The Effect of Righteous Living...

Nothing is more transformative than a rescued soul living a righteous life. Our behavior attracts people towards or away from the gospel. Your words have power, but never more so, when they are backed up with consistent, biblical living. God allows others (through your actions) to get a glimpse of Himself. A righteous life means being right with God, so when you live by the truth, no one can legitimately criticize you (even though they will try). You never have to worry about what you say (when it’s guided by the Holy Spirit).

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.4 But–“When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, 5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[I] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:1-11

The Irony of Plotting Evil...

The irony of life for the unbeliever is like a boomerang. What they plan for evil, God uses for good. What they plan for the destruction of their hatred of good, turns out to be a trap for themselves. A great example of this would be Haman in the book of Esther. The very gallows he built to execute Mordecai, ended up being his own executioner. This is consistent throughout scripture.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Proverbs 28:10

You Can Always Count on This...

There is really only one thing that is for sure and can be trusted in this life: God’s word. It’s true. It’s been tested. His promises always come true. You can count on that.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. Psalms 119:140

Truth Convicts....

The difference between telling someone what they want to hear vs telling them the truth is this: truth convicts, promoting action, while flattery continually reinforces your focus to be on yourself. Truth exposes areas in people’s lives that need attention. Truth either encourages someone to continue pursuing righteousness, or convicts them of the need to change. Flattery or lies only allows the hearer to continue in their unrighteousness, sinful, or selfish behavior. Any time someone tries to justify sin, you know one thing is for sure, there’s very little truth in it. Truth always sides with justice, righteousness, mercy, and grace. Always!!!

14 Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope. Lamentations 2:14

Picking up the Book with purpose...

When you truly seek God, and are willing to except His truth, He grants us understanding. As we grow closer, we understand Him better. The complex grows simpler, and our confusion begins to fade when we pursue God to the point of not giving up until we have an answer. This shows Him our devotion is real and is not going away. Love demands action. It’s the only effective way to show how real it is. When you truly know someone, understanding them becomes an easier task. People don’t understand God, because they don’t pursue knowing Him. It’s like wanting to understand quantum physics, but never picking up a book to learn about it.

130 The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalms 119:130

Authentic Living....

“I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day. I’d rather you walk with me, than merely lead the way. The eye is a more ready pupil (student), than ever was the ear, Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.”

16 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

Peace or No Peace...

You wonder why anxiety and depression are so rampant in the world today. Why suicide is among the top 5 causes of death. Why we remove statues that remind us of our tainted past. Why drug and alcohol abuse is still soaring. Why people want to be something or someone they are not. Why? It is because they have no peace, no rest. People need and crave it, but are unwilling to do the very thing that brings true peace (repent and trust in Jesus). As the famous church sign reads, “know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace”

34 But the One who redeems them is strong.His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest! Jeremiah 50:34