Tuesday September 14, 2021

Today is Tuesday, September 14 and this week we are exploring how restoration changes lives.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my mind and quiet my heart. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

I am present today to hear a word from you, Father God. Speak to my heart and mind in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Come Holy Spirit, I am listening for your voice. Amen.

I join the ancient peoples in praising God. I remember His blessings and rejoice in His goodness with the words of Psalm 103.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5

Pause and Pray

Today we read from a New Testament letter called Titus. Paul composed many letters to his churches and companions throughout Europe and Asia Minor. One of those letters was written to his close friend and colleague, Titus who organized and led churches in Crete. Crete is one of the largest Greek islands found in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Paul encourages Titus to show the people of Crete how the good news of Jesus Christ can transform the surrounding culture. Paul’s letter urges Titus to remind believers that while they live in a sinful culture, they can be transformed from the inside out by the power of God. Their transformation will inevitably change the culture around them. Read these words of Paul.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

Similar to the world in which Titus lived on the isle of Crete, I recognize that I also live in a sinful culture surrounded by a whirlwind of secular thoughts, ideas and activities. Like the newly formed believers who certainly existed in the minority, I also have been foolish, disobedient, deceived and even enslaved by all kinds of earthly passions and pleasures. As I observe the world through television and social media, I see evidence of violence, enmity, envy and hatred. I confess I even see this in my own life and perhaps I even recognize this in the recesses of my own heart. I know the world has an influence on me. Sometimes it is easy to see where I am influenced, and other times it is more difficult to discern.

Ask: How are my thoughts, ideas, emotions and behaviors influenced more by the surrounding culture and less by God?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I confess the disobedience and transgressions of my heart and reject the negative influences of the world around me. I pray for your kindness and love to reappear in me. Restore me. Save me by your mercy and grace. Generously pour your Spirit upon me so that I may become like Titus, your beloved child and heir to the life you offer. Restore and renew me through your Holy Spirit.

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

I reflect on our theme of restoration. As Pastor David says, the entire Bible is a story of restoration. God deeply desires to restore me again and again and bring me to wholeness, and/or holiness. This passage includes many important pieces, but I ask what speaks most to me today? How is God speaking to my soul? The passage balances words of sin and disobedience with words of mercy and grace. Which does God want me to be most aware of today? My sin or God’s grace. God saves me through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. How does the image of washing speak to me? How am I being washed, reborn, refreshed and renewed? The image seems to imply water, but it is not specific. Something is being poured out on me abundantly and generously. What do I most long to receive from God?

Pause and Pray

God my Savior, Your holiness is vastly in contrast to what I see in the world around me. I invite you to appear again in my life revealing your kindness and love. I ask you to save me not because of anything good I have done, but through your mercy. Save me through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Pour Your Spirit generously upon me through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

The Lord, your God, is in your midst,

he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NRSV)

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. I go into the surrounding world demonstrating the kindness and love that God has shown me through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.