TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:15-16
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. - Titus 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
The British poet Lord Byron was invited to the home of Samuel Rogers for a dinner party. During the meal he was asked if he would like some soup. “No,” he replied, “I never have soup.” “Would you like some fish?” the host asked. “No,” the poet ans-wered, “I never eat fish.” Next the host offered Byron some mutton. Again, his guest dec-lined, saying that he never ate mutton either. “Would you take a glass of wine then?” the host asked. “No” Byron answered. “I never drink wine.” Finally his exasperated host asked, “What exactly do you eat and drink?” “Nothing but hard biscuits and soda water,” Byron replied. Having neither, Rogers served Lord Byron potatoes in vinegar. Later he asked a friend of the poet, “How long will Lord Byron persevere in his present diet?” “Just as long as you continue to notice it,” was the answer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
True righteousness is the result of faith in Christ’s finished work and is reflected in one’s character. However, when we think of people who are “detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good,” we hardly think of those who are religious. We associate these terms with murderers, thieves, and immoral people. Yet in God’s eyes, those who trust in their own efforts for righteousness are as condemned as notorious sinners. Praise God today for giving true righteousness to all those who trusted Him in Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:1-2
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. - Titus 2:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The humorist Art Linkletter once observed that there are four stages of humankind: infancy, childhood, adolescence, and obsolescence! Although he was not being serious, his comment reflects the view of many today.

Our culture is biased toward youth. Television programming, clothing styles, and even popular music styles often seem to be tailored to the young. This bias is sometimes reflected in the church. Popular worship styles often favor new music over traditional hymns. This youth-oriented bias could easily give the impression that people become obsolete after a certain age. However, this is not the Bible’s perspective.

According to the Scrip-tures, age brings wisdom. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor,” the author of Proverbs declares, “it is attained by a righteous life” (Prov. 16:31). Proverbs 20:29 says: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

The apostle Paul shared this view. He considered older believers to be one of the church’s greatest assets and he depended upon them to train younger Christians. Because of their important role as instructors and models in the faith, Paul wanted Titus to encourage older men to live lives that reflected their faith in Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you name the spiritual leaders in your church who meet the requirements described in these verses? The next time you see them, make it a point to tell them how much you appreciate their godly example. Find time during the weak to pray for leaders in your church, as they shepherd God’s people. If you are one of the elders in your congregation, reflect on your service as a spiritual mentor. Ask God for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to help others grow spiritually.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:3-5
Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live. - Titus 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book entitled The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis tells the story of an old woman who met an enemy on her way out of church. When her opponent began to speak ill of her and to abuse her verbally, the old woman replied, “Isn’t it a shame for ye to be talking to me like that, ye coward, and me in a state of Grace the way I can’t answer ye? But you wait, I won’t be in a state of Grace long!”

Ideally, age and growth in grace ought to coincide. The older we get, the more spiritually mature we should become. Yet this is not always the case. Just as there are some temptations that are especially common to youth, age brings with it its own set of trials. In these verses the apostle Paul highlights some of these temptations and points to a more godly alternative.

First on Paul’s list are sins of the tongue. He urges Titus to warn older women not to be “slanderers.” The root idea of this word is that of accusing or bringing charges against someone. It’s the term from which we get the word devil. Whenever we slander or gossip, we are speaking the language of the devil. No wonder the Bible calls him “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). The second pitfall Paul mentions is the sin of drunkenness. The abuse of alcohol was a problem for many in the New Testament times. In Titus 2:3 Paul warns older women not to be “addicted,” or more literally “enslaved,” to wine. Frequent use can lead to bondage. This is true of many things, not just alcohol. Perhaps in our day, Paul would also warn about the danger of being enslaved to the Internet or to television.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul’s advice is a valuable tool for women’s spiritual growth in today’s society. “Older women”–not necessarily in age, but more mature spiritually–can still help “younger women” meet the challenges of everyday life and to grow in faith. Younger women, on the other hand, have a lot to glean from the experience of those “who have been there.” If you’re a woman equipped to minister to younger sisters, or the one who needs ministry, ask God to show you how to expand the spiritual scope and efficiency of interacting with other women.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:6-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity. - Titus 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Somerset Maugham, the British author, once wrote that the only thing that makes life tolerable in this world is the beauty that men create out of chaos. In “The Painted Veil,” he said that things like painting, music, and literature make it possible to regard the world we live in without disgust. “Of all these,” he declared, “the richest in beauty is a life well lived. That is the perfect work of art.” In Titus 2:7–8, the apostle Paul expresses a similar sentiment. Only in this case, he says that a life well lived is the best defense of the Christian faith.

