Wednesday August 16, 2023

Today is Wednesday, August 16 and we are studying what the Bible says about obedience.

I begin these first fifteen minutes of my day in silence. I seek quiet within and quiet without. I close my eyes, slow my breathing, and center my whole being on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me and calling me your child. Open my heart and mind to the presence of your Holy Spirit. Speak into my life, heal my soul and guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

In the morning I praise God with the ancient words of Psalm 132, a Psalm of Ascent.

The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke, “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.” Psalm 132:11-12

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 to the younger, less-experienced pastor. Some may consider the current times to be inordinately burdened with violence, immorality, hatred and divisions. Yet, in the first century, Paul describes this same human nature playing out in his times as well. He reminds us all what humanity is like without knowing Jesus Christ.

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 always to be gentle toward everyone. 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. Titus 3:1-5a

Like the early Christians, at one time I also was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by various passions and pleasures. Rebellion, jealousy, envy, hatred, 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 sorry sinful self. I am fully justified by grace and am journeying on the road to 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 living a life obeying his rules and serving others.

Ask: How is my obedience to God connected to God’s love for me? How has my nature been changed by God’s sanctifying grace?

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 a gift of your love and your will for me. Inspire me to devote myself daily to obeying you and following your ways. I read the words from Titus again and listen for the message you have for me.

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 always to be gentle toward everyone. 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. Titus 3:1-5a

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 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, hatred, envy, or enslavement to particular worldly passions or pleasures. I seek a humble and obedient heart. Maybe God wants me to more fully realize my justification by his grace and mercy. Perhaps God wants to pour his Holy Spirit into my life anew. Maybe God wants me to fully embrace the role of sanctifying grace.

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, remove any remaining speck of poor intention and give me a pure heart. I surrender my life, trust your guidance, and will follow you in obedience. Amen.

Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28

I leave this time of prayer eager to hear God’s word and obey it. I go to fill my day with acts of kindness and deeds of compassion.

Amen