Wasted Breath
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and geneologies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
Why waste your breath. Although some discussions are more important than others, some are fruitless and divisive. All they do is create a wall of separation between believers. In Jewish law, only the Levites were spiritual leaders. God had set them aside as caretakes of the law to the people. But Christ changed all that. He tore open the curtain and now through Jesus each of us has access to God, the Holy of holies. Many other areas of church doctrine can separate people in the church as well, such as which denomination is correct, are we pre-trib or post-tribulation, can we perform greater miracles than Jesus, what clothes are modest and which aren't, should we be hooked to the grid, is man destroying the climate, on and on we go. Notice what Paul said, these are unprofitable and useless.
K and A, it is not that some of these issues are pointless. Many of them are crucial to your faith and the faith of others as well. What is being said here is that the arguments and quarrels are useless. When you find that a relationship is being destroyed because neither person will listen or budge from their belief... you be the person that yields their right to speak and choose friendship over dogma. At work I often just keep my mouth shut when I hear, well, we all sin everyday, it's about knowing Jesus forgave me, or I'm not perfect, I'm just forgiven, or I guess it was just their time to die, or all things happen for a reason. Yeah, like next time think before you choose to do heroin. Oh wait, there is no next time.
Sometimes, you must hold your tongue (please see the old NIV for this quote) , even when you are right, even when the point is crucial. Often you can do more damage than good if you try to press your point. Don't waste your breath.
~Dad
Note: I am not referring to standing up for truth in leadership discussions. There are issue too important to pass over. Because my generation wanted to just all get along and love each other, the church has drastically changed. Things once preached as sins are now common in the church; sexual promiscuity and homosexuality, drinking and drugs, immodest clothing and dancing are just a few of them!
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Sunday, May 5, 2019
It's For Every Believer, Titus 3:8
It's For Every Believer
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those that have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Clean hands and a pure heart is not just for the super spiritual. Following the Christ's commands is not just for the mature Christian. If you love the Lord, you will keep his commands. Each of us is expected to become holy and pure in our living. Being devoted to doing good, honoring God in what we say and do is profitable for each believer. Excellence comes from doing right and shunning evil in our lives.
K and A, this goes for you too. You must purpose in your life to live in such a way that you mature in your faith. Make an effort to flee all that is evil. Determine in your life that will avoid even the appearance of evil that no one will be able to discredit your character. This is not something that just happen. It takes an effort on your part. Seek to please the Lord to your full potential. Do not be satisfied for just called a Christian, holiness is for every believer!
~Dad
Why The Reminders, Titus 3:8
Why The Reminders
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those that have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Why the reminders? Why is it that Titus was to tell the Cretans to be obey their authorities, to be kind and considerate with humility toward all? Why was it necessary for them to be told again to be on guard for the pleasures and passion of this world? Why did they need to be told again?
Why? Because it is so easy to forget and fall back into the foolishness of the past. Paul said to stress those things, so those who are Christians might devote themselves to doing good!
You see, A and K, proper living is important. Your faith and love for others should grow and grow. How you treat them and how you serve others shows Christ to them. To be counted worthy for the kingdom, your walk must match your talk. You have to act like who you say you are. So remember those ten reminders, and let your life give an accurate picture of who Christ is.
~Dad
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those that have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Why the reminders? Why is it that Titus was to tell the Cretans to be obey their authorities, to be kind and considerate with humility toward all? Why was it necessary for them to be told again to be on guard for the pleasures and passion of this world? Why did they need to be told again?
Why? Because it is so easy to forget and fall back into the foolishness of the past. Paul said to stress those things, so those who are Christians might devote themselves to doing good!
You see, A and K, proper living is important. Your faith and love for others should grow and grow. How you treat them and how you serve others shows Christ to them. To be counted worthy for the kingdom, your walk must match your talk. You have to act like who you say you are. So remember those ten reminders, and let your life give an accurate picture of who Christ is.
~Dad
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Reminder 10: The Wonder of It All, Titus 3:7
Reminder 10: The Wonder Of It All
Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
The title popped into my head as I read this verse today. I had planned yesterday to talk on the joyous culmination of our faith in Christ: the promise of eternal life, but as I read this verse today and thought about why we get to be with God forever, as I listened to the song with the same title, as I reviewed my own life, I realized it is by the grace of a God who, though his kindness and love, reached out to me! He seeks me! He calls me! He washes me! He justifies me! He renews my spirit! He fills me with his Spirit! He will come and take me to be with him forever! Eternal life with our Lord! Wow! That should bless your soul! It was then that I chose to title it, The Wonder Of It All.
