Category Archives: Titus

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,

Titus 2:11-12

Dear God, I had an interesting thing happen yesterday. A friend told me that he believes in “God,” but has no reason to believe in Jesus. It all just seems to fantastical for him—virgin birth, resurrection, miracles in between. I was so caught off guard that I didn’t give nearly as good of a response as I wish I had. I’m sorry for that.

Back to this passage, help me to continue to turn from the things that are godless and sinful, and towards the things that are of you. Help me to be righteous, wise, and devoted to you. Help me to let go of my fears and be at peace. Help me to completely let go of my own agendas and plans for the future and embrace you in each present moment.

Father, I guess this is a pretty simple prayer today, but it’s also a back to basics. Love God. Hate sin. Repent. Disciple. Serve. Help me to believe enough to do all of these things.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

Titus 2:2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Dear God, first, I’m not sure I’ve ever read this before and considered myself one of the “older men.” I usually identify with the young men in verse six, but I guess we all get older. I’m now realizing that in a church, or even humanity, I am on the older side of the equation. But enough about me and my age.

These instructions are very broad for older men. There are a number of areas in which I should exercise self-control. There are a number of areas to which I need to pay attention so that I can be worthy of respect. And living wisely is about as broad as it gets. But I think that what will drive adherence to these commands is to have a sound faith and couple the faith with love and patience. I need to pursue you. I need to be filled with love and patience for others. But I also need to not let myself be distracted from my highest calling which is to first do all of these things for my wife. She needs to see self control. I need to be worthy of her respect. She needs to see my living wisely. If my faith is sound then it will bless her. And being filled with love and patience for her will be the blessing that you want for her and make her more likely to be filled with love and patience for me.

Father, help me to be the man you need me to be today. I’m going to spend a lot of time with a former mentor who has lived the life of Job more than anyone I’ve ever known. Help me to be what he needs today. Help me to be what my immediate and extended family needs. Most of all, help me to be a good worshiper of you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen