True Woman - the Beauty of Holiness

The Beauty of Holiness

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.*

• You never get to the point where you don't need the grace of God to protect and safeguard your heart and keep you from sin.
• The real test of your purity is who you are when you get home and how you treat those around you.
• The goal of being pure of heart is not to make us look good. That's self-righteousness. The goal is to make God look good.

Listen to or read more from “The Beauty of Holiness”

Now I have to admit, the title of this day's devotional really appeals to me. :) The beauty of holiness. How many see holiness as a thing of beauty? Not too many I think....but mmmmm... to be seen as beautiful because of my holiness...isn't that something to aspire to?

wow....okay...it's hard to concentrate when Thomas the Train movie is playing in the background. But we'll keep trying.

In her devotion Nancy refers to some different scriptures:

Titus 2:3-5, 11-14

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹²training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 1:15-16

¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

We are called to be pure, pious, submissive and keepers of our homes.

We are called to be more than what we were before we knew Christ.

To not to be slaves to sin, but to be a people earnestly desiring MORE than what the world offers to us. To love and serve in ways that please God not ourselves.

How does one live this out? For answers, Nancy turns to Psalm 101 which shows practical ways to living out what we believe.

A Psalm of David.

¹I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.

actions: singing to God.

²I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;

Ponder: to meditate, to think about something more than yourself. To see what is blameless.
Choosing to walk with integrity.

³I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.

Watch what you watch. Do you engage the worthless? what type of books do you read, shows do you watch, people do you associate, activities that you are part of? do you watch these things carefully? Not saying you can't be involved with people who engage in worthless activities...if you don't, how might to draw them to Christ...but you don't need to engage in the worthless activities that they do.

⁴ A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.

⁵Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly
I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart
I will not endure.

Do you correct ungodly behaviour? do you call it for what it is? Do you do your best to stay away from evil actions?

⁶I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.

Do you encourage your brothers and sisters in their walk with Christ?

⁷No one who practices deceit
shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue before my eyes.

⁸ Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the LORD.

Do you do your best to cut off the wicked from within your midst?

I look at this and I see church discipline at work too.

I look at this and I see moms guarding their households, protecting their children from those who would lead them astray.

I see constant vigilance.

Anyways, there is oodles more here but Now I have a preschooler demanding my attention and I just can't concentrate here anymore. talk and think more later.

True Woman - Sound Thinking

Sound Thinking

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.*

• If you have sound doctrine, that will result in sound thinking about all of life—thinking that is wise, discreet, sensible, and self-controlled. Sound thinking will result in sound living.
• You can’t love your husband and your children if you don’t have sound thinking. Because when they are not loveable, if you don’t have sound thinking, you’re going to respond in unloving ways.
• A godly woman's heart and mind are always under the guard and protection of the Spirit of God, the truth of God, and the truth of God’s Word.

Listen to or read more from “Sound Thinking”

so goes the teaser sent to my inbox. :)

And from Titus 2:1-5 we read:

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Nancy had a lot of good to say today. Really appreciated her devotional. So you'll need to go read it.

here is part of what Nancy has to say:

We’ve said that these qualities are very personal. They’re centered around our relationships, and they really focus a lot on our relationships within the family. So let me pick up in Titus chapter 2, beginning in verse 2, just to give us some context here.

I want you to see how this concept of self-control, the word is sophron—we were looking at it in our last session—sober-minded, of a sound mind. You see how this phrase occurs three times in these verses we’ve been looking at.

Titus 2, verse 2: First of all, “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled.” There’s our word—sophron—self-controlled. It’s of a sound mind. They’re to be “sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”

Verse 3: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women…”

Now, you don’t see the word “self-control” there, but that word “train” is in the same family in the original Greek language as the word sophron. It actually means to train them to have sound minds, to train them to think soundly, to train them to be sober-minded.

You don’t see all of that in the English translation, but that’s what’s behind it in the original. “Train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled” (verse 4). There’s our word again, sophron—sober-minded, of a sound mind. In the New American Standard Bible, you have the word sensible there. Sensible, discreet in the King James, sound-minded, of sound thinking.

What does it mean to be a person who has sound thinking, to be a person who is sober minded?

Does it mean a person who never laughes at things, or enjoys life?
No.

It means a person who is minded by more. A person who is self-controlled and aware of what they are doing. Not driven by the moment, or ones' own desires, but by something more. In the life of the Christian that would be having GOD be our driving force.

So what does a sober-minded, a self-controlled person act like?

• one who can respond in faith rather than fear when facing challenges
• one who guards her heart - discernment be exercised
  
• one who guards her mind - discernment be exercised
  
• one who is mentally disciplined
• one who is able to resist temptation
• one who is able to delay gratification
• one who has the attitude of work first and play later (not that playing is bad either). :) sometimes one needs to play first as part of enjoying one's family/children.
• one who is modest in their dress and actions
• one who lives a thoughtful and intentional life --- not someone just going along with the flow
• one who knows where all things come from and lives a life of thankfulness
• one who bases life decisions on what is wise and what is biblical
• one who prays
• one who is very much aware of the need for God in all areas of life

Is this possible all the time?
No...we are after all sin-filled people, who should be striving to be like God but so often failing miserably.
BUT it is something that we can strive for.
It does give us something to base our actions on ... and to help us evaluate the actions we have taken over the course of a day...and therefore become more of the people that GOD wants us to be.

