Tag: character
Hold firm to the Word!
Scripture reading for October 8th: Titus 1, Psalm 51, Proverbs 16
Key Scriptures: Titus 1:5-9 “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–if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 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 instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
Paul wrote another letter to Titus, another one of his spiritual sons who was an elder that Paul had left in the church on the Island of Crete. He charged Titus to set the church in order by wisely appointing overseers who met the qualifications of character and faith in God’s Word. They must be able to teach and correct those under their charge. Their character would first be reflected in their own children and home life as well as their reputation in the community and church.
Faith Confession: I thank God for the opportunity to serve in His Church and be an overseer. I hold fast to His unchanging and trustworthy Word which enables me to give instruction and make correction of those who contradict it.
Psalm 51:12-13 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.”
Godly overseers!
Scripture reading for October 8th: Isaiah 32-34, Titus 1
Key Scriptures: Titus 1:7-9 “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 instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
As Paul wrote to Titus, another of his young understudy’s, he instructed him in the importance of character in those who lead in our Lord’s Church. Godliness, righteousness and faithfulness to God’s Word was a priority. The incarnation of Christ’s holy character in each minister through the filling of the Holy Spirit would give power and grace to be an effective and just leader.
Isaiah 32:1-2 “Behold, a King will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I rejoice in Your righteous and just rule as King of kings. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me for effective leadership. Let the water of life flow in my dry places and shelter me from life’s storms. Amen.