Fight the Good Fight, Fight the Right Fight

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

1 Timothy 6:11-12 NIV

Recently I saw a commercial for a video game where someone yells, "Fight!" and people just start running to go see it. Then the scene shifts to the middle of town as one of the combatants strikes the decisive blow and everyone winces and groans, "OOHHHH!" It's kind of like we all need some cause to believe in and fight for. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight. 

Our fight is the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Think about the battle we are in even now. Here in the United States the politically correct crowd wants to intimidate people of faith into changing their beliefs to fit into modern politically correct dogma. If you believe what the Bible says about gender issues, sex, and marriage you (according to the PC crowd) are a bigot and living with morals from the dark ages. 

I am not fighting for a political cause, I am fighting to stand in and for the truth held in the Scriptures. That is the good fight, that is the right fight.

Advantage, Servant

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:13 NIV

When I first moved to the area I live in now I started to attend a church a friend of mine was attending. I got involved right away and started serving. I met people and began to develop some friendships with some of them. After about three or four months my friend said, "How is it that you have only been going here for a few months and you already know so many people and I hardly know anyone even though I have been coming for a few years?" 

If you want to get connected you have to get involved. It is very difficult to get to know people at your church if all you do is show up for church on Sunday and maybe a mid-week study. The larger the church the more so this holds true. Serving breaks the solitude. Being part of the church is different than just going to church. It is a matter of involvement and connection. 

The other "advantage" to serving is that your faith gets tested. If you start to serve, you will encounter trials you may not experience if you just go to church. Some of these trials can be a bit shocking if you are not prepared for it. Remember, God's plan is to strengthen you through the test and the enemy's desire is to destroy your faith by any means necessary. Maybe you will learn that God provides what you need. Perhaps you will see that God is faithful, even when you aren't as faithful as you think you should be. Or you may just learn that God chooses the weak and foolish to confound the wise. Whatever it is, the grace of serving results in great assurance for those who serve. 

Let Grace Have Its Effect

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

What is the effect of God's grace on you? Paul was who he was, zealous, obvious type A personality before he was saved and after he was saved. But, the direction of his life was completed changed. He went from persecuting the church to building it up. From denying Christ to defending him. 

You are who you are, by the grace of God. But, now you are redeemed. If you are a driven person, be driven for Christ. If you are a quite but thoughtful person, be quite but thoughtful for Christ. Be who you are, by the grace of God, but let God's grace effect you as you seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.  

My Prayer for You

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

GO TELL WHO?

Have you ever felt led to tell someone about Christ yet you just knew that they were going to be hostile? Imagine how "a disciple named Ananias" (see Acts chapter 9) from Damascus felt when the Lord told him to go to lay his hands on Saul from Tarsus to heal him? Ananias knew Saul was arresting Christians. Yet, God was sending him to Saul. 

Sometimes courage is obeying God even in the face of danger. Ananias had to have the faith to be courageous enough to face the person who was wrecking havoc on the early church. Saul represented the whole of the cultural and religious ruling class of the day. Obviously the early believers lived in fear and when they heard that Saul was in town and he was the last person they wanted to run into!

Ananias obeyed God and "went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength" (Acts 9:17-19). 

Ananias, overcame his fear by obeying the Lord. That is courage. That is faith. 

Father, help us to overcome our fear and act in faith, to be courageous in Christ! Praise be to you in us today! 

GO ALL IN! / Philemon 6

"I pray that you may be active in your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon 6

There is a difference between an observer and a participant. If you have ever played any kind of sport, you know what I am talking about. Being active in your faith is the only way you can see the good things God has for you. 

Many people say they are members of a church, yet, they don't really participate. Even though I attend a weekly men's study and try to be active in my group I feel there is a deeper level. Think about it. Going to church on a weekly basis doesn't really make you an active member, it just means you are a permanent visitor. The deeper the investment the greater the experience. 

Christianity is more than just going to church and evangelism (both of which are necessary). Christianity encompasses all our lives. From home to work, Christ reigns. Faith is to be active in every part of our lives. I had a youth pastor once who was a drywall contractor. He said, "There is no Jesus in the kingdom of drywall." He learned, there is. Christ must reign in every area of our lives. Seeking Christ in every area of our lives allows us to see Christ in every area of our lives.

