Titus 1 - 3.28.24

Titus 1:1-3

S - Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—  2  in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,  3  and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.

O – Paul wrote this letter to Titus, who had been taught and nurtured by Paul, to guide him in working with the church in Crete which needed strong, Christian leadership. It was a step in the discipleship process. In one short phrase, Paul gives insight into his reason for living. The process begins with the proclamation of faith, continues with knowledge of the truth, which is then shown by people living in godliness. Paul wanted men and women to be mature in Jesus. This was his ultimate objective by which he evaluated all he did. The chapter goes on to talk about what an Elder should look like and their qualifications.

A – My application may be a little different than the norm today because as I read this chapter, I just kept seeing OUR church. Specifically, Pastor Gary, Pastor Levi and our Elders and leaders. I had such a clear sense of how pleased God is with our church family and how healthy it is BECAUSE of the discipleship process our church has been following for years. The intro to the book of Titus talks about the vacuum produced when a strong leader departs and the devastation it can cause to a church (or any organization). Having been dependent on a specific person’s skill, style, and personality, associates and subordinates can flounder or vie for control. Soon efficiency and vitality are lost and decline, and demise follow. A pattern often repeated in churches. When Pastor Gary left DSC, it was difficult and heartbreaking in many ways. However, as a church family we did NOT decline, or fall apart. On the contrary. Because Pastor Gary, like Paul, wanted us to be mature men and women of God, and because he was an amazing leader and teacher who discipled as Paul did, we clung together and are still thriving. He always led us by example, while teaching/training the younger generation how to become great leaders. He helped a young man grow into leadership and then handed his precious church over to him. That was not easy in any way, but that was great leadership! That man now teaches from the same heart as his predecessor and the church is healthy and flourishing. DSC continues to adhere to the highest standard for training and discipling the church family. We have some of the greatest Elders who truly care about and work hard for our church as well as another pastor who leads by example. I personally couldn’t be prouder of the church I belong to.

P – Lord, I pray you continue to bless this church you created. Help us to always be diligent in looking for ways to train up the new believers, to encourage one another, rebuking and correcting when necessary, and holding each other to the standard that has been the foundation of DSC for decades. Help us to always work together in faith, the knowledge of your truth, and by living the Godly lives you have called us to! Bless our leaders with your anointing, Amen.

- Crystal Flory

2 Timothy 4 - 3.27.24

Scripture

II Timothy 4:2-3

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

AND

Psalms 1:1-2

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Observation

Verses from two different chapters in our reading today reinforce that we need to make a daily concerted effort to be grounded in the Word so we are prepared for whatever comes our way.

Application

Now sure seems like a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine and instead look for the answers they want to hear. But I suspect that has long been a part of our sin nature. II Timothy tells us to be prepared - to be so grounded in the word and attuned to His voice that we are not swayed by the popular viewpoints of the day, that we can recognize God’s truth over the world’s truth, and that we can counsel and encourage others in that truth.

And the fact of the matter is we are not going to accomplish that unless we make an effort to study, memorize and internalize God’s word. Pastor Levi mentioned in his sermon on Sunday that some of us have no problem rattling off a long list of statistics about our favorite sports team (or in my case boring you with lengthy, detailed baking procedures), but we have trouble memorizing Bible verses. The fact of the matter is that we will spend our time and effort on the things we value. What do we delight in?

Prayer

Psalms 1 says blessed is the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” I want to be blessed with the peace that comes with the knowledge of your truth. Continue to nudge me and remind me to put my delight in You above all other things so I can always be prepared to give an answer for the reason for my hope.

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 105 - 3.26.24

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 105:1 – 5

 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;  make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced

OBSERVATION

I just love how some scriptures can encompass so much in just a few words. This is one of those scriptures for me. In just 5 short verses, we can take this roadmap in life in  how to live in Him, through Him and for Him.

APPLICATION

When I read this scripture, I find a lot of action words and blessings. They all require us to get up and do something: give praise, proclaim his name, share what he has done, sing, praise, tell and seek the Lord.  Each time we do these actions, the word says we can REJOICE. This is the blessing of joy when we praise Him. There is power in these actions. Who wouldn’t want to rejoice when we recount what He has done in our life and the Bible?  When we move to action in sharing and praising God, the natural result is a heart bursting at the seams with joy.

The scripture then calls us to action to “Look” and “Remember.” Where should our focus be? When we look to the Lord and remember his strength, wonders, miracles and even his judgments, these actions naturally bring about encouragement and strength to our life. I’m reminded of Romans 8:31 that says “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We have nothing to fear when our entire focus is on God. Things around us might not look good, but in the big scope, in God’s plan, He says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28. Just like we’re learning about David’s life, he was called to be King but that didn’t happen for many years. And in the midst of it all, his life is in danger and he’s on the run from Saul. Most of us would be wondering what is God up to? Even in the cave, David is singing God’s praises. He KNOWS God is faithful and will bring about the promises. We can live like King David with our focus on God, praising, sharing, proclaiming, looking and remembering that God will bring about good no matter the circumstances.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your Word, for allowing me the ability to praise you, to proclaim you, and to seek your face. Help me to not look at the circumstances in life but to always keep my eyes on you. Give me your boldness and strength in each step of life, to always bring praise to You. In Jesus name. Amen!

- Mary Oberg