The sister of Nereus

Apostle Paul’s detailed missionary letter to the churches in Rome presented to the church the story of how sin entered the world, the laws and God’s ultimate rescue plan through Jesus Christ. At the concluding remarks, Paul takes time to extend his appreciation and greetings to certain individuals in the churches. A tall list of names were mentioned and as we discussed in the previous posts, each person mentioned on the list had different appreciation. The last female mentioned in Romans 16:15 was Nereus’ sister. The actual name of this woman wasn’t mentioned by the apostle. The sister of Nereus was mentioned together with her brother.

Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them. (Romans 16:15)

In Roman 16:15, Paul states that “Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.” Nereus and his sister were obviously partners in ministry. They would have worked together and engaged in church activities together. Thus, Paul knew them as the pair of siblings who were involved with the work of God. We are not given details on what they did to deserve commendation. However, it is possible that their dedication to the things of God was the reason for this “special” greetings to be sent to them. The sister of Nereus was part of the church congregation. She was one of the Lord’s people who have committed to living for Him. She served in secret and obviously was not expecting a public acknowledgement from the international evangelist Paul. It is possible that Paul and many others in the church only knew her as the sister of Nereus like many other nameless women in the Bible.

The sister of Nereus did not receive a one liner commendation. In fact, she was mentioned together with other men and women who were all referred to as the “Lord’s people”. However, even this passing comment is held in such a high esteem that several years later, we still talk about it.

We need to know that not all our dedication and commitment in the house of God will be commendable in the public. Sometimes, no one will give us a passing comment or a one liner praise. But, that should not stop us from serving. God sees everything and everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of God (Hebrews 4:13). Proverbs 5:21 mentions that our ways are in full view of the Lord and He examines all our paths. Even if human beings do not see what we do in secret, God sees everything.

Be ready and willing to commit to the things of God even when you receive passing commendation or even when men do not praise you. Your rewarder is in heaven (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23; Philippians 3:14).

Persis: Labourer in the Lord’s vineyard

There are people in the church who labour for the Lord in diverse ways. We understand that not all members of the church can become custodians, cleaners, handymen among many other things. Thus, when people commit their time to ensuring that the church of God runs smoothly, it is important to acknowledge their effort as a means to encourage them. The churches in Rome had many such believers who were so zealous for the things of God and worked hard in the church. The apostle Paul did not overlook these people when he wrote to the Roman churches. He appreciated all the people in the church but there were some who were worthy of commendation for their commitment and contributions. One of such is Persis, a believer in Rome.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. (Romans 16:12b)

Like many of the other people on Paul’s list of acknowledgement, Persis was mentioned briefly but we know in this brief mention that she was engaged in the work of God. In Romans chapter 16:12b, Paul wrote, “Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.” Persis is not a Jewish name and neither is it a Roman name. Persis has a Persian Root, i.e. a Persian. We can deduce that, like many foreigners in Rome, Persis was obviously brought to Rome by Roman authority to serve as a slave. In Rome, the slaves from the different nations faced the strong hand of their Roman oppressors. Unlike the sisters Tryphena and Tryphosa, Persis had been through “hard life”. She had to work tirelessly to meet the demands of her master. As Persis and many other former slaves found hope in Christ, they were treated as brothers and sisters in the church not as slaves. In the church, Persis who had probably been brought up in a different religious culture in Persia still committed to the things of God. She worked so hard that it got to the attention of Apostle Paul.

Persis might have worked silently without any intention of receiving a mention from the apostle. She committed to making sure that as she had diligently served her human masters, she served the Lord with the same zeal. Persis served so much that Paul noted that she had “worked very hard in the Lord”. The emphasis on “worked very hard” or “laboured much” (KJV) shows the extent of the work put in by Persis. Paul refers to Persis as “my dear friend” or “the beloved” (KJV) indicating that although Paul himself as at the time he wrote the letter had not been to Rome, he still considers Persis as an amazing sister in Christ. Remember, Persis had gone through a lot in her stay in Rome but that did not affect her relationship with the Lord. As Persis continued to work silently in the house of God, she might have been surprised that her labour for the Lord had been testified to the great evangelist Paul who was 100s of miles away from Rome. Paul had documented her zeal and had acknowledged her publicly. Centuries later, we are still reading about Persis and how her labour in the Lord’s vineyard was worth mentioning.

The church universal has many members with similar backgrounds as Persis. These are men and women who have relocated from their known culture and faith to another land. These people have been introduced to a new way of life and have come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Just like Tryphena and Tryphosa, “Persis” needs committed and concentrated discipleship training. People with the same background such as Persis must be thoroughly prepared for kingdom growth and development. They might be dedicated and committed to church work but that should not be a yardstick for spiritual growth. The church should be intentional to make room for practical and concentrated discipleship training to bring the best out of every Persis.

Thanksgiving: He is good and His love endures forever

Another Thanksgiving Day is here again in Canada and for most people, it is about eating and having family and friends coming over. I imagine the homeless and those living on their own, it might be a lonely time for them. For most people, to have the best Thanksgiving Day means to get the best turkey and all the accessories that come with it. For some people, Thanksgiving is about belly satisfaction; for others, it is about pleasing family and friends and for few others,  it reminds them that they are alone. What is your plan for Thanksgiving? Did you have an advance Thanksgiving celebration? Is your turkey in the oven already? What are you Thankful for on this day?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalms 107:1)

Holidays and celebrations are good periods for us to reminisce about the love of God and show it to the world. We should be intentional about our Thanksgiving to God. The fact that you have strength to eat your turkey should remind you to be grateful. Don’t compare your kitchen with others. You might not have all it takes to host a bigger Thanksgiving lunch, but you have enough to provide for yourself and your family. Others have nothing to eat. Others will spend the whole day crying for not having anyone to celebrate with. Still, others will be on the street begging to survive. If we have a roof over our heads, food on our table and peace of mind, we should be thankful to God for His provision. Today, let’s join the Psalmist and celebrate the goodness of God with Psalms 47.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalms 107:1‭-‬43 NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving Day, be happy, be grateful and be content!

