Tuesday, November 5, 2024

November 5th - How Sad!

When Knox my grandson was younger, he used to say “how sad” when he didn’t get his way. We adults sometimes do the same. God has said…

"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities; to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to speak bad about no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all humanity..." (Titus 3:1-2)

Being "subject to ruers' of course applies to our political leaders - to which I often think “ how sad!” To subject myself to bad leaders I must remind myself ...

...we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.  But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for humanity appeared, He saved us..." (Titus 3:3-5)

The realization that it was the "kindness" of God that saved me is the only thing that keeps me from hating those I deem to be ungodly leaders. And reminding myself that the kindness of God has everything to do with His "mercy" and "grace", and nothing to do with my perception a ruler's unrighteousness...

...not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:5-7)

God has poured out His grace and mercy on humanity through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior so that humanity is "justified by His grace" and has a confident expectation ("hope") of "eternal  life"

Unfortunately, the salvation and justification of humanity is the best kept secret in the world because most of its rulers (political and religious) are ignorant of it. Yet it is "trustworthy" and the knowledge of it should motivate people to do "good deeds" (good deeds in the bible refers to things done for each other without expectation of anything in return - the biblical definition of agape love).

...This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for humanity. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned." (Titus 3:8-11)

Instead of uniting our world under the gospel of God, our world continues to be divided by various political and religious rulers who reject and condemn the other groups - causing wars and rumors of wars. 

“How sad!”

December 22nd - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

“He’s making a list and checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice...you better watch out, you better not cry, you better ...