WEEK 48 – DAY 1

REPUTATION FOR FAITHFULNESS AND LOVE

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints. Philemon 3-5

After greeting Philemon and others with him, Paul let him know that he prayed for him and thanked God that he had a reputation for faith in the Lord and love for the saints. What an encouragement that must have been to Philemon!

Are we people that cause others to thank God as they pray for us? Are we known for our faith and love? We hope so. It’s something to meditate on, to think of how other people might remember us as they pray. We may realize some things in our lives might need to change. We may need to rely more on the Lord and be more demonstrative in our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Another thought came to mind as we read this. How often do we encourage other believers by letting them know how God has used them in our lives or how we’ve observed Him using them to bless others? Do we commend our friends when they demonstrate faith in Christ? Do we pray for God to strengthen them and us in these areas? There are many people we should send a card, letter, or even email in order to encourage them as they have encouraged us. Perhaps we should take some time this weekend to follow through on that idea. Do you need to do the same? Ask the Lord to bring those people to mind that you need to pray for, thank the Lord for, and encourage by sending a card or email or maybe calling them on the phone.

Father, seeing others rely upon You strengthens our own faith. Thank You for the positive examples of faith and love You have given us through many believers over the years. Help us to take the time to write some notes this weekend. Help us to be an example of faithfulness and love to others.