Titus 3:7 An heir of God

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Yesterday we talked about the pouring out of the Spirit. Wow! Last night I went to a Bible Pentecostal Church for Wednesday night service. You could feel the spirit, and people were open and true. This truly was a wonderful experience, enlightening, and enjoyable.

Titus 3:7 "Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life."

Salvation is not just a narrow escape from hell. You know, like, whew, I am lucky I missed it. No! No luck involved--God was involved.

We are heirs, heirs of GOD and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:16-17)

What a great salvation - Hebrews 2:3 "So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the LORD JESUS himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?"


Eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry handed down his teachings to the readers of this book. We have not seen Jesus personally. We base our belief in Jesus on the eyewitness accounts recorded in the Bible. How great is our faith!

Today, go forth, BOLDLY, and share the gospel with someone, anyone. Christ will stand up for you at the Bema seat, will you share Christ with others now so they have the opportunity to be at the Bema seat? As the song goes, "We're leavin' it all up to you...uuuuu. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:6 Thought, brought, wrought.

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

TITUS 3:6 "Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour."

WOW!! What does this say? God very generously poured out the Holy Spirit on us.

Okay, how? Through Jesus Christ our Saviour!

You have been blessed of the Holy Spirit by God through Jesus. Would you lay your life down for your spouse, children, family, friends? This is what God did. Think about this for a moment. Some how the evil in the world has to be countered. But how, it runs rampant. So here is God's plan. Ready?

GOD thought it,
CHRIST brought it,
the SPIRIT wrought it!

Do you feel loved and blessed? You should, no greater sacrifice than a father to give up his son. Think about your salvation, your spiritual life, and the living example you display. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:4,5 BUT, such a big little word.

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Titus 3:4,5 KJV "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. 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."


This starts out with "but", which if it were not for the kindness of God we would all still be in the same evil world condition as the unbeliever. However, we should be cautious when speaking against them.

Paul summarizes what Christ does for us when he saves us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God's Holy Spirit. ALL, repeat after me, ALL OF MY SINS ARE WASHED AWAY! Why?

Not by our works, but by His, God's mercy. Do you feel cleansed? Do you feel the call of God? Do you have the love for God, Jesus, Holy Spirit that He has for you?
It is knee time. Take time and thank God for all He has done in your life. Love ya.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:3 Were you foolish, disobedient, ......?

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We have been talking about how we should live, speaking no evil, not stirring up trouble, let's look at the next verse.

Titus 3:3 KJV "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another."

Foolish means without understanding, which is true of the natural man.

Disobedient - Romans 1:18 shows just how far the unbeliever will go to be disobedient to God. 1:18 Tells us the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
What is this saying? It says you know better but do wrong anyway.

Deceived - man is deceived by the deceiver and would rather believe a lie than the truth.

Serving (Gr douleuo) or slaving to divers lusts. John 8:34 Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Living (Gr diago) meaning "to pass the time" in malice or envy.

Then, as unbelievers, we were hateful and hating one another.

Wow! If you look back at your life, did we just write your past prior to meeting Christ? Were you a "good" person, swaying to your fleshly desires? A good chance we all were. Thank God for Jesus! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:2 Gossip, brawler or Kind and humble?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

Do you ask God for a revival and ask it to begin with you?

Yesterday we talked about our obedience in the world, to rulers and laws of the land. To continue this thought let's go to:

Titus 3:2 KJV "To speak evil of no man to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men."

To speak evil of no man, from which we get blaspheme (Gr blasphemeo). Usually this is used with reference toGod but here it is to men also. How awful and sad to hear so much of this done among Christians today, even of one another. This refers to the world primarily, name-calling is not a Christian's prerogative and especially of a brother in the LORD.

Brawler means "not a contentious person." It is usually the contentious who speak evil of others. Gentle usually refers to our outward conduct while meekness to inward attitude. Meekness can also be said as show true humility which is a highly important quality in the Bible. Meekness or humility comes down to having an honest estimate of ourselves before God. We show false humility when we project negative worth on our abilities and efforts. We show pride when we inflate the value of our efforts or look down on others.

