Tag Archives: God’s Love

10/6/12

Titus 3 Paul Instructs Titus

Titus 3

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Saved in Order to Do Good

 

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

 

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

 

 

Final Remarks

 

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

 

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

 

Grace be with you all.

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Titus 3:1 : Ro 13:1; 1Pe 2:13, 14
  2. Titus 3:1 : S 2Ti 2:21; S Tit 2:14
  3. Titus 3:2 : Eph 4:31
  4. Titus 3:3 : S Eph 2:2
  5. Titus 3:4 : Eph 2:7
  6. Titus 3:4 : S Lk 1:47
  7. Titus 3:4 : Tit 2:11
  8. Titus 3:5 : S Ro 11:14
  9. Titus 3:5 : S Eph 2:9
  10. Titus 3:5 : 1Pe 1:3
  11. Titus 3:5 : S Ac 22:16
  12. Titus 3:5 : Ro 12:2
  13. Titus 3:6 : S Ro 5:5
  14. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 3:24
  15. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 8:17
  16. Titus 3:7 : Ro 8:24
  17. Titus 3:7 : S Mt 25:46; Tit 1:2
  18. Titus 3:8 : S 1Ti 1:15
  19. Titus 3:8 : S Tit 2:14
  20. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:16
  21. Titus 3:9 : S 2Ti 2:14
  22. Titus 3:9 : Tit 1:10-16
  23. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:14
  24. Titus 3:10 : S Ro 16:17
  25. Titus 3:12 : S Ac 20:4
  26. Titus 3:12 : 2Ti 4:9, 21
  27. Titus 3:13 : S Ac 18:24
  28. Titus 3:14 : S Tit 2:14
  29. Titus 3:15 : 1Ti 1:2
  30. Titus 3:15 : S Col 4:18

 

 

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

04/24/12

April 14th, 2012 To Be A Butterfly by An Anonymous Christian

TO BE A BUTTERFLY

 

I said to the LORD, “LORD, let me be a butterfly so fine and free.

Let my heart take wings, And without a care,

Let me spread enjoyment everywhere!” 

“My child, said the Lord,

It’s up to you,

Are you willing to trust me, Like the butterflies do?”

“Yes, Lord, I trust you!” was my glib reply-

“How much could it cost to be a butterfly?”

 

“Fine, said the Lord, let’s get on with it then,

First you must die–

That’s how we’ll begin!” 

My heart skipped a beat, And my stomach grew tight,

As I said to the Lord, “Did I hear you right?”

 “My child, ” said the Lord, Surely you know–

The worm has to die, So beauty can grow.’ 

“It’s not easy,that’s true, But my way is best,

And I”ll be beside you All through your test.’

 

Then the Lord took his finger And touched my heart,

And began to probe Each secret part. 

Unforgiveness, Anger, Selfishness, too, All had to go

 if I would be new! 

“i’m sorry,” I cried, “Please help me to die.

I do so want to be Your butterfly.” 

“I love you, Jesus, ” Was all I could say,

“Come into my heart, Make it yours today!.” 

Whatever it takes Lord, I’m ready now,

Your servant is waiting, Just show me how!”

 

“My child, ” said the Lord, You’ve already begun,

And we’ll continue the work, Till the job is done.” 

“Little by Little, Each day you’ll die,

But you’ll live again As my butterfly!’ 

 

Anonymous

 

This beautiful poem speaks of transformation and change–but of a good variety. As we think back on the time of our conversion we realize that, yes, it is similar to the journey of the butterfly. We die to our old selves and become new in Christ. What a marvelous mystery is ours to enjoy throughout eternity.

 

 Picture credit: yahoo images

Rev. Charlene W. Kirst

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