26th Nov - "Growing through Committed Relationships"

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(Daily Readings: (Message Translation at www.biblegateway.com)

Esther 1

Amos 6

2 Tim 3-4

Daily Discipler (Neil Anderson) : p318 "Growing through Committed Relationships" (Titus 2)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=titus%202&version=NKJV

Memory Verse:

2 Tim 3:16-17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Reflections on Todays Readings (Maybe not all of them...)

DD (Daily Discipler)

"Growing through Committed Relationships"

Today's reading emphasized that the process of sanctification (looking more like Christ - the journey of holiness) is worked out or developed through the ongoing permanent relationships we have (usually in the home) We can put on a mask or a "Holy Face" for people we see at church for a few hours a week, but our family (wives, children, brothers, sisters, parents) see us for who we really are. So it is here, in the family (or other permanent relationships) where we can (and should) really make ourselves accountable for "Growing Up", or at the very least, telling the truth like it is. In the Titus passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are in life long relationships with one another, and that we have a role. Older women should teach the younger women, the Older men should teach the younger men. Likewise, the younger men and women should respond to what they have been taught. And the Goal - each of us, as we submit to being accountable to those who are further along the journey with God, are enabling His spirit to shape and change us, conforming us to his image. The letter to Titus puts it like this:

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

That is a pretty good list. I think most of us would be happy if this described our character.

One last thought on the "Lists" of good behaviours we find in most of the teaching epistles. They are usually in the 2nd half of the book. (after the doctrine has been established) and this is because the lists of character qualities are there for "Checking". They are there so that we can "Inspect our fruit". They are not there to be a list that we "Slavishly work towards".

He who the son sets free is free indeed. We are free from slavishly keeping the law, and yet when the spirit is truly working in our hearts, we can see the evidence. Don't get stuck keeping the lists of do's, don'ts or character qualities. Live by the spirit and these evidences will naturally express themselves.

Neil Andersons "Thought for the day" was : Why did God intend for these character qualities to be worked out in our families and Jobs ?"

DRP: (Daily Reading Plan)

- Esther 1

- Amos 6 - could very easily have been written to the church and world of today. It is talking of a society that has become completely materialistic and self indulgent. A society that calls evil good, and good evil, and makes "Evil" entertaining. (isn't that a commentary on the kinds of movies that pervade our screens today) A society that prides itself on a single good work, while letting mountains of injustice slip through under the radar. (How many times do we excuse ourselves from helping by justifying ourselves with our good works of the past). God is desiring us to live consistently with Justice and Mercy. (The israelites suffered exile and demoralisation because of their ungodly nation)

I read yesterday of a new "Manifesto" that is making the rounds in the U.S. It is called the "Manhattan Declaration". It is calling for americans to engage in civil disobedience to defend their doctrines, and in particular, to re-establish the "Christian Morality" that America once reflected. As I have thought on this, I have realised: You can't make a "Non Believer" live like a believer.

That is called "Hypocrisy".

Even though there is clearly great value in upholding our christian values for ourselves as believers and within our church(s). The true soloution is to continue to proclaim the Gospel until Christ Returns. Not try to "Christianise" our nations, without them being indwelt by Christ. It is true that many in America once held to these ideals, but this began by group of committed believers who shared the same values, beginning again in a new place. You cannot reclaim this by legislation. It needs the people to "Submit to the spirit of God" through salvation. However, I pray that those pushing for this legislation change are used by the hand of God to reach their nation not with empty laws, but with the message of the Gospel of Christ.

- 2 Tim 3-4 Amazingly, this passage mirrored todays Daily Discipler Reading from Titus, and at the same time, connected with the Amos 6 passage. Gods word is completely interconnected. As Chuck Missler says an "Integrated Message System" for us today. I would say "Gods personal SMS for you and me"

Feel free to blog your responses in a comment...

(Only genuine related comments thanks)

Bless ya

Jabin