Today’s Passage – Genesis 38 – 40 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 1 – 2; Proverbs 15; Psalms 71 – 75

Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read “Integrity and the Name of Christ: Grace and Truth for Balanced Ministry” by Pastor Chappell

A Study of the Women of the Bible

Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis – Unknown Workers For the Lord.

“Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord.  Salute the beloved Persis which laboured much in the Lord.”  (Romans 16:12)

In Romans 16, we read Paul’s salutation to many co-laborers in Christ. In verse 12, Paul mentions three women friend: Tryphena, Tryhosa and Persis.  We don’t know what they did to help build the Roman church, but it states they laboured in the Lord.  Were they leading people to Christ?  Did they suffer great persecution?  Were they teachers?  Paul only said they were hard workers.

When I first got saved, I remember meeting so many ladies of the church who were important to the ministry.  The Sunday School teachers, the secretaries, and the bus workers. The first time I went to a ladies conference I thought how important the speaker was to God for Him to use her in that great way.  I thought how special and important to God the missionary and Pastor’s wife must be. Everyone looked up to them, they were the leaders and were important to God. I wanted to be important to God!  I wanted my name in lights too!  Not for man, but for God! I wanted to please Him. I wanted Him to be proud of me. Don’t misunderstand, we all want and sometimes need that little pat on the back. We all want our name called by the Preacher when credits are anounced. And God forbid if he forgets a name!!  We labor long and hard for the cause of Christ. But lets be honest and ask ourselves if we are doing it for attention or would we be content if no one knew what role we play in our labor for the Lord. These three ladies just labored and yet God allowed their names to be written for all to read.

I love that God uses and remembers the unknown.  Not everyone can be the “front line person”.  There are many, many people behind the scenes of a “front line person”.  They are just as important because without them the front line person could not complete their task.  In eternity, we’ll meet many believers who built God’s church.  Are they any less important because no one praised them?  God’s rewards in heaven will not short-change anyone; even giving a cup of cold water will receive its reward.  So, no matter what role you play in the service to the King, be content and wait.  Your reward is waiting.  God is watching.  He loves you more than you can imagine.

Thank You

1 John 5:13