A high standard we are called to.
A high standard we are to teach.

Let us be women of sound thinking, focused on the one who created us, able to see beyond ourselves to the greater picture.

True Woman - Delighting in your children

Nancy's email teaser:

Delighting In Your Children

Every mom would claim to love her children, but what does it really mean to show Christ-like love in a home? The Bible offers some practical ways to delight in your kids.*

• Mothers can get so caught up in the practical responsibilities of mothering that they forget to really love their children.
• Do you love your husband and your children more than you love your other friends, your outside involvements and interests, or your job?
• Don’t lose the joys that you could have in the present, and the opportunities God is giving you today, by being impatient for the future.

Listen to or read more from “Delighting In Your Children”

well...I'm almost done the follow-up emails to the true woman conference devotions that I went to last October. It's been an interesting study. Good in many ways to do. :) And today we get to look at the theme of delighting in one's children.

I have one. He is my delight...98% of the time...sometimes he drives me round the bend....but he's a good boy and oh boy...do I delight in him. But enough of me...let's see what Nancy has to say about this topic ....and God's word too!

From Titus 2:1-5 we read:

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

We need to love our children...why? that the word of God may not be reviled. Remember...that's the reason. We don't love our children simply because they are ours. We love them so that GOD's word will not be reviled.

So what does it mean to love our children?

I know from other scripture that loving means discipline, extending grace, being there, helping, giving tasks/duties and teaching. Just look at how God loves us! He's provided us with a whole world to live in! He gives us jobs/duties. He disciplines us when we are in need of it, and gives a hug (figuratively speaking) when we need one too. He helps us, trains us, calls us to be more than we think we can be. He tells us over and over that he loves us and cares for us and protects us.

This is how we love our children, at least that's how it seems to me. We love our children as God loves us.

Do I go that well all the time? no. I don't accept it well all the time either.
but does it give me an example to live by? for sure.

If in my parenting I try to treat my boy the way that God treats me I think we'll do okay. :)

Nancy speaks about how children are a blessing, and how we are to love on them through all the tasks that parenting brings. Makes sense to me. :)

Older women are to train younger women to love their children, according to Titus 2:4. This word love their children, in the Greek language in which the original text is written, is just one word. It’s a combination of two words made into one compound word.

The first word is the word philos, which is the word for friend; the second word is teknon, the word for child. It’s a person who is fond of children, a lover of children, somebody who enjoys children.

So older women are to teach younger women just how to love their children, how to enjoy them for who they are.

Learn to enjoy your children
Try not to be sucked into the world's view that children are a burden. They aren't. They are a delight! We are to care for them, love them, enjoy them.

Let us learn to be better parents! :)

True Woman - Letting God shape your husband

Here's the email teaser sent to me:

Letting God Shape Your Husband

Don’t bother with today’s message if you have a perfect marriage. But if you need solid advice on honoring God through an imperfect marriage, dig in.*

• The best marriage is nothing more than two sinners continually humbling themselves and knowing how to get to the cross to find the grace of God.
• Your husband’s strengths and weaknesses are exactly what God knew you needed for you to become the woman God wanted you to be.
• It's your job to love your husband; it's God’s job to change him.

Listen to or read more from “Letting God Shape Your Husband”

But if you need solid advice on honoring God through an imperfect marriage, dig in.*

• The best marriage is nothing more than two sinners continually humbling themselves and knowing how to get to the cross to find the grace of God.
• Your husband’s strengths and weaknesses are exactly what God knew you needed for you to become the woman God wanted you to be.
• It's your job to love your husband; it's God’s job to change him.

Listen to or read more from “Letting God Shape Your Husband”

I have to admit: I read this line "Don’t bother with today’s message if you have a perfect marriage" and I inwardly snorted. :) Perfect marriage? Who has a perfect marriage? I do think that people have marriages that are right for them, sometimes they have to work at them, but even those marriages that are "right" for those people, need work. Marriage is indeed a close relationship between two imperfect people. Not an easy thing, but overall...a good thing. :)

From Titus 2:1-5 we read:

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

In marriage, we have to learn what it really means to love our husbands. And guaranteed, it's not always so easy. But I've learned that in learning to love my hubby, I understand more of what God wants of me. To be a giving, less me-centred person who does try to see the bigger picture and not just what pleases ME. Pleasing myself less I think makes God happier. :) (Somehow I think I said that wrong).

But in marriage you do learn that it's not all about me. It's about more than me. This is an important thing for everyone to learn. Marriage isn't all about him either (from his perspective). It's too people learning to love each other through the grace of God.

I liked this line:

Remember that your husband’s strengths and weaknesses are exactly what God knew you needed for you to become the woman God wanted you to be. That’s true vice versa as well. Your strengths and weaknesses are what God knew your husband needed for him to become the man he needs to be.