K and A, as I listened to the songs I have linked to below, my soul was blessed. Tears welled up in my eyes and rolled down my face. The glory of God shivered through my body. Oh, I never want you to forget the need to work for the Lord, to be diligently busy about the Father's work, but all those are worthless acts if Jesus hasn't changed your life. It is all pointless if the Father didn't seek you out. Your are empty if the Spirit hasn't filled your soul. Sit back and bask in the wonder of it all, just to think that god loves you A, he loves you K! It makes it a joy and honor to serve the Lord!
~Dad
Song
The Wonder of it All
Doug Oldham medley
Just a note on Doug Oldham... He is an interesting singer I remember from the PTL Club days. (Oddly enough, PLT Club and Doug Oldham had ties to the late Jerry Falwell.) He always intrigued me, the way he sings. He talks as he sings. I never heard him sing a song straight through, he has to talk sing. Both of these songs brought tears to my eyes. Like every song that God uses, you must be in the right spirit to sense him moving. Find a quiet spot, meditate on the words above, then listen to the Lord speak to you. I pray it is as moving as it was to me. ~Dad
Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
The title popped into my head as I read this verse today. I had planned yesterday to talk on the joyous culmination of our faith in Christ: the promise of eternal life, but as I read this verse today and thought about why we get to be with God forever, as I listened to the song with the same title, as I reviewed my own life, I realized it is by the grace of a God who, though his kindness and love, reached out to me! He seeks me! He calls me! He washes me! He justifies me! He renews my spirit! He fills me with his Spirit! He will come and take me to be with him forever! Eternal life with our Lord! Wow! That should bless your soul! It was then that I chose to title it, The Wonder Of It All.
K and A, as I listened to the songs I have linked to below, my soul was blessed. Tears welled up in my eyes and rolled down my face. The glory of God shivered through my body. Oh, I never want you to forget the need to work for the Lord, to be diligently busy about the Father's work, but all those are worthless acts if Jesus hasn't changed your life. It is all pointless if the Father didn't seek you out. Your are empty if the Spirit hasn't filled your soul. Sit back and bask in the wonder of it all, just to think that god loves you A, he loves you K! It makes it a joy and honor to serve the Lord!
~Dad
Song
The Wonder of it All
Doug Oldham medley
Just a note on Doug Oldham... He is an interesting singer I remember from the PTL Club days. (Oddly enough, PLT Club and Doug Oldham had ties to the late Jerry Falwell.) He always intrigued me, the way he sings. He talks as he sings. I never heard him sing a song straight through, he has to talk sing. Both of these songs brought tears to my eyes. Like every song that God uses, you must be in the right spirit to sense him moving. Find a quiet spot, meditate on the words above, then listen to the Lord speak to you. I pray it is as moving as it was to me. ~Dad
Friday, May 3, 2019
Reminder 9: Not Just A Little, Titus 3:6
Reminder 9: Not Just A Little
Titus 3:6 Whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
Christ does not save us and then leaves us on our own. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to us when he left to help us to remember what he had taught, and that the Holy Spirit would be here forever. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth and lived among his people and taught them how they should live, yet after he died and rose again, then went home. He was here on earth for a time and only with a few people. But, Jesus promised that when he left, the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be with us forever, and not only with a select few but with everyone who called on the name of Jesus as their savior. But there's more.....!
The Spirit was given to us to help us live how Christ showed us. And it must be told that The Spirit not only is here among us as Christians, but he lives in us, and not only that, he will fill us. If fact, we are to Be Filled With The Spirit!
K and A, the Father desires to fill you with his Spirit. He will live in you and walk with you and be your God. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. That truth demand a higher standard of living, but that is a side bar to the theme of today. Being his temple also suggests that he lives on you and not just a little of him. He came to fill all of you, forever. Fill your life with his presence and commune with him often.
~Dad
Song
The Comforter Has Come
Titus 3:6 Whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
Christ does not save us and then leaves us on our own. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to us when he left to help us to remember what he had taught, and that the Holy Spirit would be here forever. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth and lived among his people and taught them how they should live, yet after he died and rose again, then went home. He was here on earth for a time and only with a few people. But, Jesus promised that when he left, the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be with us forever, and not only with a select few but with everyone who called on the name of Jesus as their savior. But there's more.....!
The Spirit was given to us to help us live how Christ showed us. And it must be told that The Spirit not only is here among us as Christians, but he lives in us, and not only that, he will fill us. If fact, we are to Be Filled With The Spirit!