Thanks be to God!

When we come to understand that we have something that is the prayer topic of others, we will be grateful for life and all that God has given us. Take a look at your life before you met Christ and the current state of your life. There are many reasons to be thankful.  On a daily basis, we have victory over sin and temptation. We do not do the things we used to struggle with in the past. We have become victorious over the sins that pulled us down. 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The wages of sin is death but by God’s grace, we have received the gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). We have enough reasons to be thankful to God. We have been given victory over sins and temptation. The stings of death over our lives are broken. We are no longer slaves to sin, fear and death. We are children of God. What a great privilege!

Press the praise button II

It is a new week and a new day. Sometimes,  we get so worried about all that we don’t have and miss the opportunity to thank God for the many blessings we have. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. (Psalms 136:1)

The Psalmist reminds us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever” (Psalms 136:1). Today is another opportunity to press the praise button again. God is faithful and His love endures forever. 

Dear God, 
We do not take for granted the many blessings that You give us each day. We are grateful for life. Continue to nourish us with life in abundance in Jesus name. Amen

Smile… It is free

Smile… It is free

Thanks be to God!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all my family and friends. Let us celebrate this special day with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. Let us appreciate God for His grace bestowed upon us. 2 Corinthians 9:15 refers to this grace as the indescribable gift. How could we have benefited from this great grace if not for love? There was no way we could have made it to God by our strength. We were so far away from God that we needed God Himself to bring us to Him. Thankfully, God made a way through His son Jesus. We have been saved by grace and grace alone. 

One gospel minstrel put it this way… GRACE, GRACE GOD’S GRACE GRACE THAT WILL PARDON AND CLEANSE WITHIN GRACE, GRACE GOD’S GRACE GRACE THAT IS GREATER THAN ALL OUR SINS

Yes! God’s grace is greater than all our iniquities. He has been so merciful unto us. What are you thankful for? I am thankful for life and all the blessings that come with it. God has been good to us. No matter the challenges we face, we can look back and appreciate God for the different ways He has been good to us. Let us eat our Thanksgiving meal with gratitude in our hearts. God has been good. 

Let us also take time and appreciate all the human vessels God has worked through to bless us. Call someone, say a prayer for them. Bless God for their lives. Finally, if there is someone you can bless today (spiritually, financially, with food, clothes etc.) do not hold back. You have received enough…be a blessing unto another. God bless you and have a blessed day.

My prayer for you today

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:10‭-‬11).

Turkish or Kenkeyish… It is still Thanksgiving

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

October 11 is Thanksgiving Holiday in Canada. Many people are looking forward to the day with lots of anticipation. I am not so conversant with the origin of Thanksgiving in Canada. I saw online that the original purpose of the celebration is to celebrate the harvest season. The day is spent with family gatherings, eating pumpkin pie and plenty of turkey! Today, I asked Michael, “What food should we make for Thanksgiving day” and he replied “kenkey.” I looked at him in awe… I thought if you move to Rome, you do what Romans do. Anyway, we might be having a “kenkeyish” Thanksgiving not a “turkish” one. The truth is whether you eat pumpkin pie or kenkey on October 11, it doesn’t change the purpose of the celebration. It is THANKSGIVING!!!

I am sure some people do not necessarily have very good reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving. The year has been difficult for most people and the worries that come with it can force one to ignore the joy of celebrating with family and friends. The Bible says that we should give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Therefore, you don’t need to win before you join the Thanksgiving train. If you can afford to make good food on Thanksgiving, do so. Don’t let the pressures of the world stress you. Just thank God for the gift of life.

Eat your pumpkin pie and turkey with a grateful heart. Eat your kenkey with pepper sauce and fried fish with appreciation. Be happy and content with your blessings and do not forget that the ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE TAKES ONE TO THE NEXT ALTITUDE. Send some food to your friends and neighbors. Let’s celebrate together. Let’s harvest our sacrifice of praise together. The Lord has been good to us🙏

Press the praise button

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Psalms 106:1)

Yesterday we saw that the attitude of gratitude takes one to the next altitude. When we appreciate God for the blessings we have received, it opens up the door for more blessings. My family had been praying about something and just this morning, we had a call that the Lord had answered this prayer too. Wow… We were just appreciating God for a book launch and boom, He opens a door for another person. So today, we want to appreciate Him again.. who knows… we might have another testimony tomorrow.

Just press the praise button and release your sacrifice of praise.

Pray with me.

Dear God, we do not take for granted any blessing you give to us (my family, friends and loved ones). Who are we that you should even be mindful of? Yet, You chose to show us kindness and mercy. Dear God, we are thankful for Your many blessings. We avail ourselves for more blessings this week. You know the deepest desires of our hearts…may Your perfect will be done in our lives.

Thank you for the doors that were opened yesterday, the doors that were opened today and the doors that will open tomorrow. We are so grateful. We ask for Your mercies and strength to use all the blessings you give to us to also bless the world. Amen.