It's all a growing process. Of learning to be more than ourselves, of seeing God more through how he works in us and each other. Of .....oh...marriage is hard work but it is worth it. :)

God knew what I needed when he had me meet my hubby. :) He's changed me, he's made me more than I was before, and he's brought me closer to himself.

Allow your marriage to do the same for you.
See your hubby for who he is, a sinner under the grace of God. JUST LIKE YOU.

Be a help-meet for him on his journey. Let him be yours as well.

True Woman - Make your Husband a Priority

The teaser in the email sent to me:

Make Your Husband a Priority

It’s a challenge to keep up with all the needs in a busy household. As you’re deciding what to tackle, who becomes a higher priority—your kids, or your husband? The Bible speaks to that question.*

* I wish young women knew how to reverence and adore their husbands, to protect their reputations, and to affirm them in public. Men blossom when you do that.
* If you are a married woman, loving your husband is the number-one way that you demonstrate your commitment to sound doctrine.
* Loving your husband means enjoying him. It means being his friend, taking pleasure in him

Listen to or read more from “Make Your Husband a Priority”

From Titus 2:1-5 we read:

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Oh...for those who don't know. I use biblegateway for my on-line scripture.

here's more from what Nancy had to say that I thought worth repeating:

The first thing that older women are to teach younger women, according to this passage, is to love their husbands. If you are a married woman, this is the number-one way that you demonstrate your commitment to sound doctrine. You can’t say you have sound doctrine if you despise or disregard your husband. Loving your husband flows out of the gospel, and this kind of love also flows out of a promise, a vow, a covenant.
Remember back to that day when you stood with your husband at an altar, and you made some vows before God? What did you say? Maybe it was something like this:

I take you to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish from this day forward until death do us part.

Remember saying something like that? Those weren’t just words. This was a covenant. This was a vow. This was a promise.

I know in my own life, learning how to love my hubby has been one of the hardest jobs I've had to take on in marriage. Sounds funny eh? I loved this man enough to change my whole life to marry him....and yet I've had to work at just loving him...idiosyncrasies and all. To respect him when I want my own way. To figure out how to meld how I do things with how he does things. To show him how what he thinks about things is important too. NOT an easy task at times.

So having solid Christian women that I respect demonstrate what it means to just love your hubby is important to me. :)

I have to admit...when I read this from Nancy's piece:

By the way, when we say she’s fond of her husband, this suggests that it’s an exclusive kind of love. By implication, she is not fond of other men in the same way that she is of her husband. Your husband is to be the object of your affection in a way that is distinct and exclusive and different from the way that you are fond of any other man. This kind of love means more than just fulfilling your duties toward your husband. It means enjoying him. It means being his friend, taking pleasure in him.

My very first thought was well DUH! But then I have to realize that in today's society the specialness of one's mate is sometimes lost. Going for a nice long walk with my hubby is different than going for a walk with a good friend, it's somehow better. :) And I love our Pinery excursions with the three of us. It's just "gezellic" (for you dutch people out there...feel free to correct my spelling). :) just nice is a good way.

But women.....learn how to love your hubbies, figure out how to make them more important than the other stuff in your life. God wants you to do this....so shouldn't that make us all the more want to? God, your hubby, your children, your extended family, and the rest of the world. that's the order of things. Get it straight, know it's hard work at times, but do it none the less. AND model it well so others see it as well. Talk about it with younger struggling women.

Just go out and love your hubby!

True Woman - Intentional Training

Intentional Training

Finding a mentor sounds like a good idea, but where do you start? And how do you become a mentor? Here are some practical approaches to teaching and sharing your life.*

• As older women, we’re supposed to be modeling the beauty of a life that’s lived under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• Mentoring takes place in the context of everyday life:
  • You’re there.
  • You’re with them.
  • You observe.
• You walk with them through life.
• You deal with issues as they arise.
• You look for teachable moments.
• You give friendship, counsel, encouragement, and exhortation.

Listen to or read more from “Intentional Training”

From Titus 2:1-5 we read:

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

We are to teach each, to train each other.

I find that having a mentor is a great boon. Learning from others....what fun! (well, okay...not ALWAYS) :) And being a natural teacher at heart, teaching others what I know I find to be a total hoot. :) (well...okay... not ALWAYS). Teaching and learning can be hard things. But they are also things that we to be deliberate about doing.

Unlike Nancy I don't see this is something merely reserved for empty nest women, but for women of all ages. We can all teach those younger than us how to conduct ourselves as Christian women. Now, women without youngsters at home might find that a bit easier at times, but easier doesn't mean ONLY for them to do. We all have this responsibility.

The original word that is translated "train" -

It’s a verb. If you care about the Greek word, it’s sophronidzo. It’s the only place that this word is used in the New Testament.

That word, according to E-sword (Robertson's word pictures) means

That they may train (hina sōphronizōsin). Purpose clause, hina and present active subjunctive of sōphronizō, old verb (from sōphrōn, sound in mind, saos, phrēn, as in this verse), to make sane, to restore to one’s senses, to discipline, only here in N.T.

Vincent's word Studies (also from e-sword) puts it like so "Better, school or train. N.T.o. olxx. The verb means to make sane or sober-minded; to recall a person to his senses; hence, to moderate, chasten, discipline."

