Tuesday, November 4, 2014

11/3/14

I love this scripture passage in the Pastoral Epistles…Titus 2:11-14.  It consists in a short declarative sentence followed immediately by one of the longest recorded sentences in the New Testament.  Are you ready to focus?  Here we go: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
 
One of the first words we learn to say as toddlers is the word ‘No.’  You and I probably don’t remember it from our childhood; but if you have reared toddlers, you know very well that they have it down!  ‘Time to go to bed.’…‘No!’  ‘Brush your teeth.’…‘No!’  ‘Eat your carrots.’  ‘No!’  ‘Clean up your toys.’…'No!’  Of course, our job as parents is to teach our children the meaning of the word, ‘No!’  And it can actually be a good word.  In fact, ‘No’ can be used in a very positive way if it describes God-honoring boundaries for your life.  Learning to say ‘No’ is a capacity that can be honed and directed; and when it is… it’s a good thing.  To say ‘No’ to some things is actually a virtue.  Saying ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions is a prelude to living a self-controlled, upright and godly life.  ‘No’ defines your values.  It shapes your ethical and moral development.  It shapes your future.  It insures your destiny.  We all need more practice at saying ‘No.’
 
Pray with me… Father God, we want to be your people.  We want to be identified with you in how we think, what we say and how we live our lives.  We want to become more and more eager to do what is good in Your sight!  Walk with us and we draw near to you.   In Jesus’ Name, amen. 


Blessings,
Pastor Ken

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