As Titus encouraged young men to be self-controlled, it was important for him not to forget his own responsibility in this area. Titus was to be an example to them in everything. The Greek term translated “example” originally referred to the hollow imprint that was used to make a mold of something. Later it came to signify a prototype or a model.

Titus himself was to be a model for the kind of self-control he commanded others to exhibit. He was to live out the principles he taught to others by “doing what is good.” Paul also commanded Titus to reinforce his living example with sound doctrine. This kind of instruction would be marked by three characteristics: integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech. Integrity in doctrine referred to the content of his teaching: it enabled others to understand the truth and did not lead them astray. Seriousness referred to the way he taught. He was to teach with the kind of dignity that befitted the person representing the Lord of glory. Soundness of speech, or more literally “healthy” speech, described the effect of his instruction. His teaching would strengthen his hearers.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Actions do speak louder than words. To remind yourself of the importance of being a living example of the gospel, write “The best defense of the truth is a life well lived” on a card and display it where you can see it throughout the day. Consider what your conduct at home, at work, and in the neighborhood says to others about your relationship with God. Remember that when it comes to being a witness for Christ, your actions are as important as your words.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:9-10
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters . . . so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. - Titus 2:9–10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Clement of Alexandria was a church leader who lived during the last half of the second century and the early part of the third century. In his book on the ethical life of the Christian, entitled The Teacher, Clement notes that many of the unbelieving women of his day, belonging to nobility, wore gold jewelry because they were afraid that without such ornaments they might be mistaken for slaves. Clement ob-served that the Christian, on the other hand, understands that true nobility is found in the beauty and substance of the soul. “For us,” he explains, “what corresponds to freedom is not a mere semblance, but a being free because God, who even accepted us to be His children, is our educator. Therefore, we must attain the highest degree of freedom in the way we bear ourselves at rest or in motion, in the way we walk and dress: in a word, in every part of life.”

This is also what Paul means when he urges Titus to tell slaves to live their lives in a way that will “make the teaching about God our savior attractive.” Their response to the daily challenge of submission and service offered believing slaves an opportunity to use their lives to “adorn” the message of gospel. Paul provides concrete instructions for doing this. Slaves were to submit to their masters, not in a grudging spirit but in a genuine effort to please them. They were also to show respect to their masters by refusing to talk back to them. They were to show their trustworthiness by refusing to steal from their masters. None of these commands was contingent upon the character of the master. Paul was not condoning slavery in saying this. Elsewhere he urges slaves, if they are able, to obtain their freedom and those who are free not to become the slaves of men (1 Cor. 7:21–23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Use the categories in today’s passage to evaluate your own performance on the job. What kind of attitude do you have toward your employer? Does your work reflect an attitude of respect? How do you speak to those in authority over you? What about the quality of the work you perform? Does it reflect the kind of integrity that would attract someone to the gospel? Choose one area that might need improvement and plan to work in a way that will “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. - Titus 2:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Newton wrote what may arguably be the most famous hymn ever penned. The opening words of “Amazing Grace” are known and loved by Christians and non-Christians alike:
Amazing grace! how
sweet the sound–
That saved a wretch
like me!
I once was lost but now
am found,
Was blind but now
I see.
In this hymn, Newton attributed his salvation and his spiritual growth to the grace of God. What’s more, Newton ultimately pinned his hope of enjoying God’s presence for eternity on the grace that he had received at salvation. For Newton, God’s grace brought salvation and was the key that unlocked all the blessings of the Christian life.

The apostle Paul also considered the grace of God to be the key to transformation in the Christian life. According to Titus 2:11–12, grace is the root of the salvation experience, the grace of God that “brings salvation.”

When Paul says that this grace has “appeared to all men,” it is likely that he is thinking of Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God’s grace. The Greek term that is translated “appeared” in this verse is the word that is the root for the term “epiphany.” In some Christian traditions, epiphany Sunday was the date on the Christian calendar when the church celebrated the Magi’s presentation to the newborn Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You probably already know the first verse of “Amazing Grace” by heart. Memorize the rest of the verses and meditate upon them with Titus 2:11–12 in mind. As you do, consider how far-reaching the effects of God’s grace have been in your life. Spend some time with your family or friends sharing about God’s grace in your life. You may even want to sing Newton’s hymn, or some other worship song, as a way of expressing your gratitude to God for His grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:13-14
Jesus Christ . . . gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people. - Titus 2:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever heard someone described as being “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good?” Those who say this usually mean that the person has very little common sense--spiritually minded, but irresponsible in everyday life. But in reality, those who are heavenly minded in the biblical sense know that the hope of heaven has practical implications.