So our job is to help restore one's senses and discipline and bring some sanity. :)
It's like getting people to take a different perspective.

I look at my life. It is SO easy for me to put myself first. But I'm not to do that. As a believing woman I am to put God and others before myself. If I do that then I am : loving my husband and child, being self-controlled, pure, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, and able to keep my house in order, so that the word of God may not be reviled. Having others mentor me, and/or watching what older women than I do, helps me keep my perspective where it aught to be. Off me and on God and others.

It's not an easy thing to do. One needs to be intentional about spending time with other women. Teaching them, showing them, coming alongside. Giving practical advise about how to live, helping younger women learn how to be grounded in the Lord God, and so forth.

How does one do this? As Nancy says:

It’s really just giving friendship, counsel, encouragement, exhortation by your example, by your words, one on one in the context of everyday life.

How do you train your children?

• You’re there.
• You’re with them.
• You observe.
• You walk with them through life.
• You deal with issues as they arise.
• You look for teachable moments.

We train younger women in much the same way. Not that they’re children, but it’s similar in the sense that it takes place in the context of everyday life.

This is what we are to do as older women who care for our younger women. Teach them, show them, just like you a child....but you're helping them to see beyond themselves into what God wants them to be. This is what I need to be doing more actively, even as I raise my boy. Teaching the younger women that God has placed in my life. Shall we get to it?

True Woman - The Anatomy of Addiction

The Anatomy of Addiction

When we partake of things that are addictive, just a little bit doesn’t satisfy. We want more—and then we need more. We can become enslaved to many things:

• prescription drugs
• food & overeating
• gambling & computer games
• pornography & romance novels
• television & soap operas
• spending & shopping

The desire itself may not be inherently wrong. The problem comes in when that desire becomes a demand and we find ourselves giving in to the temptation to fulfill it in an illicit way.*

Listen to or read more from “The Anatomy of Addiction”

From Titus 2 we read the basis for this devotional:

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

I was wondering where Nancy Leigh DeMoss was going with the whole Addiction thing, until she pointed me to the "slaves to much wine" that women are not supposed to be and then I went AH...that's where the addiction thing comes in at.

We are not to be addicted to "much wine"...or much anything for that matter.

As believers we are supposed to want God more than anything else. More than our hubbies, more than our children, more than our critters, our computer, our tv, our smoking, our drinking, our food, our books our....... the list can go on and on.

What do you want the most?

What does your life show that you want the most of?

If you are a believer and you want God the most, and your life signals something different....make some changes. Not saying it will be easy...but do it anyways. Everything else will eventually thank you.

For me it means monitoring my computer time. I could live at my computer if I could! (but I can't and shouldn't). I need to play with my boy, do the dishes, spend time with the Lord God, spend time with my hubby and really LISTEN to him, and so forth. I love email and playing games and answering questions on various groups and ..... the list could go on and on. BUT GOD calls me to something more. he calls me to glorify him in all that I do. And the question I need to ask him is this: is what I am doing right now.... glorifying him? What is this teaching my boy? What would it teach his perhaps future wife? What is this telling my hubby?

Helps put things into perspective.

Being addicted to something is not an illness, it's just the result of making a series of ill-considered choices. Nancy says:

The word addiction is a modern term. It’s really not my favorite term because, the way it’s used today, it tends to imply that we have no responsibility or culpability, that this is something we can’t help.

We’re not saying that. We’re saying we make choices that lead to bondage and strongholds in our lives. The biblical concept is that of enslavement. That’s why it says, “Don’t be ‘slaves to much wine’” in the translation that I use.

The only path out from our slavery, our bondage is prayer and making better choices....difficult though they may be...make better choices, ask your self those tough questions...who is this serving...myself? my family? God? Then make better decisions.

True Woman - how to control your tongue

How to Control Your Tongue

How can you become a woman who does not sin with her tongue?*

• humble yourself
• put off all slander and evil speaking
• put on words of kindness, love, forgiveness, and grace
• bring your thought life under the control of the Spirit
• talk less
• think before you speak
• refuse to listen to, slander, or gossip about others

Listen to or read more from “How to Control Your Tongue”

From Titus 2 we read the basis for this devotional:

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Older women.....not slanderers....
So what does it mean to not be a slanderer?
To slander means:

• words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
• defame: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; "The journalists have defamed me!" "The article in the paper sullied my reputation"
• aspersion: an abusive attack on a person's character or good name

So basically, it's talking in such a way that it causes damage to another person. Particularly if it's a lie. But if one slanders another, you are casting aspersion on their name, so be mighty careful how you talk of others. Build them up, don't cast them down. Whether it's the truth or not.

Yes...it is so very easy to gossip. To mention this that or the other tidbit about what's going on in the lives of people around you, or even in the periphery of your life.
Don't do it.
Are you helping the person?
Are you solving a problem?
Is the person you are talking with part of the problem or the solution? if not BUTT OUT. seriously folks.
If you are just chatting for the sake of chatting Stop it!

Don't hurt other folks by what you are saying about them. We are called to better than that.

