Submitting to Government?
I am glad to be with You this morning, Father. I know You love me beyond what I could ever comprehend. Enable me to hear Your words to me this day.
Titus 3:1-2 (<<click here)
Lord, the directives in this passage are surely an ongoing struggle to fulfill the words “believers…submit to the government. They should be obedient… no slander anyone… avoid quarreling… be gentle… show true humility” just don’t seem to jell. But Paul is saying what he is saying. He says it elsewhere in Romans 13:1-7. We are very clearly called to submit to and obey the government…and respect them to boot!
But we exclaim, “What? There is so much corruption! On so many fronts they oppose the things of God!” Romans 13:1 states, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
For clarity it helps to remember who was in charge when Paul wrote these letters – Rome! A government not exactly known for their Christ-like mindsets. And Paul wasn’t alone in his beliefs; Peter spouted the same thing in 1 Peter 2:12-17.
So where does that leave us – those who strive to follow You, Lord, by loving You with all of our “heart…soul…strength and…mind,” and our “neighbor as ourselves”? Luke 10:27 Well… I guess I need to back up and adjust how I think about such things. I can’t just ignore this part of what Paul and Peter have to say because I don’t like it. Your Word, the Bible, is truth and it must be obeyed.
Jesus…forgive me. I have not been obedient. I have lived with a self-righteous mentality. I give it over to You. Enable me to live and think as You would have me to. Amen… so be it.
Jan 31st, Sun, 6:34 am
People Need the Lord
Oh my goodness, Father, help me corral my thoughts this morning! My eyes want to close and my brain wants to run full speed ahead. Bend my will to You, Father. Use this time to impact my thoughts and actions today and in the days to come.
Titus 2:11-15 (<<click here)
I’ve sat here for an hour now and have written very little. I’ve been grappling with this passage while at the same time grappling with my own foggy mindset. I know that there is truth to be had but due to my own issues it has been difficult to grasp.
How many people in this world continually find themselves in this situation? Lord, Your grace “has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” And we are called to “turn from a godless living and sinful pleasures.” But everything seems so hazy – so unclear… Many have an idea floating around that there has to be more to life than what they’ve experienced. Many have even had some contact with “religion” but they, for whatever reason never had any direct contact with You, lord. For that matter they may never had and direct “spiritual” contact with any of Your followers.
We are timid. We are fearful. We are uncertain. We many times are just oblivious or distracted or…God forgive us – apathetic… But really we have absolutely no excuse. We have had direct contact with You and we have been changed. We are no longer lost…but found. We are no longer forlorn…but filled with hope!
Lord, open our eyes. Help us to see with Your heart. Burden us with an overwhelming necessity to act, to speak, to love! Over 30 years ago Steve Green shared a song that ties in perfectly here, it is entitled “People Need the Lord.” Jesus, may I take what it has to say to heart.
Jan 30th, Sat, 6:43 am
♪♫♪ People Need the Lord ♫♪♫
Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who’s lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord.
Go Ahead of Me
Father, I am so grateful for…You. A verse comes to mind quite often and I realize in context it is a part of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites but it is equally as applicable to me (to all of us) this day.
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord Your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
And then, too, from Paul’s writings to the Ephesians,
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
We literally live in a war zone. Some days are relatively quiet and other days we are fighting for our lives. The evil of this world is out to take us down by whatever means it can… and as Paul says this evil is not human – humanity is but a tool used to accomplish its nefarious ends.
Looking about before this day’s journey, I do not know what it will hold. For me the only sure thing of this day is that You, Lord, “will personally go ahead of” me. You “will neither fail… nor abandon” me. Help me to trust You. Help me feel the reality of Your love for me. Help me to be a reality of Your love in a world of hurt and dying people. Help me to reflect my Savior to a world who so desperately needs You.
Jan 29th, Fri, 6:47 am
Who Am I to Judge?
Yesterday, Father, I was reminded of Your grace. I saw a friend who because of very poor judgement and then yielding to temptation met with some life changing consequences. Another friend was astonished that they would show their face again. Although what they did was wrong and they were judged fairly, all I could feel for the individual was compassion. Who am I to judge? I have not yielded to similar temptations but I have, throughout my lifetime, yielded to many sordid ones of my own.
I know my friend strives to follow You and I get the impression that it’s somewhat new for them. If You – the ultimate Judge – have forgiven them, why shouldn’t I? Not one of us is any better. Every one of us has done things to separate ourselves from You. And no one is exempt from Your mercy and forgiveness.
Lord, I pray for my friend and myself. May we remain strong in You this day and in the days to come. May we be able to cast off that which so “easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1) and cling to You, our Savior and Friend. Thank You, Lord, for Your love. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.
Jan 28th, Thurs, 6:37 am
Portraying Christ
Father, there is absolutely nothing like this time of the morning together. It is just me and You. May I cherish every moment. May I hang on Your every word. May those words be “hidden… in my hear that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
Titus 2:9-10 (<<click here)
Lord, this passage is applicable in today’s workplace. My work ethic and how I interact with my store’s leadership team reflects directly on You. They know who I am and know that I am a follower of You. I cannot control preconceived notions of what they think that means but it is my responsibility to live my live in such a way that You are portrayed in such a way that they are drawn to the idea of having a relationship with You and are not repulsed by it.
I must admit it is a constant battle. The tedium of everyday life makes it a challenge. I know You care about this aspect of my life in that I feel Your nudges to focus and be productive. I feel Your encouragement to love others as You would, even if they are bothersome or simply hard to love.
As I sit here thinking on it may love be the driving factor in how I do my job. May I think of Your love for me and may that result in my loving You and wanting to please You in everything I do.
Jan 27th, Wed, 6:54 am