Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3, Psalms 100, Proverbs 26:18-19

What God said to me – Paul told Titus to be an example of good deeds, but he was careful to tell him that I saved them not on the basis of deeds – even the ones they did in righteousness – but it was according to My mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing by the Holy Spirit whom I poured out on them so they would be justified by My grace.  The same is true for you – you were not saved because of the good deeds you did, and you don’t keep your salvation because of the good deeds you do.  When I saved you, I purified you and made you zealous for good deeds.  Make no mistake about it – there are no “secret” Christians.  Your behavior and speech and demeanor and attitude should be beyond reproach and the fact that you are My child should be obvious because your walk is so different from the world.  My people will engage in good deed as they walk in obedience to Me.  So, look for opportunities to meet pressing needs and to encourage and comfort those around you.  My kindness appeared to you in the form of My Son.  Let your kindness appear to those around you because of My Son in you.

Jeremiah 51:1-53, Titus 2, Psalms 99:1-9, Proverbs 26:17

What God said to me – It is so easy to blame our bad behavior on anything and everything but ourselves – I can’t control my temper because I’m redheaded – I’m lazy because I was the baby of the family and everyone did everything for me, and on and on.  However, My children were not saved to continue to walk in their old way of life.  My Son gave Himself to redeem you from every lawless deed and to purify you and to sanctify you.  You must stop using your past, the way you were raised, your personality or anything else to excuse your sin and dictate the way you behave.  I have called you to walk in a manner worthy of your calling by denying ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly.  You must be an example of good deeds and purity and speech that is beyond reproach so you can unashamedly stand and minister as I direct.  In sports you miss when you fail to keep your eye on the ball.  In life you must keep your eye on Me.

Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1, Psalms 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16

What God said to me – You live in a world where many people profess to know Me but by their deeds, by their language, by their attitudes, they deny Me.  This was true of the people of Crete where Paul left Titus to build up the church.  Because of the corrupt society Paul gave Titus very explicit instructions concerning the qualifications of overseers who were called to shepherd the church.  However, what I want you to understand is that many of the things I required of church leaders, I also require of you.  In this godless society you must be above reproach – in your behavior – in your language – in your attitudes – in your service.  Each one of My children is My steward.  You are a steward of the gospel, responsible to share it in truth, not watered down to make it more palatable.  You must hold fast to My word so you will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.  At all times you must be steadfast and walk in a manner worthy of your calling.