DAY 56
DATE: 2/25/2013
Good Morning! My name is Susan Gatlin and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Titus chapters 1-3.
KEY VERSE: Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
REFLECTIONS:
Are you a list maker? I am: things I need to do – check; places I need to go – check; calls I need to make – check. If you, too, like to make lists, then Titus is the book for you!
In chapter one, Paul lists some attributes of God. He also lists qualifications for bishops and elders (the leaders of the church). He lists the things the “gainsayers” were known for as well as the Cretians. He ends the chapter “listing” the evidence for undefiled and unbelieving…and that’s just chapter one.
Chapter two continues the lists for older men, older women, younger women and men, servants, and those who are redeemed, ending with an admonition “to speak, exhort, and rebuke” – another list.
Chapter three sees the listing continue, giving us lists on how to live and reminding us what we were before salvation. Paul reminds us what we’ve received and what we need to avoid. He even ends the book with a list – his fellow-helpers in the ministry. Wow, a list-makers dream…
Another stand-out of this book was the repeated mention of “good works”: chapter 1:16 – no good works; chapter 2:7 – a pattern of good works; chapter 2:14 – zealous of good works; chapter 3:1 – ready for good works; and chapter 3:8, 14 – maintain good works.
Lists and good works just naturally go hand-in-hand, don’t they? Another task accomplished, another goal checked off the list. It seems like I’m not so bad after all – I don’t do that but I do this. In the midst of this, I am gently reminded in chapter 3:5: not by works of righteousness which I have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…
APPLICATION:
God gently reminds me that good works are important – to give Him glory. Nothing I do makes my salvation bigger or better than anyone else’s salvation. It’s only His abundant mercy that makes a difference. So, go ahead and keep making lists. Just remember to put praise to God on the top and bottom (middle, too!) of every list. Oh, the things you and God will accomplish together!
Thank for being a part of the Route 66 Bible Reading Challenge. Thanks for reading, and you have blessed day!
In Christ,
Susan
WHEN YOU GOT SAVED: 7 years old at vacation Bible school
FAMILY: Husband, Harold, three grown children: Daniel, April, and David
OCCUPATION: Teacher for Purdue Extension Lake Co.
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT AT VBC: Waiting to be used
DREAM VACATION: Travel to see missionary friends around the world
HOBBIES: Card-making; crafts; tea and chocolate