Titus 2:15 The verse says, “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Titus was a pastor of the early church in Crete and this is what Paul wrote to him. He is telling him what part of a pastor’s job is. It feels strange writing a devotional on … More Daily Devotional for 19 August 2020 – Titus 2v15
Titus 2:14 Over the last few days, we’ve looked at God’s transforming grace. The grace of God has appeared (verse 11), which sets us free to live godly (verse 12) and to look forward with certainty to Christ’s coming (verse 13) and to have the privilege of belonging to His own people (verse 14). Such … More Daily Devotional for 18 August 2020 – Titus 2v14 part 2
After one of our services yesterday, in which I preached about Biblical meditation, I was asked about a difficult passage in the Bible – how do I meditate on that, or should I find something different? Here is the passage – Ezekiel 8. It is about worship (false worship). So our meditation can reflect on … More Meditating on difficult passages of scripture
Titus 2:14 Over the last few days, we have been looking at why God calls us to “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:12). So far we’ve seen that our godly living adorns the gospel (v10) and it is the sign that we are waiting for His coming (v13). Today’s … More Daily Devotional for 17 August 2020 – Titus 2v14
Today’s message is the second in the new series on the Book of Psalms (and also the second message on Psalm 1). Biblical meditation is has been largely lost to evangelical and reformed churches but, to our puritan forebears, it was essential for Christian maturity. For much of the inspiration for this message, I am … More Psalms series message 2 – Psalm 1:2-3 – Biblical meditation: nourishment for growth
Titus 2:13 When I waited for my interview to be pastor of Lansdowne, I prepared, I got ready by thinking of the answers to questions I might be asked. I was actively preparing, not just sitting around. So it is with the coming of Christ. Today’s verse says: “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing … More Daily Devotional for 16 August 2020 – Titus 2v13
Titus 2:10 Why does God call us to “self-controlled, upright and godly lives” (Titus 2:12, yesterday’s verse)? One reason is found in the previous verses, summarised by verse 10: “…so that in everything [you] may adorn the doctrine of our God and Saviour.” The “doctrine (or teaching) of our God and Saviour” is the gospel. … More Daily Devotional for 15 August 2020 – Titus 2v10
Titus 2:12 Two days ago we looked at 2 Timothy 1:7- “For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Today’s verse shows the effect of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life and the purpose of God’s grace to us in Christ (Titus 2:11). God’s salvation leads to changed … More Daily Devotional for 14 August 2020 – Titus 2v12
Titus 2:11 This passage (which continues to verse 14) is a glorious declaration of what God has done to save us and to change all who believe in Christ. “The grace of God has appeared…” Our salvation is by grace alone. God comes to us with undeserved kindness. In fact, grace is more than undeserved; … More Daily Devotional for 13 August 2020 – Titus 2v11
2 Timothy 1:7 Yesterday we looked at the first part of this verse: “For God gave as a spirit not of fear…” The rest of the verse looks at the positive. What does the Christian have through the work of the Holy Spirit? “Power.” You were born again by His power. You have that inner … More Daily Devotional for 12 August 2020 – 1 Timothy 1v7 part 2
The best is yet to come 