I've had to learn this myself. To stop and say...
1. am I breaking a confidence?
2. would I want someone to talk about me this way?
3. am I helping this person or not?
4. am I talking with the person that I aught to be talking with this about.

I have learned the following:
yes...my hubby can act as a sounding board.
yes, my hubby can advise me on what to, and what not to say.
talking with him serves me a purpose - helps me check my heart and spirit in matters that "sit with me"....
AND it helps me to moderate what I say to others.

In her article/devotional, Nancy lists seven ways that we can combat the 'sins of the tongue'

1. humble yourself before God and others
   
2. put off all slander and evil speaking
3. put on a heart and words of kindness, love, forgiveness and grace
4. bring your thought life under the control of the Spirit
5. talk less
6. think before you speak
7. refuse to listen to slander or gossip about others

It all makes sense doesn't it?
Make choices in how you live before God and your fellow man.
Make choices in how you will talk and what you will listen to.
Control your thinking patterns...watch for envy, bitterness, jealousy and such like. These things lead to ill talk. Purge them from your life as much as you can.
Lead a life of humble repentance.

Women! Let us change the world by watching how we live and talk! :)

True Woman - Applying Sound Doctrine

Applying Sound Doctrine

For the final ten days of our make-over, we’ll journey with Nancy Leigh DeMoss through her teaching on Titus 2:1-5 titled “God’s Beautiful Design for Women.” We highly recommend the entire series.

Have you ever assumed that doctrine is for scholars who like to pore over ancient texts in big libraries? Actually, solid doctrine isn’t meant to stay in books—it’s supposed to be used in the day-to-day decisions you and I make.

• Just because we pick an idea up in a Christian bookstore; or hear it on Christian radio, television, or in a church, doesn't mean we can assume it is sound doctrine.
• Doctrine—what we believe—determines how we live. And the way we live reveals what we believe. Doctrine and life have to match each other.
• We know so much. If we’d just live a fraction of what we know, we’d be spiritual giants instead of spiritual pygmies.

The rest of the devotion can be found here.

Titus 2:1-5

¹But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ²Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

I highly suggest you read the whole chapter, it's filled with interesting things from God. :)

Looking first at scripture, what is God telling us here?

"Teach what accords with sound doctrine"....in other words...teach good doctrine, not what you think or what you feel or what seems right to you or what is the rage of the moment....teach what is sound, what holds to God's word.

Older men have things they are to do, as well as older women...and they to teach the younger women the same, young men, slaves etc....all have things they need to be aware of and work towards.

Now what does Nancy draw out of this passage? As she says

If we are not grounded in sound doctrine, we’re going to be susceptible to false doctrine. We’ll be easily swayed, easily influenced, easily deceived by things that may look good or seem good or feel good and may be very popular but aren’t true.

It's an important thing for us to think about. So often we don't put doctrine first, we put other things, like programs, outreach, visiting, etc on the agenda as ways to reach out and touch our world for Christ. People so much want to be relevant. it was in issue in the first generation church, and it's an issue now.

Paul was concerned about how the church could be a light in the fog of that generation. That question—about how the church can have the kind of impact it needs to have in a dark and difficult culture—that’s the question a lot of Christian leaders are asking today.

One of the big questions is, “How can it be relevant?” Now, I hope what they mean by that question is, “How can we effectively communicate the gospel and the doctrine of Jesus Christ to a generation that doesn’t value those things?”

The answer is....teach sound doctrine. Seriously.

Paul says what you do is preach to the believers the sound doctrine which will impact and change their lives; and then in their homes, their workplaces, their communities, they will live lives that are in accordance with sound doctrine. And that will make the gospel believable to those unbelievers around them.

If believers in the Lord God know what they are supposed to believe, then their lives will be changed. As their lives are changed, people in their spheres of influence will see this and THEY will be changed and impacted for God as well. Just think about it folks....if we truly live for God it has to impact the world around us. God made this world, so it has to be impacted by the things of him! (at least that's what makes sense to me).

Be grounded in the truth of God's word. Know his word as best you can...then go out and live it. If people ask you why the change....be prepared to answer them. Let others know that Christ is central in your life and the reason for why you live as you do.

Doctrine is always connected, in the Scripture, to duty. It’s connected to life. It’s not just some vague abstract stuff up there. It’s real-life applications connected to doctrine.

• Sound doctrine requires us to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord.
• Sound doctrine motivates us to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord.
• Sound doctrine enables us to do that which we want to do, and that is to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord.

In Titus 1:9, Paul says that the elders, the leaders of the church, are to “give instruction in sound doctrine.” Doctrine is the biblical, theological foundation for the Christian life. You can’t build a house without a foundation.

It's our foundation as believers. :) Sound doctrine overflows into our lives as good works. Sound doctrine overflows into our lives as changes in how we live, act and think.

Don't underestimate this effect.....God's word changes lives...even through you.

