Titus 3-6.29.22
Scripture
Titus 3:3-5 NLT
“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Observation-What does it say?
As Titus begins the daunting task of establishing churches in the large island of Crete, his mentor Paul writes him an encouraging letter to give Titus a practical plan to help strengthen and bring order to the churches there. Paul reminds Titus in verses 1-2 how all Christians should carry themselves. They should be submissive towards the government and its officers. They should be obedient and always ready to do good. They must not slander anyone and avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Finally, Paul reminds those who are believers how we once were before we knew Christ. We were once foolish and disobedient and our lives were full of evil. But through God's grace and mercy we were saved. And it is that same grace and mercy we should be showing others as we preach the gospel of Christ.
Understanding-What does it mean?
As Christ Followers we have to conduct ourselves a certain way and be more understanding towards unbelievers...since we were one in their shoes.
Sometimes we may be a bit too judgmental or harsh around people we come into contact with on a daily basis. Yes, they are worldly people, doing worldly (sinful) things. But, we as Christians should "set the bar" for how they should be conducting themselves. The same way Jesus set the standard for us and how we should live. We need to give them an example of how godly people respond to situations. We need to demonstrate to the world how Jesus calls us to live...with kindness, gentleness, humbleness, a heart to serve, a heart filled with passion for the lost, and ready to show them the same love and grace we were shown through Jesus Christ.
Life Application
Go out into this world and set the example. BE WHO CHRIST CALLED ME TO BE!
Dear Heavenly Father, help me go out today and be the man You called me to be. Give me the heart that aches for the lost. Give me your eyes and ears to see them. Give me the words to speak to them. May I be able to demonstrate to them the same unconditional love and grace you showed me, toward them. In Your Holy name Jesus, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
2 Kings 23-6.28.22
SCRIPTURE:
2 Kings 23:25
"Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his mind and with all his heart and with all his strength according to all the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him."
OBSERVATION:
"Every evil king in both Israel and Judah encouraged idolatry. These false gods represented war, cruelty, power, and sex. Although they had God's law, priests, and prophets, to guide them, these kings sought priests and prophets whom they could manipulate to their own agenda." (megathemes, Life Application Bible, 2 Kings).
Although the evil kings led the people into sin, the priests, princes, heads of families, and military leaders all had to cooperate with the evil plans and practices in order for them to be carried out.
Enter Stage Left: Josiah. He was the grandson of Hezekiah. They both had a close personal relationship with God. At a very young age Josiah began his search for God by destroying whatever he recognized as not belonging to the worship of the true God. In the process, God's Word was re-discovered, and as Josiah read it, he was overwhelmed by God's holiness, and Josiah realized what a great gap existed between his efforts to lead his people to God and God's expectations for His chosen nation.
UNDERSTANDING:
"Josiah is known as God's most obedient king because he recognized sin, eliminated sinful practices, and he attacked the cause of sin". (2 Kings 23:25 footnotes). " Both Josiah and Hezekiah are praised for their reverence toward God. Hezekiah was said to be the greatest in trusting God (faith), while Josiah is said to be greatest in following the law of God (obedience)".
LIFE APPLICATION:
I pray we will follow the example of Josiah and Hezekiah by allowing the Word of God and the Spirit of God to transform our lives. Josiah allowed God's Word to penetrate his heart and soul. He eliminated all idolatrous activities in Israel.
I pray the message about Jesus will dwell richly among us as we teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. (Col 3:16).
The same Word of God that Josiah trusted in is living and effective today, and it is sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and the thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must give an account. (Hebrews 4:12,13).
I pray the body of Christ will rise up, and that we will be responsive to the Word of God, and pray as the Spirit of God leads us regarding the broken and sinful state of our nation. I pray for our nation, that we will recognize God's holiness, and humble ourselves before Him, admit our sins, pray to Him, ask for forgiveness, seek Him, turn from our sins, and walk faithful before Him.
Thank You Lord that when we turn from our wicked ways, You will hear from heaven, and will forgive us of our sins and will heal our land. Thank You that Your eyes will be open and Your ears attentive to the prayers that we offer up to You. (2 Chronicles 7:13-15). I pray our nation will be blessed because the Lord is our God!
-Robin Orefice
Titus 1-6.27.22
Scripture
Titus 1:7 NLT
“A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this letter, Paul writes to Titus. He assigns Titus with the duty of finishing what they started together on the island of Crete. Titus is to finish appointing Pastors and Church Leaders there. He gives Titus the qualifications and characteristics that he should be looking for when choosing them. This included being a good manager of God’s household, humble, honest with money, faithful to their spouse, not have a temper, and live a disciplined life (to name a few things they should be).
Understanding-What does it mean?
A church is only as strong as their leadership.
The qualifications and characteristics that need to be met to become a church pastor or leader are set pretty high. Why shouldn’t it though?! After all, we are talking about people who are going to be leading and shepherding God’s people and managing His household. We are talking about people who are partnering with God, who are willing to say “Yes” to God’s calling of multiplying Christ Followers and to building His Kingdom here on earth until He returns. I know if I was a business owner, I would want some workers who were strong in character, had a good influence on others, and were filled with integrity to be running my business.
The same should be for The Church. That is why the bar is set high for church leaders. They need to be able to set the standard, be an example to the people they are trying to lead towards Jesus. They not only need to point unbelievers towards Jesus, but they also need to help build and encourage those who already believe in Jesus, into stronger and deeper relationships with Him. You show me a church with great leadership and I’ll show you a church who strives to work together to accomplish God’s mission. 😊
“Remember your leaders, who taught God's message to you. Think about the way in which they have lived and the good things that they have done. They have trusted God, so you should have faith like they have.”-Hebrews 13:7 ERV
Life Application
Honor our Leadership at DSC.
I want to take this moment to honor the leadership at DSC. It has been such an honor to serve in ministry alongside each and every one of you. You took a kid who never served in ministry at my previous churches, and believed in me to serve as a Trustee and now an Elder here at DSC. All I know is that my faith and relationship with Jesus has never been better. I pray that I can help lead others into a deeper, more meaningful relationships with Jesus. I pray I can help encourage others to keep growing in their faith. I pray that I can pass along all that I learned from DSC’s leadership forward to others alongside me. May we all grow together and see God’s will be done as He works through each and every one of us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Will you take some time today to thank someone in leadership at your church today? Thank someone who has pastored or mentored you in your faith.
-Moses Gaddi