BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.”               Titus 2:1 NLT

Three words of contrast set the stage for instructions from the Apostle Paul to one of his “sons in the faith” -Titus. We know that Paul had several traveling companions and fellow ministers. But in the New Testament Timothy and Titus stand out as those who were entrusted with responsibility to establish and oversee churches. They were to build upon and secure the work started by Paul.

This calling is very clear when Paul tells Titus, “I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.” (Titus 1:5 NLT) But Paul realized that the task before Titus would not an easy one. He was tasked with building on the ministry “beachhead” established by Paul in a challenging moral environment.

We read Paul’s’ assessment, “For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others….Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons. This is true.” (Titus 1:10,12 NLT)

Paul goes on and tells Titus that what is in a person’s heart will be revealed by their lifestyle.  “Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16 NLT)

In this environment Titus was to be one who stood strong and spoke out against those whose lifestyle would subvert and pervert the gospel and its impact on the lives of people. But Paul wanted Titus to know that he had a high calling and responsibility.

So after describing the character of those in Crete and the hypocrisy of those who claim to “know God” Paul speaks three important words, “as for you….” Titus was not to “coddle the carnality” of individuals but to provide instructions on how to live a “victorious Christian life.” His message was to be one of “how to” live as much as “what not to do.”

Titus was to, “Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience….teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good…encourage the young men to live wisely…” (Titus 2:2,3,6 NLT)

Titus’ responsibility was not to just “tell” but to “show.” “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized….” (Titus 2:7,8 NLT)

We could summarize Paul’s instructions to Titus as “As for you…be an example by how you live and what you teach and challenge others to live in a manner that pleases the Lord and sets them apart.”

Titus was to “set himself apart.” He was to show that his gospel was true by how he lived and the lifestyle he encouraged others to live and teach. Paul realized that others were watching. So he gives the bottom line to Titus. It was not to claim some moral superiority over others that alienates people, but it was so “those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:8 NLT)

Titus was not to allow himself or other believers to be conformed to the mindset and character of those they were among, but they were to show the power of the gospel through a transformed life.

It would seem that challenge is good for us to consider in our world today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “...Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”                          2 Timothy 2:22 NLT

I had read this sentence that is at the end of 2 Timothy 2:22 just before our long-time friend Paul Irwin came for a visit. Paul and his wife Colleen have been friends since our early years of marriage. For the last 10 years plus they have been serving in Washington D.C.

I find our friendship always spiritually challenging. Our times together focus as much on our ministry activities and spiritual life as weather, family and normal “conversation.”

This last Saturday one of my former legislative colleagues, Spencer Swalm came to Fort Collins for a visit. We discussed a recent blog of his on John the Baptist that I found insightful and challenging. We always end our visit with a time of prayer.

On Sunday I was able to catch up with a local Christian businessman and community leader who has just gone through a surgery for some cancer. During our conversation he asked more questions about me and how I was doing and how he could prayer for me than talking about himself.

Yesterday morning I made a re-connection after a long absence with a Tuesday morning prayer time with some county officials and others who join for a brief time of devotion and prayer. It is usually a meaningful 15 minute session.

I review these recent personal connections and activites because they gave me an opportunity to reflect and experience what Paul tells Timothy is so important, “companionship with those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” We need, I need, to be around those who encourage my “spiritual commitment and fervor.” It doesn’t mean that is all we discuss, but it is certainly something that goes beyond normal conversations.

Why is this important? I believe Paul gives the explanation in the first part of this verse. “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace…” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT)

If we are going to pursue a life of strong faith and godly character, we need the strength the comes from the fellowship and encouragement of others.

At times that can be challenging, perhaps even make us uncomfortable at times. A pastor friend of mine when we meet will often take a break from discussing the business of the ministry that connects us and ask, “How is Ken? How is your family? How are you emotionally? Spiritually?” The quick response is usually “fine…doing good.” It is much more difficult to say, “I’ve been struggling recently. I need prayer.” 

But as we read in scripture, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT) When I was in the legislature our caucus leader would remind us that “serving in the legislature is a ‘team sport'” If that is important for survival in politics, it certainly applies to our lives as followers of Christ. We actually see several scriptures that remind us of that fact.

So, do you have conversations and connections with other believers that go beyond the surface of normal conversation? Do those times at least on occasion serve to encourage and challenge you spiritually? Do they help you “pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.”?

I am pleased to report that I am doing much better. It seems that the prednisone boost, and medication to relieve nerve pain in addition to prayer has give me relief from the constant pain I was experiencing. I trust that I will be able to return to some of my therapy and work out routines and just normal activities..

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job 19:27 NLT

The song “I Can Only Imagine” propelled the music group Mercy Me to national prominence. The movie titled after the song relays the story of how the words and music of the song emerged out of the illness and death of songwriter Bart Millard’s father. His abusive and alcoholic father experienced a true change of life when he began a journey of surroundings his life to Christ.

Because of his changed life Bart’s father went from misery in life and relationships to a place of healing and hope. In similar fashion with vastly different circumstances Job found himself in the deep misery of life. His family and fortunes are gone. He has lost his esteem in the eyes of others, and felt the pain of misunderstanding and rejection.

He says, “My servants and maids consider me a stranger. I am like a foreigner to them. When I call my servant, he doesn’t come; I have to plead with him!…Even young children despise me. When I stand to speak, they turn their backs on me. My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.” (Job 19:16,18-19 NLT)

Job then utters some familiar sounding words, “I have been reduced to skin and bones and have escaped death by the skin of my teeth.” (Job 19:20 NLT) (From my past health crisis, those are words of Job I can relate actually relate to.)

However, in the midst of all the “gloom and despair” Job offers a resounding declaration of hope and a future. “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!”   (Job 19:25,26 NLT)

But Job doesn’t stop there. As He considers the prospects of the glory of God’s awesome presence, he goes on and says, “I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” (Job 19:27 NLT)

Job knew “of” God. He had learned and believed in this powerful, awesome God. But actually beholding Him “face to face” was an overwhelming thought! Job “could only imagine” what that would be like, and was overwhelmed by the thought.

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians he encouraged them with the words, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

The old hymn declared, “O that will be glory for me, when by His grace, I shall look on His face.”  One of our former church members passed away recently. As a friend was visiting her just a few hours before she left this life, she told her friend, “Jesus is coming for me!” Then she declared, “Look there He is!” 

The anticipation of heaven is not being with those who have gone before us, it is beholding our Savior face to face. Imagine that and like Job you will be overwhelmed by the thought.