Rejoicing in what God has done

 

My reading in the Bible book of Titus has filled my heart with worship. Let me outline what God has done:

Chapter 1 – “The truth gives confidence of eternal life”

This is good news given by the command of Jesus Christ our Saviour”

2: The undeserved favour of God gives us hope now and in the future.  “Jesus Christ gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us and make us his very own, totally committed to doing what is right.”

“He will appear in glory”

3: Once we were foolish, “But God our Saviour showed us His kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Saviour did. He declared us not guilty because of His great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life.”

Enough to make us worship with gratitude, motivation to live right, assurance that the next life will be better than this one for those trust in the Saviour – Jesus Christ.

Maybe you would like to share your joy in the Lord. I would like to receive your email

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Citizenship

 

As I teach migrants the details of citizenship, I am amazed how relevant the Bible is to everyday living. The Australian way of life was indeed influenced by the Bible (presently reading recent publication ‘The Bible in Australia’ M.Lake)

My reading of the Bible letter to Titus, by the Apostle Paul gives many highlights. I list a few:

Chapter 1:8 – wise and fair

      2;2 – self control, respect, love, patience.

      2;3 - not speaking evil of others, doing good.

      2:7 – Doing good deeds of every kind, Integrity.

      2:10 – Not stealing, trustworthy.

      2:14 – Committed to doing what is right.

3:1 – submitting to the government and its officers.

3:2 – true humility toward everyone.

3:8 – Being careful to do good deeds all the time

3:14 – ‘Our people should not have unproductive lives. They must learn to do good by helping others who have urgent needs.’

How can this work for people from different cultures??

Possible by God's favour...

“May God’s grace be with you all” (Titus 3:15 NLT)

In fact this letter to Titus explains how very well:

Chapter 3, verse3

"Once we too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others and they hated us.

But then God our Saviour showed us His kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Saviour did. He declares us not guilty because of His great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life."

Oh how great is HIS mercy, love and grace

 

The path of life

 

As I have just passed 70 years of pilgrimage, it seems appropriate to reflect on the past and consider the future!

One Bible verse that has hung in our bedroom for many, many years, reads

“Trust in the Lord… He faileth not

And forsaketh not His saints”

I have proved it to be true, or rather the Lord has been true to His promise. In the winding road of life, He has not failed. In the unknown of tomorrow we have a certain hope. We are His possession by the blood of Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

In my meditation this morning I was given this verse.

“”He will bring me to His heavenly Kingdom. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen”  2 Timothy 4:18