True Woman - Training our Daughters

Training Our Daughters

Learn how to train the next generation of women to have modest hearts as they grow up in an increasingly permissive world.*

• Modesty is, first and foremost, a heart issue. Don’t expect this world to teach your children how to be modest in heart, behavior, and dress. That’s your job as a parent.
• One of the killers of the faith of Christian young people is that they do not see that their parents’ faith has joy in it. Your kids will most likely reject your religion if it is a joyless religion.
• Make sure you are setting an example of loving and obeying God. When you fail, be humble enough to say, “I was wrong. Would you please forgive me?”

I have time today to do my devotions! YEAH!!! :) the buggy is still sleeping and the house is quiet. :) so.. okay, let's hop to it shall we? :)

So Nancy Leigh DeMoss is now taking us into Titus 2, and she starts off with an email teaser about the importance of training our daughters. Let's read what Titus 2 has to say.

¹But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ²Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ submissive to their own husbands,to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and that the word of God may not be reviled. ⁶Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. ⁷Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. ⁹ Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹²training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

¹⁵Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

My guess is that she'll be focusing on the bold verses where we read:

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ submissive to their own husbands,to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and that the word of God may not be reviled.

Nancy, in her address here, points out this:

Titus chapter 2 gives us a mandate for our lives as women; whether we’re younger or older, we’re told that we have a training role as older women and a learning role as younger women. All of us are older women to someone, and all of us are younger women to someone. So we both need to be teachers and learners.

Teaching and learning is a life long thing isn't it?

I know that in my life I have very much benefited from the advise and example of older women. How do I live out my faith when I'm feeling testy, how do I live out my faith when my hubby/son/co-workers drive me mad? What does it mean to be loving and kind when life makes you want to scream? What does it mean to be moderate, and forgiving, and busy about the house and wanting to learn more of God and so forth. Older women can help! And in today's passage we find that we are indeed mandated to help!

But when you think about it....isn't that what family is supposed to do? Isn't that as believers what we're supposed to do? We're supposed to be wanting to be more like God and less like the sinful people that we are. Look at how God helps us! He wrote down his word through a variety of people, he sent his son to die for us so that we can have relationship with him, he put the holy spirit within us to help guide our actions and stir our consciences and when we cry out to help he helps us. Yes, he also disciplines and corrects and gives us a timely "bonk on the head" when we need it. So shouldn't we follow his example?

Let us teach each other, let us be willing to learn from each other.
Teach what is God.
Teach those young women how to love their hubbies and children.
Teach them how to be submissive to their hubbies (yes, in today's culture that can be difficult).
Teach them to be self-controlled, pure, home-workers, kind and how not to revile God's word.

Easy tasks?
No.
Necessary tasks?
Yes.

Nancy, in her address, goes on to talk about how we need to model in practical ways that God is the most important aspect of our lives, that living with God brings joy and contentment to us, that bringing God glory is what we live for. If we truly live that way, our children will be more apt to follow in Christ's steps. That way living for God and bringing him glory simply becomes a solid way of life.

Let's step up to the plate shall we ladies?

The end of Titus

Today we come to the last few words in Paul's letter to Titus.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

15All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Paul has done what he could to help Titus pastor the Cretan church. Now he comes to his closing greetings. He lets Titus know that he'll be wintering over in Nicopolis and that he plans to send Artemas or Tychicus to him. He would like Titus to come if he is able. He urges Titus to help Zenas and Apollos, to send them on their way quickly with all that they need.

He once again urges Titus to help the Cretans learn to devote themselves to good works. To not be unfruitful. To help those who need the help.

He greets everyone and then extends grace to them as well.

I have to admit, sometimes I really like the New Testament way of signing off on letters. To give final greetings at the end. It ends a letter with love expressed clearly to the recipient. But well-crafted letters do that now-a-days too! Just in a different format. I remember once when my brother Fred was in College that he sent home a letter written in NewT style and it just seemed funny at the time. :) Just a different way of writing and helping folks.

Let me do as Paul says....devote myself to good works.
With that said, I'll be off! :)

Devote yourself to Good Works

Do you remember yesterday how we are to be passionate to do good works?
Today Paul tells us to be ready for every good work.

1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Paul says to us this is who you once were. This is who Christ redeemed you to be. Therefore give up those old ways, don't be divisive and troublesome, be ready to do good works. Devote yourself to such things.

The more we know the truth of this:

4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

the more we will know that we must devote ourselves to good works. to be passionate about them. So make good works a point! As Paul says "These things are excellent and profitable for people". Don't we all want to do what is good for us in the long run? Paul makes it clear what is good for believers...to seek out, to be passionate about doing what is good. We don't do it to be saved, we do it to show who Christ is and what he has done for us. That's it. And seeing as Christ saved us from our own ickiness....isn't that enough?

To be Zealous......

Today we get to finish off the rest of Titus 2.

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Paul had just given us a list of how we are supposed to be.

Now it seems he tells us why we are supposed to be like that. "for the grace of God has appeared, bring salvation for all people". Neat huh? God's grace showed up. God's grace brought salvation for us. God's grace lest anyone not know who that is, is Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul just finished enumerating who all those people are young and old, male and free, no distinctions about Jew or gentile. Servants, slaves etc. all are included. Credit Matthew Henry for making sure I was aware of that. :)

And what happened when this grace of God appeared?
We found ourselves being trained to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.
We found ourselves being trained to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.
We remain waiting for his return, when the glory of God will return. Christ gave himself for us. He came to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify a people for himself.