True humility, meekness, seeks to view our character and accomplishments honestly. We can recognize that we have succeeded in an effort without being prideful. So, who are you today? A gossiper, brawler, prideful or gentle, kind and humble? It is between you and God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 3:1 Follow Jesus or the world?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

TITUS 3:1 "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,"KJV

Life Application "Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good."

As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus as LORD, but we must obey our government and its leaders as well. Christians are not above the law. Obeying the civil law is only the beginning of our Christian responsibility; we must do what we can to be good citizens.

Acts 5?29 tells us the apostles knew their priorities. While we should try to live at peace with everyone, conflict with the world and its authorities is sometimes inevitable for a Christian.

John 15:18 Jesus tells us if the world hates you, remember, it hated Him (Jesus) first.

There will be situations where you cannot obey both God and people. So what do we do? We must obey God and trust His Word.

Jesus' words in Luke 6:22 are encouraging. "What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man."

TALK THE TALK AND WALK THE WALK MY FRIEND. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:15 Are you teaching & encouring believers?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

Titus 2:15 "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."

Paul is very straight forward with Titus. Teach the scriptures. Live the scriptures. Teach, encourage and correct others. Do not be intimated when older or wealthier members of the community step outside the scriptures.

We should not let ourselves feel threatened when we are trying to minister to others or provide leadership in church.

Everywhere! Be diligent. Some of the new tv series advertised for the fall. Comedy with sex; action with sex; killing, fast pursuit, and raw language. And do you invite this in your home? How subtle things are. When 2 1/2 men first started it was funny; now it is heavily laden with sexual overtones and not fun to watch, UNLESS you are still walking with a foot in the WORlD. Get the "l" out and back to the WORD! love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:14 Would you sell Jesus for a quarter?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

TITUS 2:14 "HE (Jesus) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."


My goal is to pray each morning for forgiveness, and then about God giving me the words to say in the devotional. This below seems to go with this verse, specially "totally committed to doing good deeds." Thank you Linda for sharing this.

A Christian

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here,you gave me too much change ..'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Watch your thoughts ; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits..

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I'm glad my friend, Linda, shared this with me as a reminder. So, I choose to share it with you - my friend.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:12-13 Live soberly, look forward

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

Titus 2:12-13 KJV "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

Paul brings out two aspects of Christian living that must be stressed today. First, we should live in this evil world, and second we look forward with hope.

Both aspects of living and looking forward are essential to our Christian sanity in this present evil age. Living is made bearable because we live for God - seeking to build his Kingdom with whatever gifts he has given us. Plus, it is this Kingdom we are looking forward to.

We should live soberly, righteously, and in a godly manner. The blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Christ's personal presence, redemption from our sinful nature, and restoration of creation. This is the expectations we should have as we move forth in todays world. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2: 11 Grace of who??? God?!?!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

TITUS 2:11 KJV "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men."

Just STOP! Look at this verse! For what? THE GRACE OF GOD! Why are you living right now, this very minute.....by the grace of God. If you are reading this your time is not up.

What does the grace of God bring? SALVATION! What is salvation?
Greek: σωτηρια soteeria Definition: Salvation is being forgiven of sins through the sacrifice by Christ of his own body and blood. We are thereby rescued and preserved from the doom of all sinners. Instead, by the grace of God, we are given eternal life.

We are saved by the love of God from the wrath of God if we believe and obey Christ. How do you feel? Saved? Experience salvation? Take time to pray right now, first for your own forgiveness, then pray for your loved ones and neighbors. Have a super Friday. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:9,10 Employees-how do you act?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

TITUS 2:9, 10 " Exhort bond servants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." KJV

Slavery was common in Paul's day. Paul did not condemn slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to be loving and responsible in their conduct.

The standards set by Paul can help any employee/employer relationship. Employees should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching. Businesses lose millions of dollars a year to employee theft and time-wasting.

If all Christian employees would follow Paul's advice at work, what a transformation it would make. How are you doing at work? Do you go to work looking forward to quitting time? Remember, TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2: 7,8 How is your pattern of works?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time,all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Talking about young men in Titus, chapter 2 verse 6. Now let's go to the next 2.