K and A, the Father desires to fill you with his Spirit. He will live in you and walk with you and be your God. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. That truth demand a higher standard of living, but that is a side bar to the theme of today. Being his temple also suggests that he lives on you and not just a little of him. He came to fill all of you, forever. Fill your life with his presence and commune with him often.
~Dad
Song
The Comforter Has Come
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Reminder 8: Born Again, Titus 3:4-5
Reminder 8: Born Again
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Last time, we were reminded that our salvation was not given to us because we were something special. No, it happened because of God's love. He saw we lacked the ability to pay the price for our sin, he had mercy on us and provided a way for us to begin anew. So, how are we saved? What is the way he provided? It is Jesus! He saved us through the cleansing of our soul from sin. He used his blood to make us pure, yes whiter than snow. Our spirits were born again and we find a new life through the power of his Holy Spirit!
K and A, you are born again, a new creature in Christ Jesus! He made the way possible. In fact, what was said about him is true; He is the Way the Truth and the Life. No one come to the Father except through Jesus. Never forget this basic, yet amazing truth. Pray that God would send people out to proclaim this truth. You share what he has done for you! Walk in the power of the Spirit, so that one day you will see him face to face, your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
~Dad
Song:
Nothing But The Blood
Whiter Than Snow
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Reminder 7: Nothing Special, Titus 3:4-5
Reminder 7: Nothing Special
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
I struggled over the title of today's post. It is hard, in today's society to tell people they are not special. Even within the church setting, we like to make sure everyone feels special. Far be it for anyone to feel slighted, left out, or inferior. But, after much thought and consideration, I settled on the title: Nothing Special.
In my early years at school, I was somebody; near the top of my class, well liked, part of a group of three guys; Joel, Jan, and Jay. We ruled... Then, I moved from the Newville area to Perry County and became a nobody. I was put in a lower level class, had very few friends, was tormented by a teacher in a way I will not discuss, hated him for years until God required me to forgive him. Life took a major shift which, I am sure, still affects me today. But, it was good in ways as well.
One thing I learned is that I am nothing special. It is not because of who I am that makes me important. I am not a Christian because I came from a good Christian home, one that was conservative in belief and action, not because I use abilities that others choose not to... most people could do much more than know. No matter the "righteous" life I grew up in and the one I choose to live, that is not why I am a Christian... in no way was I owed the title, Christian. I am nothing special... No, I am a Christian because God loved me, because of his kindness and mercy, for without him I am nothing, no matter how good I appear to others.
K and A, you are not a gift to the world. Within seconds, your life can completely change. It could be your fault or caused by someone else... and you are left helpless. Yet, because there is a God in heaven that loves and cares for you, there is always hope! I think you two are special in many ways... but none of those way will ever save you. As Isaiah said, we cannot come to God on our own merit, our righteousness are like filthy rags. It is because of Christ and his sacrifice that you can be saved. He makes the way possible.
~Dad
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
I struggled over the title of today's post. It is hard, in today's society to tell people they are not special. Even within the church setting, we like to make sure everyone feels special. Far be it for anyone to feel slighted, left out, or inferior. But, after much thought and consideration, I settled on the title: Nothing Special.
In my early years at school, I was somebody; near the top of my class, well liked, part of a group of three guys; Joel, Jan, and Jay. We ruled... Then, I moved from the Newville area to Perry County and became a nobody. I was put in a lower level class, had very few friends, was tormented by a teacher in a way I will not discuss, hated him for years until God required me to forgive him. Life took a major shift which, I am sure, still affects me today. But, it was good in ways as well.
One thing I learned is that I am nothing special. It is not because of who I am that makes me important. I am not a Christian because I came from a good Christian home, one that was conservative in belief and action, not because I use abilities that others choose not to... most people could do much more than know. No matter the "righteous" life I grew up in and the one I choose to live, that is not why I am a Christian... in no way was I owed the title, Christian. I am nothing special... No, I am a Christian because God loved me, because of his kindness and mercy, for without him I am nothing, no matter how good I appear to others.
K and A, you are not a gift to the world. Within seconds, your life can completely change. It could be your fault or caused by someone else... and you are left helpless. Yet, because there is a God in heaven that loves and cares for you, there is always hope! I think you two are special in many ways... but none of those way will ever save you. As Isaiah said, we cannot come to God on our own merit, our righteousness are like filthy rags. It is because of Christ and his sacrifice that you can be saved. He makes the way possible.
~Dad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)