Daily Devotional • October 14 Psalm 6 1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. 3 My soul also is struck […]| The Living Church
Daily Devotional • October 13 A Reading from Matthew 10:5-15 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not take a road leading to gentiles, and do not enter a Samaritan town, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim the good […]| The Living Church
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” – Titus 2:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Titus 2:1-10 The Cretans sound like hard people. Do you know someone who is stubborn and is set in his or her ways? We may find such people in our neighborhoods, work places, families and churches. Can such […]| Reformed Perspective
“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” – Titus 1:16 Scripture reading: Isaiah 29:13-24; Titus 1:10-16 Hypocrisy looks ugly on everyone. An ugly dress on a beautiful bride is still an ugly dress. An ugly piece of artwork in a beautiful […]| Reformed Perspective
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” – Titus 1:15 Scripture reading: Romans 3:19-26; Titus 1:10-16 If the specific Jewish myths were to do with marriage and what kinds of food they were permitted to eat, then […]| Reformed Perspective
“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” – Titus 1:13b-14 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:1-15; Titus 1:10-16 Legalism can be a danger for any Christian, but particularly for new Christians. It might be out […]| Reformed Perspective
“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true.” – Titus 1:12-13a Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-32; Titus 1:10-16 Sometimes, search committees in churches will send pastors a profile of the congregation, with the history and background, and a summary description of the […]| Reformed Perspective
“For there are many insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” – Titus 1:10-11 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4: 1-16; Titus 1:5-16 What makes for an engaging action story is a […]| Reformed Perspective
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give […]| Reformed Perspective
“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” – Titus 1:6 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9 We are not naturally bent to submit to authority. We are naturally inclined to be suspicious of authority, to mistrust, […]| Reformed Perspective
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” – Titus 1:5 Scripture reading: Ezra 3: 1-13; Titus 1:1-9 If you manage a busy household, you know a little about what Paul is writing here. Likewise, if […]| Reformed Perspective
“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” – Titus 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 10:5-21; Titus 1:1-4 Who is the gospel for? Some say Jews only (see 1:10). Some say only the super-enlightened (see 1 Cor. 3-4). Does it belong to those […]| Reformed Perspective
“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior…” – Titus 1:2-3 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:1-3; Titus 1:1-4 The further intent of the gospel […]| Reformed Perspective
Titus was a “partner and fellow worker” of Paul (2 Cor. 8:23) and served to encourage the Corinthian church to be as generous as the Macedonian churches had been (2 Cor. 8; 12:17-18). Paul instructs Titus about establishing the church in a very unpromising situation. Elders have not been appointed, but must be. What is […]| Reformed Perspective
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 There isn’t a better […]| Reformed Perspective
“…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:18-19 Scripture reading: Psalm 118: 1-29 There is a profound truth found in […]| Reformed Perspective
“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” – Ephesians 3:13 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 As a pastor, I have seen some dear friends in the ministry go through messy church disputes and schisms. It is mentally, spiritually draining upon them. It is […]| Reformed Perspective
“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” – Ephesians 3:7-8 Scripture […]| Reformed Perspective
“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” – Ephesians 3:4 Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13 In the verses that follow Ephesians 3:4, the mystery is described with great clarity. The mystery is that Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in the people of God. This was revealed by the Holy Spirit, […]| Reformed Perspective
Daily Devotional • October 12 A Reading from Luke 7:36-50 36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and when he went into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine. 37 And a woman in the city who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought […]| The Living Church
“Sometimes You instill a dream in me that seems far beyond my reach. I know that my own resources are inadequate for attaining such a goal. Thus begins my journey of profound dependence on You. It’s a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on You for strength and guidance.”– Jesus Listens, November 6th […]| Jesus Calling
“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” – Ephesians 2:1-3 Scripture reading: Romans 1:18-25 An accurate portrait of someone will include the “warts and all.” […]| Reformed Perspective
“Sometimes I hear You whispering in my heart, ‘I take great delight in you.’ It’s hard for me to receive this blessing, but I know it’s based on the unconditional Love You have for all Your children. Please help me to relax in the Light of Your Presence— taking time to soak in Your luminous […]| Jesus Calling
--- “You disclose Yourself to me in a variety of ways—words of Scripture just when I need them, helpful words spoken through other people, ‘coincidences’ orchestrated … The post 4 Ways Nature Can Help You Connect with God appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Help me to stay mindful of You as I go step by step through this day. Your Presence with me is a precious promise— and a comforting protection.” – Jesus Listens, October 29th “Fear not, for I am with you.” —Isaiah 41:10 When my husband George felt a strong call to move our family to […]| Jesus Calling
“And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”” – Genesis 21:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:1-7 When was the last time you really, really laughed? As Christians, we have every reason to laugh with deep seated joy because of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. […]| Reformed Perspective
“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.” – Genesis 19:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:12-38 Lot made it out of Sodom alive—but barely. He […]| Reformed Perspective
“Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” – Genesis 18:25 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 What becomes very clear from […]| Reformed Perspective
“Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.” – Genesis 18:22 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 In our passage today, we see that God is moving toward Sodom. We already know Abraham’s nephew Lot lives there with his family, and that Sodom is “an exceedingly wicked […]| Reformed Perspective
“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” – Genesis 18:19 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 Do you ever wonder […]| Reformed Perspective
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” – Genesis 18:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 One of the main purposes of God’s visit with Abraham and Sarah was to remind and assure them that the […]| Reformed Perspective
“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” – Genesis 18:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Our passage today records a very special meeting with very special guests. God shows up. Along with two angelic visitors, He comes to meet with Abraham, His friend. Without knowing […]| Reformed Perspective
“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life…” – 1 John 5:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:16-17; James 5:13-18 While there are a number of difficult issues to deal with in a passage like this, we will be focusing on […]| Reformed Perspective
“I realize that You guide each of Your children individually. That’s why listening to You— through Scripture and prayer— is essential for me to find the way forward. Please prepare me for the day that awaits me and point me in the right direction.” – Jesus Listens, October 22nd For the past twenty years, I’ve […]| Jesus Calling
“When I’m feeling weighed down by things I regret, it’s as if I’m dragging my failures around like heavy chains clamped to my ankles. At such times, I find it beneficial to picture You coming to my rescue and cutting off those chains. You came to set Your followers free, and I want to walk […]| Jesus Calling
“Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness.” – Jesus Calling, February […]| Jesus Calling
“I know there is a time for planning, but it’s definitely not all the time—or even most of it. I really want to live in the present, where Your beautiful Presence awaits me continually.” – Jesus Listens, September 27th We have such a hard time living in the moment. We’re so quick to move on […]| Jesus Calling
--- “I come to You, feeling weak and weary, seeking to rest in Your refreshing Presence. I know that You are always by my side, but … The post When You Feel Forgotten in Motherhood appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“I’ve discovered that the best way to make friends with my troubles is to thank You for them. This counterintuitive act opens my mind to … The post Being Thankful for the Hard & Holy appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Having a seeking heart opens me up to receive more of You. The Bible gives me clear instructions: Keep on asking and it will be … The post Trust Him with Open and Closed Doors appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Only in You can I find lasting Joy. There are many sources of happiness in this world, and sometimes they spill over into Joy— especially … The post When Love Spills Over appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Whenever I’m feeling inadequate or overwhelmed, I love being able to lean on You, Lord. You remind me that I am more than adequate when … The post The Art of Unplugging appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Today, the only things that seem endless are my problems and my pain. Yet I know You are here—tenderly present—ready to help me get safely … The post Wholehearted Love Amid Unbearable Pain appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
