Yes and No

Daily Reading:  Titus 2-3

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: Paul, the greatest theologian of the church, gets very practical in his letters, too.  He reminded Titus that grace has appeared so that we might live differently, not just think differently.  Saved by grace, we respond with gratitude, saying no to sin and yes to righteousness.

• Saying no is not very popular.  Politicians will not say no – so we are 20 trillion dollars in debt as a nation.  Parents will not say no – so their children are spoiled and entitled.  Husbands and wives will not say no – so homes are torn apart and ruined by pornography and unfaithfulness.  Addicts will not say no – so their lives are caught in a downward spiral of destruction and despair.  “No” may not be popular, but we need a lot more of it, don’t we?  Where can we find it?  In the grace of God that brings salvation!  God can give us the power to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions!

• But, we also are blessed with the power to say yes!  Because he says yes to us, we can say yes to self-control, yes to good moral living, yes to spiritual values and foundations.  As you go through this day, say yes to the good things that confront you.  Say yes to those opportunities to show patience and love.  Say yes to joy and hope.  Say yes to moral living and pure thinking.  Say yes to generosity and forgiveness.  Say yes to extra effort and steadfast commitment.  Say yes to kindness and respect.  Yes…  That little word will change your life!  It will change the lives of those around you.  “Yes” is a very powerful word!  Say it by God’s grace!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that in you all the promises of God are "Yes!"  Help me to say yes to you, living self-controlled, upright and godly in this present age.  Also, help me to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:65-72

65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.

69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;

70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.