And we are to be zealous to do good works. hmm....think on that for a spell. Are you as a believer, am I as a believer zealous to do good works. To be zealous is to be full of enthusiasm or eagerness; passionate; excited. I have to admit, I'm not always like this when it comes to doing good works. I do them because they have to be done...and sometimes have that attitude. But God wants our attitude to be one of eagerness, one of excitement. That brings to mind thoughts of the eagerness of a child to eat ice cream in the park. :) How much fun it would be, how much joy it would bring. This is the attitude we are to have. God is raising us up to be like that, Christ is purifying for himself a people with this kind of attitude.

Let me then, Let us then, cultivate it. Let us be a people eager to do good works.

Paul closes this chapter with an exhortation to Titus to declare all these truths to the people, to continue to exhort and rebuke with authority. To not let himself be ignored. To be a man of God leading his people. Hmm.....kinda like Paul is urging Titus to remain zealous in his position of pastor to the Cretan church. :)

Called to more

Last time that I was hear for my devotions I considered the opening words of Titus 2.

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

We saw how, for the Christian believer, there are certain expectations of us.

Yesterday was a crazy busy day. Our fridge had broken down which was just a total mess after coming home from camping. When we left our campsite it had poured buckets so the trailer needed a huge clean-up as well. I had a grumpy boy who had a LOT of fun camping, but was tired from the busyness of being away from home and so forth. It was feeling totally beyond me to handle. I had a time of it. I was feeling incredibly disappointed that the folks I called from church seemed to care less about it. All that combined just seemed to make it all a bit too much.

I called my mom for moral support and she said....Why don't I come down and give you a hand. I said sure...that would be good.

While waited for her to come Justin and I tackled the trailer. I got out sponges which made it fun for Justin. He even learned how to wring them out. :) He helped by sponging off all flat surfaces ...which occasionally included his mommy's back (accompanied by lots of laughter). I tossed everything out on the front lawn to get dry.

Jim had a golf benefit that he had to go to. Since it's been at least 15 years since he last golfed he came home with sore arms and feet from walking so much and swinging the clubs. In his words "if the aim of the game was to have the highest score...I won".

My mom was a huge help. She helped me get the kitchen in order in what it seemed like no time flat. She was a practical help and a practically minded teacher. She asked questions, got some answers, gave some advise about how to keep things in relative order a bit easier. Taught me a trick of cleaning out a really stinky refrigerator and just was a good moral support.

I'll admit I'm not the greatest housekeeper in the world, but I am getting better. And I like it when people take the time to say...you know what...if you do thus and such little trick...it will make it easier to just get it done and out of the way. Was it always easy listening to advise and sometimes feeling criticised? no...but that's not the point...the point is learning and growing and being able to say help all of this is bit beyond me, and then being able to accept that help.

This folks, is what Paul is talking about. How we live our lives as believers matters...we are to support each other, we are to teach each other, we are look beyond ourselves and our own needs (which are often selfish needs) and be there for each other.

We need to live in such a way that we don't shame our living God. Let us help each other, teach each other and build up the body of Christ in such a way that we are good examples of Christ One's. That is what Paul calls us to here. Can we live up to the challenge?

As for you....

Paul starts off Titus 2 telling Titus what he needs to focus on as he leads the Cretan churches.

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Teach sound doctrine. This applies to all as Paul states it before he goes into what to teach the various ages of men and women.

Older men are to be:

• sober-minded
• dignified
• self-controlled
• sound in faith
• sound in love
• sound in steadfastness

Older women

• reverent in behaviour
• not slanderers,
  
• not slaves to much wine
• teach what is good
• and so train young women to .....
  

Young Women are to be trained to

• to love their husbands and children,
  
• to be self-controlled,
  
• pure,
  
• working at home,
  
• kind and submissive to their own husbands, so that God's word is not reviled.

Younger men:

• self-controlled

Titus is to

• show himself to be model of good works
• his teaching is to show integrity, dignity, 8and sound speech that cannot be condemned
• So that our opponents have nothing evil to say about us and therefore are put to shame
  

Slaves are to

• be submissive to their masters
• well-pleasing
• not argumentative
• not pilfering
• showing all good faith
• SO THAT in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour

Wow...what a weighty section isn't it.

Do you see how over and over again...if we act in a certain way we are showing who God is in a better light? That we are not giving ammunition to the enemy?

Have to admit that the older women train younger women to love their hubbies and children just kinda sat with me.
It's HARD work being married. To consider the needs of others and not just yourself. It's nice to have role models on how to do so well.
I think of how easy it is for folks to get divorced...and then I read this passage and it's like... you know what? If more women took the time to teach other women how to just love their hubbies, not so much divorce would happen.

But I can't sit here and ponder this longer I must get moving....but LOTS of food for thought here. I will probably continue this when I return.

The Cretans are.....

Continuing from my devotion the other day, we finish off Titus 1.