Titus 2:7,8 KJV "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you."

Paul urges Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see Titus's good deed and imitate him.

Paul's life would give his words greater impact. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure you act that way. Your life may be the only BIBLE some people see.

In doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.... This is your character, how well you are grounded. Simple, straight forward, grounded, and your word is truth.

Sound speech: Is your speech the same when you are alone? When you are home? When you are in public? THEN, is it acceptable to God?

Why is this important? Because your adversaries cannot find fault with you anywhere. You will be upright, just and blameless and the embarrassment will fall upon them.

Can you say right now that your life is an example? Your speech is proper-public and private? You are upright? If yes - YEA! If not, what are you going to do? Knee-mail aka PRAYER! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:6 Young men......

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Too Blessed to be stressed.

Okay, today, young men! We can give them advice, but do they heed the advice.

Titus 2:6 KJV "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded."

Life Application "in the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely."

"Sober-minded" in Greek - sophroneo- is translated as "temperate" and "discreet." It has the idea of curbing one's desires and impulses or self-controlled.

This advice given to young men was very important. In ancient Greek society, the role of the husband/father was not viewed as a nurturing role but merely as a functional one.

Many young men today have been raised in families where fathers have neglected their responsibilities to their wives and children. Husbands and fathers who are good examples of Christian living are important role models for young men who need to see how it is done.

May you, men, be sober-minded; women-may you have sober-minded men in leading role models of your life and family. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:4,5 Living to honor God's word

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Just read this in a book: "TO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"

Titus 2:4,5 "That they (older women) may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Women who were new Christians were to learn how to have harmony in the homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time.

We have the same need today Young wives and mothers should learn to live in a Christian manner - loving their husbands and caring for their children - through observing exemplary women of God. If you are of an age or in a position wher people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that honors God.

God's words are for everyone. It is our responsibility to study the word, discover for ourselves what God is telling us, and live accordingly. Do you bring honor to God's word? Tomorrow we talk about young men. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:3 Women - what is your position?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Okay, today we will meddle with women. Yesterday was old men, today "aged women."

Titus 2:3 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;"

Life Application "Similarly, 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."
Okay, we are talking about the "mature" woman here. If you are not an older women, never fear, one day you will be. Her behaviour or demeanor becomes holiness. Wow! No gossip, no talking about, no curt remarks, no attitude - - oh, what is a woman to do?

becometh holiness - this means to fit in or not out of place with holiness. Every believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and everything done should be fitting the temple of God.

Not false accusers (Greek diabolos) rendered devil in some places and meaning "slanderer."

Not given to much wine - this is a translation of the Greek perfect participle 'douloo,' to make a slave of. The Greek tense speaks here of a confirmed drunkard.

Women are not to be false accusers but TEACHERS OF GOOD THINGS.

Remember you have 2 dogs sitting on your shoulders - the Jesus (positive) dog and the satan (negative) dog; which one do you want to feed? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:2 How do you live your life?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Paul gave Titus counsel on how to help various groups of people. The older people should teach the ounger by words and by example.

Titus 2:2 KJV "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience."

Life App "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."

The aged men are not the official elders but older men in years. Sober means soberminded, sincere. Grace means dignified as opposed to frivolous and was used of deacons. Temperate means to curb one's desires and impulses. Sound meaning healthy.

If you are older, are you walking the walk and setting an example for the younger?
If you are young, are you watching the older, modeling yourself to be the example?

If Jesus is in our heart, we will walk the walk and talk the talk. The easy part is talking the talking - anyone can talk; but to walk the walk takes God moving in our heart. Take time today to thank Jesus that He is your savior.

Lord, please let us walk the walk as you did so many years ago. Let us be a shining example that brings glory and honor to your name and to the name of Christianity. That you for our blessings, our health, our life.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 2:1 Does your life reflect wholesome teaching?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Yesterday we talked about many claim to know God but does their life reflect Jesus. Today, Paul is talking to Titus.

KJV Titus 2:1 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."
Life Application "As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching."

Sound doctrine, wholesome teaching = This is the content of our faith. How do you recognize wholesome teaching?

It has correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice.