In Titus 2:13-14, the apostle Paul notes that the same grace of God that enables the Christian to say no to ungodliness also teaches the believer to wait for the “blessed hope.” This hope is further described as “the glorious appearing” of Jesus Christ (cf. v. 11). In today’s verses Paul reminds us that Christ will come again. This future hope serves as a powerful motivation to lead a holy life in the present.

Those who look forward to Christ’s coming know that when He first appeared, He came to “redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own.” Those who belong to Him are “eager to do what is good.” This eagerness springs from a sense of gratitude for what Christ has done. It is also fueled by our awareness that Christ will hold us accountable for the way we have lived.

Scottish pastor and hymn writer Horatius Bonar noted: “The flowers are constant in their growing, the stars are constant in their courses; the rivers are constant in their flowing--they lose not time. So must our life be, not one of fits, or starts, or random impulses, not one of levity or inconstancy, or fickle scheming, but steady and resolute. We must be resolute men and women, those who know their earthly mission, and have their eye upon the heavenly goal.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you looking forward to “the blessed hope?” Do you know for certain that when Jesus Christ appears in His glory, He will claim you as one of His own? This hope can only be obtained as a gift by grace and through faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:15
Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. - Titus 2:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
When George Burns, known for his long career as a radio comedian and film actor, reached the age of eighty-five, he said, “I was always taught to respect my elders, and I’ve now reached the age when I don’t have anybody to respect.” Titus, however, faced the opposite problem. For him the challenge was one of earning the respect of those to whom he ministered.

Although we cannot be certain, it’s possible that Titus, like Timothy, Paul’s other associate in ministry, was a young man. Like Timothy, Paul referred to Titus as his “son” in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4). Also like Timothy, Titus continued in ministry for some time after Paul’s death. According to Eusebius, the ancient church historian, Titus was eventually appointed bishop of the church in Crete. If Titus was as young as Timothy, there may have been a tendency for others to look down on his youth (1 Tim. 4:12). On the other hand, Paul’s command to Titus not to let anyone despise him, may have been prompted by the nature of his mission. Titus seems to have had the kind of leadership gifts that made him especially suited for mediating church conflicts. Paul sent him to Corinth to help resolve some of the disputes that had threatened to divide the church (2 Cor. 12:18). Titus went to Crete on an equally challenging mission to “straighten out” the church (Titus 1:5). This important work involved two complementary kinds of ministry. He was to encourage and to rebuke.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote: “In religious matters it is holiness which gives authority.” We cannot control the way others feel about us, but we do have control over the way that we live.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. - Titus 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The eleventh–century German monarch Henry III became tired of his responsibilities and the worldliness of court life and decided to become a monk. When he went to the monastery and explained his intent, the prior warned him that the course he had chosen would be a difficult one. “Your Majesty,” Prior Richard explained, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.” King Henry was undaunted and replied, “I understand. The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.” “Then I will tell you what to do,” Prior Richard said. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has placed you.” Henry did as he was told. After he died, he was given this epitaph: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”

The same might also be said of us. Submission is an important component of the life of obedience to Christ. Not only are we told to submit to Christ, but we also have an obligation to submit to the human authorities that God has placed over us.

The Bible speaks of submission in a variety of contexts. Believers are told to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21). Wives are to submit to their husbands (Eph. 5:22). Slaves are told to submit to their masters (1 Peter 2:18). In the book of Titus, believers are commanded to submit to civil authorities. When the church was in its infancy, its status in the eyes of the Roman government was unclear. At times, the Romans viewed it as a sect of Judaism and accorded it a measure of freedom. As the church’s popularity grew, those who opposed the church claimed that it was a threat to Roman peace. Christians were accused of being atheists because they did not worship the Roman gods. Misunderstanding about the nature of the Lord’s Supper and the custom of referring to one another as “brother” and “sister” led some to claim that Christians were cannibals and guilty of incest. Respect for governing authorities and a willingness to do the right thing was the best way to put these rumors to rest.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some years ago, pop singer Bob Dylan penned a song that declared, “You gotta serve somebody.” Have you ever calculated how many people are in authority over you? Try naming as many as you can. Whether it is to a parent, an employer, or the officer who directs traffic on the corner, everyone has somebody to whom they are expected to submit. To whom do you find it most difficult to submit and why? Remember that, like King Henry, Christians also “learn to rule by being obedient.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:3-5
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. - Titus 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author Mark Twain wrote a humorous guide to etiquette in heaven. In it he lists several “dos” and “don’ts” for the newly departed. Among these are the following:
•Upon arrival in heaven do not speak to St. Peter until spoken to. It is not your place to begin.
•Do not try to show off. St. Peter dislikes it. The simpler you are dressed, the better it will please him. He cannot abide showy costumes. Above all, avoid over-dressing.
•Leave your dog outside. Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay and the dog would go in.
•Stay off the grass.

