Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Because of Obedience

https://www.kcisradio.com/2016/01/28/romans-122


As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. I Peter 1:14-15 (ESV)

The Apostle Peter echoes the instructions of Paul. Paul told the believers at Rome do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Peter gives those in exile and us a reason for our changing our demeanor and our behavior. He tells us to not be conformed because of our obedience.

He further writes that we are to be holy (complete) as Jesus is holy.  As born-again believers, we are to reflect Him in all we say and do.

How we react to the world events can tell others about our beliefs and about the LORD. Several years ago, I heard an admonition “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” (1.)

When we obey Christ, people notice. They might not say anything but they do watch how we act and react to events that go on around us.

Dear Father:

As we walk with Your Son through this world, please let us keep in mind that we belong to You and that we are to follow You and You alone. We are Your feet and Your hands as we live in this world. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

                       
1     1.)  William J. Toms (1803-1885) An Australian and a Methodist.



Monday, October 22, 2018

Christian Witness Spelled Out

ministryhouse.org

  
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil to no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle. And to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3: 1-2 (ESV)

Paul gives guidance to Titus that he is to remind those in his flock to:
           
•Submit to the rulers and authorities.
                  We are to cooperate with those who preside over us and those who enforce the laws t                   that protect us.
● Be ready for every good work.
● Pray about your involvement in a mission project.
● Participate, if you are led to work on one and are able.
● Pray for the efforts of those who can. Financially support the work, if you can.
● Speak evil of no one.
●If we happen to hear something about someone and it’s not good. Ask Jesus to step in and take it away from your mind. Try not to pass it on.
● Avoid quarreling.
●If someone says something to us that is hurtful. We should turn the other cheek. We should not retaliate.
●Be gentle.
We don’t know what that other person is going through. It might be something that could be traumatic.
●Show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Open doors for those we see. Thank those that open doors for you.
●Allow those with fewer groceries to go through the check-out line before you.
●At a four-way stop. Allow another vehicle to go ahead of you. He or she might be uncertain if it is their turn.
●Always try to smile when you see neighbors outside. Wave, if you can.


            If we would practice these points that Paul gives us, we would see God’s kingdom expand, would we not?

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...