Friday June 30, 2023

Today is Friday, June 30 and we are studying what the Bible says about security.

I begin a new day prioritizing what is most important – my relationship with God. I quiet my mind and center myself in the presence of the One who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Teach me how to make progress in the life of Christian maturity, persevering in the faith and growing in holiness of heart and life. Amen.

I turn to the God of Refuge and seek him with the words of Psalm 71.

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:1-3

Pause and Pray

Titus was an early Christian leader and companion of Paul. Paul left Pastor Titus behind in Crete to oversee the growing organization of churches there. To aid his leadership, Paul wrote a brief epistle of pastoral advice. Some may consider the current times to be inordinately burdened with violence, immorality, self-hatred and the hating of others. Yet, in the first century, Paul aptly describes this same human nature playing out in his times as well. He reminds us all what humanity is like without knowing Jesus Christ.

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. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. Titus 3:3-8a

Like the early Christians, at one time I also was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by various passions and pleasures. Jealousy, envy, hate, pride and bitterness were part of my nature. Jesus Christ shined his love and kindness into my life and through God’s great mercy saved me from my sin. I am fully justified by grace and am journeying on the road of sanctification led by the Holy Spirit. Adopted as a child of God, I have hope of life eternal and life abundant. Living in the light of this truth, I trust God with everything and carefully devote myself to doing all the good I can do.

Ask: What does my salvation mean to me? How can I progress in sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me and saving me through your great mercy. I am grateful for my justification and promise of eternal life. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon me and sanctify me in your grace. Remind me that my sanctification is not because of any righteous things I do, but is a gift of your love and is your will for me. Inspire me to devote myself daily to doing good. I read the words from Titus again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. Titus 3:3-8a

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?

Pause and Pray

The advice given to young Titus rings true to me today as well. What is God revealing to me on my pilgrim journey of upward ascent in the walk of faith? I pause to spend time in self-examination of my spirit. I carefully search for remnants of foolishness, disobedience, hate, envy, or enslavement to particular worldly passions or pleasures. Maybe God wants me to more fully realize my justification by his grace and mercy. Perhaps God wants to pour out his Holy Spirit in my life anew. Maybe God would like me to stress the teaching of salvation to others. Maybe I am to further devote myself to doing good works and live a life of serving others.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I travel the road of life secure in the knowledge that Jesus died for me and that my sins are forgiven and left behind. Shine your light upon my soul and remove any remaining speck of poor intention and give me a pure heart. I surrender my life, I trust your guidance, and I devote myself to loving and serving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

I leave this time of prayer, in the confidence and security of the Holy Spirit. I go to devote myself to doing good in every possible way.

Amen