Father, help us to seek you in every area of our lives. Praise be to you in us today!

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN? / Titus 3:14

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." Titus 3:14

If being good was easy, the whole world would be a different place. But, that pesky sinful nature, just doesn't want to go away. And, truth be told, to some extent, behavior is learned. That is why, Paul reminds Titus to teach the people to do good and he mentions it twice here at the end of the letter (3:8, & 14). 

Another way of saying this would be to be in the habit of setting in place the right or best things to do. When you are devoted to something, you make time for it. My neighbor is definitely a devoted Dodger fan. I know this because every time there is a Dodger game I can hear him cheering (then I check my ESPN app  and see that the Dodger just scored). The point is that he plans and makes time to watch the games. In the same way we should think about good works; plan them out, and execute them. 

Right now, think of one good work you can do today. Plan it and do it. 

* I would love to hear what you come up with. Please write it in the comments section below. Then come back and let us know how it went. 

Spirit of the living God, give us wisdom to plan and do good works. Praise be to you in us today!

WILL LEARN VS WON'T LEARN: Titus 3:5-7

"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5b-7

Did you notice that everything in those verses is what God does? All we do is receive and reap the benefits. Now, there is a process that we are active recipients in. Yes, he saves us. Yes, he washes us through rebirth. Yes, he renews us by the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But, we must let God do those things in our lives. 

For the last couple of years I have been working with middle school students who struggle with their English language skills. What it usually boils down to is those who "will do" and those who "won't do". If a student will give any kind of effort they will learn something. But, if they choose not to learn there isn't much I can do. I can work with them one-on-one, set up individualized software programs, and allow them extra time, but, if they choose to not learn, they won't.

Isn't that how we are with God working in our lives? God speaks to us in ways that only we could understand, sets up individualized learning experiences (trials), and even patiently allows us extra time to learn. And yet... The point is that God is not done with you. God is still patiently teaching you that he loves you and is sovereignly in control of your life. There is hope. 

Father, help us to learn the lessons you put before us. Open our eyes to see your gracious, sovereign hand in our lives. Praise be to you in us today!

Paula Deen, Hate and Mercy / Titus 3:4-5

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous thing we had done, but because of his mercy." Titus 3:4-5a

The Apostle Paul knew all about hate. He went from house to house to persecute the church.  But the kindness and love of God appeared to him. Saul was changed to Paul. 

Think back in your life. Remember what God in Christ has saved you from. I am always struck by the amount of hate I see in the world today. And there is no mercy, no grace. Think of Paula Deen, the now ex Food Network host. Years ago she used a racial slur. There is no grace for Paula Deen from the world. There is forgiveness, mercy and grace from Christ.

But, that is not how God works. God sent Jesus Christ to die for ALL our sins. It is not about our righteous deeds, because they are but filthy rags in his eyes (the only eyes that matter), it is about his mercy. There is mercy for me and you. 

So stop and take stock. Are you living more like before you gave your life to Christ? Maybe you have never given your life to Christ? Is hate, malice and envy controlling you and dominating your thoughts? Maybe it's time to get some mercy. Maybe it's time to share some mercy and grace. 

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace toward us! Help us to live in your mercy and give your mercy to those around us. Praise be to you in us today!

TODAY IN 1555 / Titus 3:1-3

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:1-3

On July 1, 1555, John Bradford was martyred in England. While in prison he watched others being taken to be executed and said, "There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford." The phrase has become, "There, but for the grace of God, go I". I remember hearing it from my grandmother if there was someone who was poor or had a problem. It was always presented in a way that made me remember that I have and I am only what I have an am by the grace of God.  

In I Corinthians 1:26-29 Paul reminds us, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised thing - and the things that are not - to nullify the thing that are, so that no may boast before him." 

The to do is very simple. Approach everyone else with humility, remembering that, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." 

Father, thank you for your grace to us. Praise be to you in and through us today!

ARE YOU READY? / Titus 3:1

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good." Titus 3:1

In sports there is the "ready position". You know, feet just a little more than shoulder width apart, knees bent, hands out, and ready to move which ever way is necessary to make the play. Spiritually speaking we need to be ready to make whatever play the Spirit of God puts before us. 

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

In I Peter 3:15 the Apostle says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 

Maybe this is why the saying, "What would Jesus do?" came about. I think that is always a good "stance" or mindset to be in. 

SIMPLE GODLINESS/ Titus 2:11-13

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. I teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of Christ." Titus 2:11-13

One of the great blessing of my life was being able to attend Capernwray Bible School in England for a year. So, while studying the Bible I was able to see a little bit of Europe. There was something that tourists, particularly Americans, did. Americans tend to walk with their heads up. The Europeans told me we were cocky because of that. I laughed and explained that we were not be arrogant, we were just looking at all the amazing architecture. But, you see, when you walk uprightly it is generally perceived as confidence. 

What does someone do when they know they did something wrong and asked? If they have a conscience, they bow their head. I once asked a teacher if they had said something to a student. He bowed his head and said, "Yes. Yes, I did. It will never happen again".

The idea of living an upright and godly life is that when we seek to love others as Christ loved us we can rest in the assurance that we did the right thing. Mark Twain said, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."  

In I John 2:10 reminds us, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble." Love as Christ loves you. 

Father, teach us to say "No" to ungodliness and "Yes" to godliness. Spirit of God, reign in us. Praise be to you in us today.  

GRACE & SELF-CONTROL/ Titus 2:11-14

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us  to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14

Self-control is a lifelong lesson. It is life long because although everyday is connected to the past and bridges to the future, it is new and unique unto itself. Today I will encounter circumstances, situations and people that will be opportunities to experience God and to seek to be godly. 

How does the grace of God that brings salvation tie into this moment? 

How does the grace of God affect the way I respond to each person and each situation and circumstance?

Father, teach us to say "No" and abide in you. Praise be to you in us today!

REPRESENT!/Titus 2:10

"and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." 

Titus 2:10

I have always been pretty upfront about my Christianity. Some people don't like that. But, whether they like it or not I don't want them using my life as an excuse not to believe in God. Only one or two of the people I have worked under have been Christians. I am sure that for most people it is the same. Since there is a spiritual battle always gone on, whether or see it or not, we need to remember that we represent Christ.

It is up to God to deal with peoples' hearts. There will be people who will find fault in you no matter what you do. But, that is because within themselves they are fighting against the Spirit of God and they can't admit God works in anyone in any way or else they will have to consider Christ. Every faithful moment of working as unto Christ is a testimony to those who don't believe. 

Father, make our lives attractive advertisements of your gospel to those who don't believe. Use us to build your kingdom. Praise be to you in us today! 

SERIOUSLY THOUGH.../ Titus 2:7-8

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Titus 2:7-8

When I was just out of high school I attended Calvary Chapel's Bible School. It was at that time a very intense one semester course. Most of the teachers were in their mid to late twenties. At one point they kind of got into an unofficial competition of who could tell the best joke to "introduce" a lesson. At one point one of them got convicted because it became a distraction and took away from focusing on what they were supposed to be teaching and then  all became a bit more serious. Humor is a good, God given gift, but, it should not become the focus rather than the truth of the gospel. 

In my life I am concerned as a husband, father, coach and Scout parent/leader that my life shows integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech. What I say, how I say things and how I follow through with what I say is a direct reflection on my faith because my faith is shown by what I do. I can not tell my wife I love her yet be with someone else. I can not say I love my children yet give all my attention and time to other things. I, by faith, through the grace and power of Christ,  seek to live for Christ. 

We can with the Apostle Paul can be, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Father, thank you that you are always faithful, even when we fall short. Strengthen us to live with integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech. Praise be to you in us today!

ACTIONS TEACH: Titus 2:7-8

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." 

Titus 2:7-8

One thing about teaching kids is that they pretty much know if you actually care or not. They aren't afraid to tell you either. I think that what is truly in your heart comes out in your actions. You can hold your tongue or sort of control what comes out of your mouth and you can even be very deliberate with what you do, but, the attitude with which you do things often unveils your heart.

You know, your wife and kids know you too. They see you when you are at your best and worst, ready or not. Since our actions speak louder than words we "say" a lot more than we speak. They needs to be a sameness to what we say and do.

What we are supposed to teach is godliness. That can only be done if we are reading the Bible and trying to live by faith. We aren't talking about perfection, we are talking about faith. Faith trusts God for mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Faith looks to God to provide for our daily bread. Those daily acts of faith set the example and demonstrate with integrity godliness in action.

Father, help us to live by faith and to be examples of integrity and faith. Praise be to you in us today!

GUESS WHAT? YOU'RE AN EXAMPLE: Titus 2:7-8

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." 
Titus 2:7-8

Sometimes the family will be watching something on TV and I will check the scores on my phone or my e-mail. My son will drift over and check to see if I am playing Angry Birds or Super Stickman Golf (and if I am he'll ask if he can play). The deal is that I am always being an example of something. Even if I am just relaxing, I am being an example  of how to relax. "Always being an example by doing what is good."

If your children have been involved in sports than I am sure you have seen the one parent who is out of control, verbally. Now, I can be very loud and shall we say "expressive", but, I still need to be godly, even watching sports. "Always being an example by doing what is good." I remember once when my daughter was pretty young and we were watching the Lakers in the playoffs. I think Shaq was loafing on a play so I yelled something at the TV and my daughter parroted me, yelling exactly what I yelled. I didn't cuss, but, it wasn't necessarily appropriate language for a three year old. "Always being an example by doing what is good."  

You know, I just pray that my actions are just naturally godly so that no matter what I'm doing, my children will be able to follow my example. That is why I need to seek Christ everyday. "Always being an example by doing what is good."

Father, make us and mold us into the image of Jesus Christ. May our faith in you produce daily living that glorifies you. Praise be to you in us today!

SELF CONTROL: Titus 2:6

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled." 
Titus 2:6 

If there is one thing our culture does not teach young men to be it is self-controlled. I have been dealing with middle school students for about the last eight years as an educator. So many of these boys are lacking a father figure, or at least one of any substance. Quite often the ones that I have been the strictest with, end up wanting to hang around after class. I think it has to do with I always take time to explain why I discipline them and why I won't allow them to act certain ways. 

When the Apostle Paul tells Titus to "encourage" young men he uses the word "parakaleo" which has to do with calling to one's side, admonishing, exhorting and encouraging. I get the picture of mentoring. I have three men who really mentored me when I was in High School and entering college. My wrestling coach, my youth pastor and the principal of Capernwray Bible School in England. My coach encouraged me to focus my efforts and not give up. My pastor and principal taught me to focus on Christ and bring myself under his control. None, told me it would be easy. They each just told me to do it. 

I think that's the point, just give yourself to Christ and live for him. Live under his reign. He is able to bring you through. Just follow.

Father, help us to live under the control of Christ. Thank you that you help us serve you, not our emotions or desires. Praise be to you in us today!

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENDURE: Titus 2:2

"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2

When I first gave my life to Christ I felt such a dramatic turn around within myself I kind of thought that if God continued to work as much as he did that first few years, that in about five or so he would have to take me home. I was young. I obviously didn't really get the depths at which God can work in our lives. I eventually realized that God had a lot to work on within me and following Christ was going to involve some patient endurance. 

I attend a men's study on Wednesday mornings. A friend shared that a battle he was having was his marriage was in shambles. You know, there has been times when I felt the same way. We made it through, but it really was a struggle for a while even though I believe we were both trying to seek God. Patient endurance can only be learned by going through something that requires patient endurance. My only hope was that somehow God would reign where I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually a light came into view. The only thing I could do was trust God and try to love my wife like Christ loved me, even though I apparently wasn't doing to that too well. 

The bottom line is that Christ patiently deals with me with his enduring love. And I am to love others with that same patient endurance. Life will present us with opportunities, we just trust God and try to love others like Christ loves us.

Father, help us to keep our faith fixed on you. Open our eyes to see your love in our lives. Help us to love as you have loved us. Praise be to you in us today!