Praying and purging . . .

Leviticus 27; Psalm 34; Ecclesiastes 10; Titus 2

For the second time in a few days, reading a psalm has expressed the desire of my heart, saying what I want to say, praying what I want to pray. When I read this one, I went immediately to pray it and praise God with David’s words:

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:1–22)

David calls people to experience what he experiences. He wants others to know the rich blessing of following the Lord. As I read this, I am convicted too, for I fall short and am very much aware of not deserving any of the wonderful blessings of God. Yet He persists and keeps teaching me and reminding me of how a godly person must live. The last reading is also rich in instruction of what the ‘normal’ of my life ought to be. It gives the specifics first, including instructions for women. Then he says,

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11–15)

APPLY: Quickly put to death all worldly thoughts and behavior, such as complaining, lack of self-control, criticism, and laziness. Instead of griping about life and feeling anxious about stuff I cannot control, remember that Jesus came to purify me and put in my heart a deep desire to do good. Do not be negligent or ignore the good thoughts He gives but take action. Not only that, encourage others to take action. Four people called yesterday. Two shared what God put on their hearts to share. One complained. Be like the two. Encourage others to speak with thankfulness. Do it in such a way that they are blessed and do not get upset with me. Another thought: living in isolation during this time is an opportunity to take stock on life, not just tossing unneeded stuff, but tossing ungodly attitudes!

We act out what we believe!

Titus is a short letter from Paul to another young pastor, yet it is a favorite of mine, mostly because of Paul’s instructions of what Titus should teach to ‘older women’ — me. While many women would categorize those instructions as cultural and not for today, I’m not so sure. My reason is that the theme for the whole book is ‘sound doctrine’ which means ‘correct or healthy’ teaching. If some parts are not for everyone, how can that distinction be made? Does ‘sound doctrine’ allow me to pick and choose what is correct for me?

Anyway, as Paul writes about the qualifications for church leaders and for Titus, he has this to say about ‘sound’ teaching . . .

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine . . . Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (Titus 2:1, 7-8)

I’m strong in the idea that we behave according to what we believe. If I believe my house is on fire, I will get out of it. If I believe my child is deathly ill, I will prayerfully seek medical help. If I believe the salesman at the door is telling me lies, I will not listen to him.

This principle is biblical vital. Proper understanding of ‘sound doctrine’ should eventuate in a changed life, and in the production of good deeds. Paul wrote several verses in Titus that support this. In speaking about defiled and impure people, he says, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16) Knowing God changes lives!

He says to Titus to remember this principle for himself and teach it to others:

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. (Titus 2:7)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11–15)

Titus is strongly urged to tell Christians to live according to biblical teachings, proving their faith . . .

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, (Titus 3:1)

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:8)

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. (Titus 3:14)

Lest anyone get the wrong idea about the relationship between faith and good works, Paul reiterates the biblical teaching that contradicts the very human idea that doing good will earn us salvation. He repeats that good works are not the basis of salvation, but the evidence of it . . .

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:4–5)

He adds that this is a trustworthy statement and wants Titus to “insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, this is another reason I like this letter to a pastor; it is so practical. When I discovered Titus 2:1-5, I could see the value, first that my own life followed what older women are supposed to teach. As I put these principles into practice, You immensely bless my life.  Second, this obedience is promised to produce another amazing result — that the Word of God is not reviled. I cannot make that happen all by myself, but this gives me even more incentive to do what You say and make my faith practical!

Today’s thankful list . . .

Truth works!

God’s Word makes sense.

Watching football with my hubby.

Grilled steak and garlic toast.