I want to share THIS from our reading today in Titus. Verses 11-15:
11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, 13 Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. 15 Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise or disregard or think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect].
I love how the Amplified Bible defines grace here as God's unmerited favor and blessing. That IS exactly what Grace IS, and what Grace DOES! The Grace of God saved us, delivered us from the authority of satan, translated us from the kingdom of death and darkness and into the Kingdom of God, supplies us with everything we will ever need to lead successful, prosperous, healthy, victorious lives here on earth, and to gather up rewards in Heaven simply for our obedience! Jesus told Paul that His grace was "sufficient", or all that Paul would ever need, to deliver him from the harassment of the enemy (2 Corinthians 12:9)! Verse 12 above tells us that this same grace trains us to turn away from the "unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11) and gives us the ability to live lives pleasing to the Lord and conducive to others seeing HIM in US! AMEN! These Epistles of the New Testament are letters that were written to the churches to comfort, encourage, exhort and instruct born again, Spirit-filled believers how to live our lives and carry out our ministry in a way that will bring glory to HIM and will lead others to choose LIFE! I hope that you will meditate on this great grace and that it will motivate you to be the very best YOU that you can be, so that others may see HIS life in yours! Here, to encourage you in this, is Hillsong Kids with a fun song called "My Number One":
Shalom in Him!