Twain was not a believer, but here he was correct about one thing. Entrance to heaven is a gift of grace and not a matter of personal merit. Paul emphasizes this fact in today’s passage by reminding us of our status prior to receiving Christ. The picture is not a pretty one. We were “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures” (v. 2). In addition, we “lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” This reminder immediately follows Paul’s command to “show true humility toward all men” and is related to our obligation to submit to those in authority and to be peaceable and considerate of others (Titus 3:2).

It’s hard to show respect to those in authority when they don’t seem to deserve it. It’s also a challenge to be considerate of those who don’t honor God, who are malicious, and who seem to be driven by selfish interests.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Certainly, Paul’s reminder of what our status was prior to trusting in Christ is a reason to be grateful for the salvation we now enjoy. It’s also a reason to show compassion to those who have not yet put their faith in Christ. It can be helpful at times to consider what things might have been like if we had never experienced the grace of God. With the list contained in verses 3 and 4 in mind, what do you think your life would look like now if you didn’t receive forgiveness through Christ? Thank God for the difference in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:6-7
Having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
English poet Edward Lear, known for his quaint children’s poems and accompanying drawings, was asked to give Queen Victoria drawing lessons. After one of the lessons, the Queen showed Lear several of the family heirlooms that were on display in her living quarters in the palace. Lear, taken with the beauty of the things he saw, without thinking cried out: “Oh, where did you get all these beautiful things?” Queen Victoria replied, “I inherited them, Mr. Lear.”

In today’s passage the apostle reminds Titus of the precious inheritance he received when he experienced the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. He says that the Spirit was “poured out upon us generously.” These words remind us of baptism and point to the spiritual reality behind baptism. All those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life have received the Holy Spirit. In Titus 3:5 Paul identified two primary aspects of this experience: the washing of rebirth, which signifies the forgiveness of sins, and the experience of renewal, which implies regeneration. This is possible due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who has been poured out on us “generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (v. 6).

Elsewhere Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a “deposit,” a kind of down payment on the full inheritance to be received in Christ (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14). The gift of the Holy Spirit is a portion of what we will receive. It does not mean, however, that we have received only a portion of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been poured out “generously.” But we do need to be “filled” with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you know Christ as your Savior, you don’t need to ask God to give you the Holy Spirit. You have already been given the Spirit as the earnest of your inheritance in Christ. You should, however, ask God to fill you with His Spirit and help you walk in His power, to be “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might” (Col. 1:11). You can do it right now, and ask the Lord every day to keep filling you with His Spirit. Rely upon the Holy Spirit for the power to live the Christian life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:8-11
But avoid foolish controversies . . . because these are unprofitable and useless. - Titus 3:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Milton, English poet and author of Paradise Lost, was also deeply interested in theology. He believed that theology was a science rather than a matter of speculation. He wrote: “To be still searching what we know not, by what we know, still closing up truth to truth as we find it, this is the golden rule in Theology as in Arithmetic, and makes up the best harmony in a Church.”

For some in Paul’s day, however, theology was a reason for arguing about genealogies and the Mosaic law. False teachers were distorting the meaning of the Old Testament and preaching a gospel of human effort and religious ritual. Their understanding of the Scriptures was shaped by oral traditions that they believed had been passed down from the time of Moses. This oral law was considered to be as authoritative as Scripture itself, although there was a wide divergence of opinion about its interpretation. Because of these differences of opinion, the oral law became as much a subject of study as the Bible itself. In fact, in many instances, it actually displaced the Bible.

Paul condemned this sort of theological speculation and labeled the endless disputing that it generated as “unprofitable and useless,” and ultimately harmful. The church couldn’t afford to ignore this unfounded doctrine, because it threatened to divide the newly planted churches of Crete.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul’s directions to Titus provide helpful guidelines when dealing with those who spread false teaching. We should lovingly point out the error in their doctrine. When we do, we need to focus our discussion on what the Bible clearly says and not allow ourselves to be drawn into speculative debate. If those we are hoping to convince prove to be interested only in arguing, we politely disengage from the discussion and pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to the truth of the gospel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 3:12-15
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good. - Titus 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jean Louis Agassiz, the Swiss naturalist, was invited to deliver a lecture to a prestigious organization. When he turned down the engagement, saying that it would distract him from research and writing, the organization said that it would pay a large honorarium. “That’s no inducement to me,” Agassiz said. “I can’t afford to waste my time making money.”

Certainly, there is more to work than making money. But for most of us, earning a living is a major reason we work. Today’s passage indicates that this is a legitimate motivation. In verse 14 Paul reminds Titus of the need to teach others to “provide for daily necessities.”

Working in order to meet our daily needs is a spiritual responsibility. We work so that we will not be a burden. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thess. 4:11–12). Elsewhere Paul tells believers to provide for the needs of their family and warns that the one who refuses to do so “has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:.

Meeting our own needs, however, is not the only reason the Bible commands believers to work. The fact that the command of Titus 3:14 is preceded by a request to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey and “see that they have everything they need” suggests that the “daily necessities” include the needs of others.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In his book entitled Leap Over a Wall, author Eugene Peterson observes that God is first presented in Scripture as a worker and that Adam and Eve were placed in the garden as workers. He notes, “Work is the primary context for our spirituality.” How will you approach your work today? Will you view it as a drudgery to be endured, with little value other than the money you expect to receive on payday? Or will you see it as a way of serving God and meeting the needs of others?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:1-3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. - Philemon 1:1–3
TODAY IN THE WORD
By the year 2000, Jenny Thompson had won more Olympic gold medals than any other American woman. She had won ten medals in the previous three Olympics and eight of them had been gold medals. Despite her skill, Thompson could not have won any of these medals on her own. Why? The reason is simple. She had competed in each of these events as part of a team. Her victories were the result of a group effort.

This is also true of the Christian life. Paul’s letter to Philemon, like so many of his other letters, begins by mentioning several of his colaborers in ministry. Philemon was probably wealthy. He was at least enough well off to afford slaves. He lived in Colossae and his home was used as a meeting place for the church there. Paul had led Philemon to the Lord and now refers to him as his “dear friend” and as a “fellow worker.” Apphia, whose name meant something like “darling” or “sweetheart,” was probably Philemon’s wife. She is described by Paul as a “sister” in the Lord. Archippus may also have been a member of Philemon’s family, perhaps his son. It’s possible that he was one of the leaders of the church that met in Philemon’s home. The apostle calls Archippus a “fellow soldier.”

Paul also addressed this letter to the entire church that met in Philemon’s home. This is interesting in view of the personal nature of the request that occasioned the letter. Paul wrote on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave owned by Philemon, asking him to accept Onesimus back into his household as a brother in Christ. Paul also mentions Timothy in the introduction to this letter and refers to him simply as “our brother.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you name at least three other “team members” who contribute to your effectiveness in serving Christ? Success in ministry is a group effort.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1:4-5
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith. - Philemon 1:4–5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Even though his father had died several decades earlier, every time Samuel Thornton spoke of him, he gave the impression he had just had a conversation with him. In fact, the memory of his father was so vivid that Samuel often referred to him in the present tense, as if he were still alive. What was most apparent, however, was the pleasure it gave Samuel to remember his father’s life. A missionary to India and then to Japan, his father had been a godly example to his family. Each story brought to Samuel’s mind the valuable spiritual lessons he had learned from his father while growing up.

Paul felt similarly about Philemon. Every time Paul remembered Philemon, he rejoiced. This was true of others also. Paul told the Roman believers that he remembered them constantly in prayer (Rom. 1:9). He wrote to the Ephesian church, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Eph. 1:16). He gave thanks to God every time he remembered the Philippian believers (Phil. 1:3). He assured the Thessalonians: “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:3).

For Paul, remembering and praying were synonymous. The memory of those he loved immediately prompted him to pray for them (2 Tim. 1:3). Paul also asked others to remember him (1 Cor. 11:2). He asked the Colossians to “remember” his chains (Col. 4:18). He reminded the Thessalonians of his example of effort, endurance of hardship, and diligent work during his time of ministry among them (1 Thess. 2:9). He expected the churches to remember his teaching (2 Thess. 2:5, .
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Missionaries often use prayer cards with photographs to remind their supporters to pray for them. Why not use the snapshots and school photographs that friends and family members give you as a similar reminder? Use a bulletin board or refrigerator door to create a “wall of remembrance.” The pictures and keepsakes you post there will remind you of needs for which you can pray. Or you can simply praise God for the lives of those represented there.