Isaiah 1-3; Titus 3

As we read through Titus 3 we recognize there is definitely a calling on our lives that becomes very evident once we invite Jesus into our hearts and truly decide to live for Him. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3, 1-3)

At one time we too were foolish, defiant, deceived and confined by our flesh. But when the compassion and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of His grace and mercy. So, now as Christians we need to recognize our inheritance is no longer here. We need to learn to walk submissive and ready to do good, even when others are violent and unjust towards us. While it is a difficult lesson for us because violence and injustice stir up the heart, try to remember that the injustice others are doing is sin, and that we also were formerly its slaves. Remember, grace alone has saved us, and according to that grace we should also show that towards others.

I once heard a great quote that reminds me of the difference of our lives BC (before Christ) and now WC (With Christ)…
“If the Lord awakens the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.”
                                                          Author – Unknown


Be blessed and have a great day my friends,
Pastor Jason



Next Reading: Isaiah 4-5; Psalms 115; Jude

2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

I Timothy 6 shares with us an outlook that may seem at first glance foreign to us. While Slavery is not prevalent today, as it was in the 1600-1900, here in the US or in biblical days over in the Middle East, the principles talked about are obvious: Respect the boss. Ephesians 6:5-8 says we should sincerely obey, respect, and serve a boss as if he were Christ Himself. The part that is so hard for us (our flesh) is scripture doesn’t say our boss must first act like Christ before being given that respect. It would be so much easier to serve if all leaders/bosses were gracious but that just isn’t how things always work out. Later, in Timothy, we see that there truly is something wonderful about taking our eyes off this world and its “THINGS” and setting our eyes and hearts on things of eternal life. Being rich whether monetarily or in power (as the boss) means nothing when compared to the riches of heaven. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

So, as believers, we should serve with twice the diligence and cheerfulness, because of our faith in Christ, and as partakers of His free salvation.



Blessings,
Pastor Jason

Next Reading: Joel 1-3; 2 Tim. 1

1 Kings 20,21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

After succeeding his father, Asa, Jehoshaphat strengthened himself against Israel. The Bible says "... He sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel." (2 Chronicles 17:4)

Jehoshaphat sent teachers with the Book of the Law throughout Judah. Unfortunately he made the mistake of allying himself with Ahab. (2 Chronicles 18:1) One of Ahab’s problems is he didn’t like hearing the truth and this drove him to false prophets and false spirits. Jehoshaphat wanted a real prophet of God. Ahab didn't, saying "But I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me." (1 Kings 22:8) Micaiah prophesied disaster for Israel. In a strange parody of a self-fulfilling prophecy, Ahab says, "Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?" In the coming battle, Ahab in disguise is killed and Jehoshaphat returns to his palace in Jerusalem. He then begins to turn the people back to God. He appoints judges in the land and in the fortified cities. In Jerusalem, he appoints Levites and family heads to administer the Law of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 19:8)

We should be encouraged to not stand in a place of pride or just wanting our ears tickled as Ahab did. Instead let’s be open to the Lord and attack every day from a place of humility saying, “Lord what would YOU have me do today”. (Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the LORD….2 Chronicles 20:3)

When Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae (the book of Colossians) he did this because many of the Christians there had begun to listen to false teachers, like Ahab and his false prophets. One of the most devastating things about false teachings is so many of them have threads of truth or better said may seem so close to the gospel that it is hard to spot the truth from fiction. Yet these false teachings fork off on their own journey that runs down a crooked path. Paul really tried to emphasize Christ is superior in this letter. I believe Paul wrote more about Christ in Colossians than in any other letters. These letters remind us that our past life is gone, “water under the bridge”. Christ has made us free and calls us to live in that freedom. So, again let’s take every day and ask the Lord, “What would YOU have me do today?” as we live our lives for His service.

Blessings,
Pastor Jason


Next Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

Today's Reading: Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Paul knew something; he knew how to experience the fullness of God’s life living through him. He had learned to yield and to surrender and present his body to God as a living sacrifice, recognizing that this was his “spiritual act of worship” as the New International Version reads. In Romans 12-16, Paul turns to the practical application of all he has previously written in this letter. Paul goes into detail about what it means to have Jesus Christ as Lord of every area of life. Paul likens Christians to members of a human body. There are many members: the hands, feet, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc., and each has a distinctive function individually but cannot function properly without the other. All of the body is needed for the health of the body. The key is found in allowing the power of Christ to live through us in unity with others while in diversity. As the body has distinctive functions so do we in our unique giftedness. When we allow God to use our unique gifts, the body of Christ flourishes and everyone benefits. In verse 9, Paul writes, “Love must be sincere.” This love is a love without pretense. This love is not just an emotional love, but it is love in action. This sincere love is love that honors, encourages, serves, is patient in affliction, unselfish in giving, hospitable and faithful in prayer. Quite a list isn’t it. It can be overwhelming when we try to measure up to such a measuring stick! Thankfully, we have the help and aid of the Holy Spirit. This kind of living is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and as we allow Him to help us, we allow the law of God’s kingdom to fulfill His purposes in our living and being. Therefore, church body, go ahead, and be amazed today at the life that we have been afforded through the work of Christ on the cross. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to thrive through us as He perfects the work of God’s Spirit in our lives in love today.

Blessings!
Carol Danna

Next Reading: Proverbs 19-21; Romans 13