10For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Last time we met we learned about what is needed in a leader/overseer of a church. How the matter of being above reproach was important. Here Paul talks abit about the problems Titus is seeing in the churches he is overseeing.
People who are

• insubordinate
• empty talkers
• deceivers
• belonging to the circumcision party
• Professing to know the truth but living their lives in opposition to that

These folks need to be silenced. They upset whole families with what they are doing.

These folks need to be rebuked so that they become sound in their faith.
---- wow...isn't that just so true. THIS is the reason to rebuke ---- to help people become sound in their faith. That's the true reasoning behind it all.

In this passage we also learn

• that those who aren't sound in their doctrine will turn away from the truth. They will devote themselves to things that aren't true to God.
  
• that those who defiled and unbelieving have no purity in their lives. Everything about them is defiled and they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for any good work, even if they profess to know God. Their works show them for what they are.
  

I have to admit, I'm always taken aback by what today would be deemed as politically incorrect speech in Paul's note here: One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. It always seems a bit "left field" to me to describe a whole set of people this way. But I suppose it was Paul's way of pointing out to Titus that he had his work cut out for him here, to help the Cretan churches become true churches of God with good leadership.

May we be a people given over to the rebuking of the untrue among us. May we strive to build them up in the their faith and doctrine that they may be fit for any good work that God puts before them. May WE (may I) be fit for any good work that God gives me.

Above Reproach

Ah...I have time this morning. T'is indeed a good thing to spend time here with God. :)

These words from Titus 1

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

10For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

I won't get through this all today, but it all seemed to kinda go together.

Elders....what qualifications do they need?

• Above reproach
• husband of one wife
• children are believers
• Not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination (not sure if this is for the children, or for the man himself)
• as God's steward, must be above reproach
• Not arrogant
• not quick-tempered
• not a drunkard
• not violent
• not greedy for gain
• hospitable
• a lover of good
• self-controlled
• upright
• holy
• disciplined
• one who holds firm to the trustworthy word as taught
• able to give good instruction in sound doctrine
• able to rebuke those who contradict the same.
  

Quite the list isn't it? Shows I think, the importance of choosing a good leading man of God.

Paul mentions it twice, the the overseer, the elders in a church must be above reproach.

Had to think on that for a minute. What does it mean for someone to be above reproach?
Does it mean perfection? Does it mean that everything must be "just so" all the time?

I don't think so. Everyone makes decisions and choices that are sinful, but the question is how does an individual respond to such things? Does he live a life of open repentance and dependence upon God? Does he live life in such a way that shows the importance of God in his life and in the lives of those around him? Does he try to know God more and live by what he learns of God?

Let us choose wisely and prayerfully the men that God sets in place over us.

God Doesn't Lie

Here are the opening words to Titus:

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

4To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

In these words we find that Paul is again the author of a letter to another pastor. Titus is leading the Cretan churches.

So just who is Paul?

• a servant of God
• an apostle of Jesus Christ
• a preacher of God's word
  

Why?

• for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth
• knowing the truth helps people be godly

And what do we learn of God?

• God promised us eternal life before the world began
• God never lies
• God has good timing. :) .... at the proper time, he manifested his word through the preaching that he entrusted to Paul.

He wrote this book to help Titus. Titus is a true child of Paul's in common faith.

He extends a greeting: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

I remember when I was in catechism being asked if there was anything God could not do. And I stubbornly insisted that there was nothing that God could not do. Even when confronted with the verse that God cannot lie, I was stubborn and insisted that God could do anything that he wanted to. Boy was I stubborn back then! Still am, but at least now I can graciously admit when I am wrong.

Think about this... God cannot lie.
No white lies. No lies at all. None of this.....lest shade the truth a bit so that this person doesn't get hurt feelings, or get angry or whatever.
God does not lie.

Do you know how trustworthy that makes God? Wow...just so eminently trustworthy. I never have to wonder if something he tells me is accurate or not.
That means I can take his word to mean just what it says. The whole of scripture. God doesn't lie. He gave his words to his chosen authors and they wrote them down in their own style. God doesn't lie....the whole bible can be believed.

So when we read that Paul has been commanded to preach God's word we know that Paul' is starting from a place of truth. Makes sense that he gets angry at people who twist God's word or add things to God's word to promote their own agendas. We as believers should do the same.

When we are told we must learn God's word in order to become godly, we know that God's word is a reliable guide. God doesn't lie....we as believers aught not either!

When God says he promises us eternal life...we aught to believe him...he doesn't lie!

God doesn't lie. Just believe his word, and if he's your Lord and Saviour...do it. It will make you more godly and fit for his service.

Titus, a brief overview

Unable to have a long devotion this morning as Justin is up being a boy with a cold and having problems with his tonsils so being somewhat demanding of his old mommy. So.....

Read over Titus this morning. This is a small book in the New Testament.
Written by Paul to Titus who lived on Crete.

An initial read-through seems to indicate that this book is written to help Titus pick good men to lead the church and talks a bit about the importance of good doctrine. Will probably have lots of things packed into it which will be fun to explore. Hopefully will get back to Titus tomorrow again.

Grace of God

I like this:

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

God's grace....that's what changes my life.

Not much more I can add to that. Oh...it comes from Titus 2.