One Bite at a Time

Daily Reading: Titus 2-3

Scripture Focus: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. (Titus 2.11-12)

Devotional Thought: As I reflected on this verse, my mind went to the late Mickey Marvin, former offensive guard for the world champion Oakland Raiders.  I was his pastor in Hendersonville, NC.  He liked to say, "Do you know how you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!"

Sometimes when I read verses in the Bible, I like to eat them one bite at a time!  Let's try it with Titus 2.11-12:

The grace of God ... Everything begins with God!  Thank him for his amazing grace which reaches you.

Has appeared ... God has not left us in the dark, nor has he left us alone.  He has revealed himself in his creation, in his Word, and in his Son.  Look around you and see the wonder of his love!

Bringing salvation ... Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.  Have you answered his call to be saved?

For all people ... No one is outside the reach of God's love and power to save.  "Whosoever will may come!"

Teaching us ... The Christian life is not a stagnant attainment.  It is an exciting journey of discovery and growth!

To renounce ... We are privileged to take initiative in the formation of our character.  Part of that is to turn away from ungodliness and worldly passions.

To live ...  We also have a positive role to play, saying yes to self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.  We get to choose our role model.  It is Jesus!

In this present age ... We don't have to wait until heaven to live like Jesus. "Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure" (1 John 3.3).

When you can't get the entire meaning of a passage, try eating it one bite at a time!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your grace that has appeared and teaches me.  Grant me strength to renounce sin and live holy in this present age.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.161-168

161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments.

167 My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.

168 I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.