Love and Good Works

"For 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.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he 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, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  The 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." – Titus 3:1-9

This passage says so much about HOW we are commanded are to love others, to be ready to do good works: 

1) remember who we used to be

2) to humble ourselves

3) to be reminded of God's saving grace, quick forgiveness and His rich mercy towards me

4) and then to be motivated to turn and desire to love, forgive, and give grace to all, including those who have wronged me

I wrote this prayer which helps me set my focus on Jesus and obedience to my Lord, to die to self and live for Christ:

-O, wretched sinner, wayward child that I am, consider the wondrous work of your Savior Jesus on the cross and bow down, revere His grace and mercy, His majesty!

-Bask in the riches as an adopted heir of the King of Kings and ask not what God can do for me but how I can serve Him and others best, all for His glory!

-Christ is gain, to live and carry this cross, my cross, is my privilege and true joy. Take pleasure in being fully satisfied in a faithful, loving, kind, good God!

May this encourage you, dear brothers and sisters, to think of new and creative ways to be a blessing to others, to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" - Heb. 10:24.   

Grace and peace to you!

On self-control

I have just started reading Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney and wanted to share a few things from her chapter on self-control.


She writes:
"Self-control is so important that the apostle Paul required it, directly or by inference, of every group of Christians he addressed in the Titus 2 chapter.  The emphasis placed on this virtue reveals how essential self-control is if we are to effectively commend the gospel. We cannot affort to ignore it. Therefore, if Scripture requires self-control from every Christian, it is obviously attainable by every Christian."


She addresses self-control and how it relates to eating (too much/too little), sleeping (too much or too little), our thoughts and feelings, and our behavior. Self control doesn't just happen but requires effort.  However, it is critical to realize that it is the Lord who equips us to attain this.


What I really enjoyed most was her ending comments on the one behavior, if diligently pursued would promote self-control in all other areas of our life - the daily practice of meeting with God.


"When we meet with God, we can find peace in the midst of trying circumstances, eternal perspective where we have lost sight of the truth, and power to fight our battle against sin.  We will resemble that tree in Psalm 1 that is healthy, strong, and fruit bearing.  Therefore we should eagerly and consistently respond to our Savior's invitation to come and meet with him."


I would like to encourage all of you to desire and work to gain greater self-control in your lives, abiding in Him, to enable you through your continual dependence and reliance on Him.


Grace and peace to you.

Perspective

Too often, we are preoccupied with things that do not matter. When I reflect on what I do not have, what I desire, what I think I need, I get sad, or even worse, I start to complain and become someone I do not want to be.

On the other hand, as I keep Jesus, and His work on the cross as my only focus, everything on earth, EVERYTHING fades away. I am a wretched sinner. I deserve wrath and judgment for my sins, eternal separation from God...but God chose to save me, to send a precious Savior to die in my place.

Amazing Grace, how can it be? That Thou my God shouldst die for me.

We are small, insignificant, and naturally selfish and wayward creatures. In the grand scheme of things, anything we may encounter is just as small and unimportant...but God takes care to notice and to get involved...in His timing, in His way. He desires to be OUR life, to direct and define who we are becoming...that He alone is enough and sufficient and will provide for our every need.

God, please look on us with kindness, when we are not faithful or place things or people in front of your purposes, when comfort outweighs character in our twisted minds. Teach us how to serve like your Son did. Help us to be humble, to wait on you, to trust in you more and more.

God, give us a hope and longing for heaven...a greater love and desire to put you first and foremost in our lives before all other "priorities", to live a pleasing and honorable life before you and others, and help us to seek your glory in all that we do.

God, transform our hearts so we can be useful to you. Give us the right perspective on where our energy, desires, and love should be (not on self, but in consideration and deference to others).

Lord, you are Lord of our lives. God, please make us a blessing, that the lost would come to know you.

Grace and peace to you.