Scripture references: Titus 3:1-8:

     "1 Put them in mind [remind quietly, bring to
     remembrance] to be subject to principalities
     and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready
     to every good work,

     2 To speak evil of no man, [villify, defame,
     revile, speak impiously] to be no brawlers,
     [be peaceable] but gentle, [appropriate, mild,
     patient, moderate] shewing all meekness
     [gentleness, humility] unto all men."

Yesterday we looked briefly at why we need to be ready: Jesus
Christ will return sooner than we think. Will the Lord find us as
faithful stewards? Today, we will focus on being ready to do
every good work.

We have spent sufficient time living in carnality and by our five
senses. We have had enough time living dead in trespasses and sin.
Why do we want to return to the mire from which we were saved?
God so loved us with such a great love, that He gave His only
begotten Son for us, that we may not perish, but have everlasting life.
We live for Him, not to become righteous, but we live for Him in
thanksgiving and praise for all the wonderful things He has done for
us. We live for God so that He is glorified. We do the good works
and we are careful to maintain them, so our lives profit mankind.
We are known by the fruit produced in our lives.

Does the way we conduct ourselves glorify God, and act as a testimony
of God's deliverance from darkness? Being ready to do every good work
indicates we are in fellowship with God continually.

     3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish,
     [unintelligent, by implication sensual, unwise]
     disobedient, deceived, [roaming, going astray]
     serving [in bondage to]divers lusts and pleasures,
     living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

     4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour
     toward man appeared,

     5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
     but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing
     of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

     6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ
     our Saviour;

     7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made
     heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

     8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou
     affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God
     might be careful to maintain good works. These things are
     good and profitable unto men.

Let this be a gentle reminder for us all: be ready, be prepared to work
every good work. Be careful to maintain them. Take heed to your way.
God wants to be glorified in you and wants your life to be profitable to men.

May we be ready always. Amen.

-Carol Kenreigh

Please mail comments to kenreigh@bww.com

c.Carol Kenreigh, 2001. All rights reserved.
GWD Logo, above, contributed by Charlie Darnell