Scripture:
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (NASB)
Observation:
The letters Paul writes to these young leaders are really pretty cool. They give direction in regard to what the men should be focusing on both in their personal life and as leaders of churches. They outline, in a mentoring manner, the way the men should live. They encourage “360 degree leadership” and are consistent in empowering their role as leaders to everyone in their community.
Application:
I can take encouragement from these letters. Though I’m not in a teaching or highly visible leadership position, I can follow Paul’s exhortation with the hope that, at the very least, I don’t give cause for “the opponent” to despise Christ’s message.
Prayer:
I don’t really have a prayer for this entry – but I do pray for direction about whether we should pursue purchasing a minivan right now or if you want us to wait and allow you to bring one to us.
Scripture:
Amos 5:4 “This is what the Lord to the house of Israel, ‘Seek me and live’.”
Observation:
This verse reminds me of Chris Rice’s song, Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus); the song we played at Jeff’s funeral. It still makes me cry. It is so incredible that Jesus makes this offer for all time, to everyone. The nation of Israel has become despicable in the Lord’s sight – so much so that he wants nothing to do with their prayers, their offerings, or their praise. And yet the Lord, God Almighty, makes such an open offer. This is what makes a father’s heart.
Application:
I want to live – I want my life to be full of God, full of people. I want to be the kind of person eligable to be an elder in the manner that Paul describes in Titus – a person of character. There is no greater opportunity to seek the Lord, God Almighty, than doing this.
Prayer:
Lord, as in so many things, I can’t maintain this discipline without you. Please help my mind overcome my body when I’m tempted to sleep. Thank you for offering life, and for making yourself known.
Scripture:
Joel 2:13 “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts.”
Observation:
How often do we make an inappropriate response to grief? Tearing your clothing seems an odd practice to me, though it is certainly well documented in scripture as a sign of mourning. As is typical of God though, he doesn’t “want an outward display of penitence without true inward repentance” (excerpted from verse note in the Life Application Study Bible). God is more interested in attitude than appearance.
Application:
I think the biggest area where my attitude doesn’t match my appearance is at work. I’m consistently frustrated by coworkers, whole departments, and general situations. I don’t think the correct course of action is to start losing it on people (man there are times I’d love to do that), but I need to figure out how to change me – my attitude. Life will always present opportunities with good reason to leave me frustrated and agitated – I need to decide beforehand that, no matter the circumstance, God is in control, and my heart will be at peace.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be able to submit my attitude to you as a pleasing offering – help me make it so.
Scripture:
2 Kings 12:2-3 “All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Yet, even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines , and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.”
Observation:
I once dreamt I was a fully armored warrior walking proudly through a battle. War raged around me and I remained unscathed. However, it didn’t take long to notice I was without a weapon. I was making no real or lasting difference – merely mingling. At that time, it was a picture of the armor of God – I wasn’t spending time in the Word, rendering me ineffective. This is the picture I have with these kings – honest love for God and love for people, but at the end of their lifetime, no lasting changes. For Joash, this lack of effecting change led not just to the continued sin, but to his own downfall.
Application:
Where I have the power, or in the case of God’s specific calling, I need to forcefully eradicate the opportunity to sin.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 5:20 “Anyone who sins should be rebuked in front of the whole church so that others will have a proper fear of God.”
Observation:
I wonder what Christ thinks of this. Does he look at the way we do church today and think “you’re messing it up!” Or would he have said to Paul “what are you thinking?! Don’t do that!” Whichever the case, the fear of God is such a healthy view for any Christian. It’s the acknowledgement that in all things he is greater. It’s the same “fear” that makes a child obey their parents. However, it’s just not a “popular” topic to discuss in church – how do we teach the fear of God, or is it our responsibility to?
Application:
Whether it comes from the pulpit, I want to live a God-fearing life in a way that encourages others to do the same – what does that look like? The best start, of course, is to fear God. I think the next step for me is about being bold with my faith – an indicator that I fear God more than man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being a God worth fearing – a God who is bigger than I.
