CHARACTER IN ACTION
Today’s Reading: TITUS 1-3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Corinth Canal passageway was finally cut through the mainland in 1893 after several attempts dating back 2700 years ago. This canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. The canal is 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base. Although the canal saves the 700-kilometre (430 mi) journey around the Peloponnese, it is too narrow for modern ocean freighters, as it can only accommodate ships of a width of up to 16.5 metres (54 ft) and a depth (bottom of ship) of 7.3 metres (24 ft).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Titus 3:1-2, 14
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men…And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful!
Titus is being instructed by Paul as he was establishing the church on the island of Crete.
Titus 1 – True Christianity was spreading throughout the land, but so was false teaching concerning the faith. Like weeds that encroach upon a newly seeded garden, so heresy was spreading. Therefore, Titus was to carefully screen and appoint well-qualified leaders. He was to rebuke sharply any who might use their position for “dishonest gain,” and those who “profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.”
Titus 2 – We are taught to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Titus 3 – There is one word in Titus 3:14 that stands out as the key to living a life pleasing to God! It’s the word, “LEARN!” I’ve just checked the Oxford dictionary and it says that “LEARN” means to acquire knowledge and skill, to become competent, to grasp, to master, to absorb, to assimilate, to digest, to study, to read up on, to be taught, etc. Let’s all commit to be life-long learners…especially regarding the Word of God!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that I will confess You before others, not only in my words, but in my every action. Teach me to say “NO” to all ungodliness, and may I LEARN to live an upright and godly life. Help me Lord, from minute to minute, to be consistent in the practical doing of Your Word, loving not only in word but in deed. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Our son Ron and daughter-in-“love” Ann post and check over my blog each day. Thanks so very much loved ones. Their daughter Andrea and their son-in-law Rev. Jason Patterson moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where God called them to plant a church. Titus was called of God to do the same thing in Crete. Paul’s advice for Crete will work in any place at any time. I ask my blog buddies to pray for Jason, Andrea, their daughter Jadice and son Declan (photo below), as they grow their newly-planted church. Their church website is HERE, and you can watch Jason’s sermons HERE. Thanks so very very much for your prayers for them!!!
Yours for being all God wants us to be and for doing all He wants us to do,
David
Prayers for Jason, Andrea, Jadice, Declan, Ron and Ann. Holding you all lovingly in God’s Hands. Amen to David’s message to Titus and prayer, this morning. Recently I failed in being honest about something and confessed my sin about it. It takes time to process this, it seems. Often we continue to fail as humans but our God and our commitment to being true to Him and His Word, will make us right. Amen? Wishing all Saints a blessed day in the Lord. May He comfort those in need. He is our bridge, indeed.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV
Grateful For The Cross – Dave Hunt [with lyrics]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMcvN12MDug
Amen Beverlee thanks for sharing with us, that was very brave of you
It is so true we often fail in our walk with the Lord, but if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. Priaise His Holy Name. I am also praying for Jason, Andrea, the kids and Ron and Ann. Blessings to all. Eleanor M.
Thanks Beverlee for sharing.
Amen, Beverlee! Bless you for your openness. I too am aware of how much I need His grace and mercy and forgiveness. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Blessings of His goodness upon each of you today.
Dear Lord God, we are so far from being perfect – thank You for your never-ending grace! You hear our groaning, and You sent Jesus to rescue us! Thank You also for the strong leaders You have given us, people like Paul, Titus, Peter, David Mainse, Jason, our pastors, evangelists, and teachers. Bless, keep and strengthen each of them! And please watch over and keep all your people today; strengthen each one for the special work You have given each of us. Help us to do well all we do, as David said, in word and in deed
In Jesus’s beautiful name, amen
Amen,Rob.A picture of a young happy Christian family.Help us to know when God speaks to us.
Amen
Amenp
Amen Rob
He already knows our sins and each thought we have,Beverlee.Mistakes in judgement are opportunities to learn.When we correct/confess these errors we learn valuable lessons which strengthen our character.I believe this brings a smile to a loving Father’s face.”May He lift up His countenance upon you.”
Praying for Anne for a full recovery.Thank you for this blog.May god bless each student.
Salvation
Sweet Jesus I owe everything to you and to you alone,
You have shown me my home,you are my anchorstone,
You have saved me always when stormy winds have blown,
You have always been my rock,the truest friend I’ve known,
So why do you think me worthy as a seed you have sown
What can I ever do to earn all the love you’ve shown .
Ch:
Let me know sweet Jesus, let me know beyond my days
Let me know my savior,when I bow down to you in praise,
When my time here is drawing short and coming to a close,
As they carry me away after leading the life I chose,
I pray that I will leave not sorrow for those that I love,
But instead to know the joy that waits for us above.
I am not a wealthy man but I am very rich by far,
When I walk my journey you’re my guiding star
And you know that I am honest in all the things I do,
I have never born false witness,I only say what’s true,
You have strengthened my soul before I even knew
Of life’s losses with your love to see me through.
You have always had your hand placed within my soul,
You have shown me your light that has made me whole,
I have never known this love that comes from your grace,
Nor have I known compassion that shines from your face,
For I am still a sinner and you are the son of God
I can only meet you at the end of the road I’ve trod.
G W(Bill) Marshall (No copyright intended)
Wonderful, and amen.
Thank you William for sharing you gift.
Blessings to all today & especially the Mainse family. The opening of Parliament will be soon & they will be designing an updated policy for euthanasia. Lord help our government to uphold Your laws & plans for our province/country. Amen
Yes Amen, Doreen
Lord God in Jesus Name I pray for Andrea, Jason and their children Jadice and Declan, for safety both in their travels, and their home. I pray that they are able to fulfill their calling as You lead and guide them every step of the way; safe in the Palm of Your Hand, that You be Glorified, Amen, thank You Jesus.
I also pray for Your Peace to encompass Norma-Jean, Ann and Ron as they trust You with their loved ones.
Thank you Reynold for the picture and your explanation of it. I Thank the Mainse family for this morning’s devotion. David’s Personal comments are enlightening; I prayed his prayer.
Have a wonderful day, Saints!