It must be found in the Bible.

Jesus Christ is the center.

Results are: consistently good behavior and actions and promote spiritual health in ourselves and others.

As a believer you must be securely grounded in the Bible and not be swayed by the strong preaching or teaching of "false teachers." False teachers will pull hard on your emotions.

Our preachers and teachers must challenge us to study and understand sound doctrine. Learn the Bible, study theology, apply biblical principles and live what you learn.

On your shoulders you have a Jesus dog and a satan dog. Which one will win out? The dog you feed is the one who will win. Just like a positive and negative- the one you feed thrives. Be a Jesus (positive) dog today.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:16 Who is driving your bus????

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

I am reading a book, "THE ENERGY BUS" written by Jon Gordon. A great read with lots to think about. First, you are the driver of your bus. So let's see if you are driving or have a substitue driver.

Titus 1:16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient and unto every good work reprebate." (KJV)

Life App. "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."


Wow! NO, W O W ! Many people claim to know God. How can we know if they really do? We will not know for certain in this life, but a glance at their life-styles will quickly tell us what they value and whether they have ordered their lives around Kingdom priorities. Our conduct speaks volumes about what we believe.

What do people know about God and about your faith by watching your life?

Rule #1 "YOU ARE THE DRIVER OF YOUR BUS." You have to take responsibility for your life and control of your bus, then you can take it where you want to go.

Fact #1: "MORE PEOPLE DIE MONDAY MORNING AT 9 A.M. THAN ANY OTHER TIME."
Many people would rather die than go to work. They feel like they don't have a choice so they give up. You do have a choice!

What do you want? Complete this: My vision for my life (including my spiritual life) is __________________________________________________________________.

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:15 Pure or un-pure?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. And, yes, Virginia, you can thank God it is Friday (TGIF).

Titus 1:15 KJV "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

Life Application "Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted."

WoW! Is this talking to us today?! Look around and see. Paul is referring to the Jewish legalists who were extremists about Old Testament Jewish ceremonial washings. These insisted on the ceremonial washings and were still calling some meats unclean, showing the need for the teaching of Matthew 15:1-20 where Jesus rebuke the scribes and pharisees.

People today go to the extremes and see nothing wrong with it. Separation of church and state has been taken so far to the left that many people believe the constitution advocates total separation. Wrong! People will end up isolating themselves so far to the left that the only one who will know where they are is God! Ironic! The one that are trying to hide from.

Where are you today? Pure or un-pure? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:14 Do you listen to man or God?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. What is up with the world today?

KJV Titus 1:14 "Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth."

Life Application "they must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth."

These things, Jewish fables, they taught (1 Timothy 1:4-11)and the commandments of men that turn away from the truth of God. This was an ever-present danger of the Jews.

Do you see this danger today? Right now in your world? The turning away from the truth of God? In Colossians 2:20-22 tells us we have died with Christ and been set free from the spiritual power of this world. We should see a difference between the way Christians and non-Christians live. We are not perfect yet, but if we keep listening to God we will be changing all the time.

As you reflect over the last year what changes have you seen that turned away from the truth? Now, reflect again, and see what changes you have made in your life that does reflect the truth from God.

Again, if you are living in the WORLD,get the L out, and get back to the WORD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:13 Cut 'em off! Don't let 'em talk!!

Good morning everyone! Hope you have a super JESUS day! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Titus 1:13 KJV "This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,"

Life application "This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith."

this testimony is true - Paul confirms these facts and says "REBUKE THEM SHARPLY." This is no place to be TIMID. Sharply - Greek apotomos meant to "cut off abruptly." That meant the purpose of the rebuke was that they may be SOUND or 'healthy' in the faith. REBUKE was not vindictive but curative, as it should be always.


To hear and be silent is to agree with. Therefore, if someone is doing wrong, teaching against the Word of God, then it is my job - it is your job to "rebuke them sharply." This does not mean vicious, but boldly stand up for the word. Do not be timid. Jesus boldly came for (you)______ and boldly stood up for the word of God, and took lashes and crucifixion so you can be cleansed and go forth boldly for Him, Jesus. Are you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny