Last night was the last softball game of the season and though we played well, we did not make the win; thus ending our presence in the playoffs. But boy did we have fun this season! We had a great group of men and women on the team and throughout each and every game there were shouts of encouragement, cheers for each little victory or impressive play – regardless of what team benefitted, and laughter, lots of laughter.
Last night, after the game both teams met at home plate for a short devotion and prayer and our pastor had the opportunity to share scripture and encourage each of us in our daily lives. The scripture he read was Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods’ will is. His good, pleasing and perfect will.
The interesting thing about the way God works is that He has a way of tying things together in order to make it easier for me to hear His voice. On this particular night the verse that our pastor read, though I have heard it hundreds of times, resonated in a new way and brought up a connection between what Paul is saying to the Romans and the message that he wrote to the churches in Crete in the book of Titus. A message that is one in the same.
As I have been studying Titus these past few days, it has struck me how often this little book is overlooked. It seems to get lost in the other 65 books of the Bible, perhaps because it is a short three chapter letter. I don’t know but my goodness it is chalk full of guidance and instruction for believers. Guidance that is applicable to every situation.
In Titus 2 Paul give instruction on how to live upright lives, both inside and outside the church. He encourages us to be self-controlled, pure, temperate, kind, and worthy of respect. He talks about the importance of living with integrity, and being trustworthy. And just as he did in Romans, he reminds us to say no to ungodliness [do not be conformed to this world] and to live upright lives. Not just so we can be an example to others but so we are more open to seeking His will in our lives.
When we allow God to be the leader in our lives, and seek His instruction. Saying no to ungodliness and worldly passions not only becomes easier, but it becomes our desire. Yes we will be tempted because that is how Satan ensnares us, but when we walk uprightly our hopes and our passions will be for the Lord and seeking His will, and in that our security is found.
As I refocus again and intentionally seek God’s will for my life, it is my desire to lean on the truths and teachings in Scripture and allow each and every step to be led by Lord.