For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:11-13 (CSB)
Lord Jesus, Your words ring in my heart this morning – “If anyone wants to follow me they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).” As I start this week off, I must be honest that the lure of the workweek before me is to acquire more that I might have rest as this world defines it. Why else would lotteries and casinos flourish in the land! Yet, Your Holy Spirit is speaking to my soul this morning reminding me what this striving that I call life is truly for: that I might realize the blessed hope of my soul, the appearing of the glory of my great God and Savior, YOU! All that this world has to offer waxes pale when I compare it to the joy that shall be mine when I see You in all of Your glory!
I thank You today that I have been set apart by You to be Yours. I thank You that You have set Your seal upon me, given me a new name known only to You, and written it down in Your Book of Life. I thank You for removing the sin shackles and filling me with Your Holy Spirit, enabling me to deny godlessness and worldly lusts. Through His work in me I can live a sensible, righteous and godly life, one that resists sin and seeks Your face. I thank You that You have purchased me with Your blood and set me apart, not because I did anything good but because You love me. Lord I thank You!
Help me today to live my life in a manner that honors You and Your sacrifice for me. As I lift You up, and the Father and the Holy Spirit, let my praise and worship be pleasing in Your sight. Use me as You see fit, pouring my life into the lives of those around me. And help me be a living testimony to Your goodness and mercy that the world might see You in me and worship You. Amen.