk, actions, and relationships show the love of Jesus.
   Philemon took Onesimus back as a slave and a brother in Christ.  Do you have barriers?  Want to be shed of them?  How are you going to do it?  Philemon is a book of grace and tact and a demonstration of the power of Christ and of true Christian fellowship in action.  God calls you to seek unity, breaking down those barriers, embracing your brother and sisters in Christ, and be slave to only one-JESUS CHRIST!! 
     Stay thirsty my friend,  for the LIVING WATER - JESUS!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny