Personal Devotions
Notes from Mark's personal Bible reading and meditation
With a goal to apply one truth from each day's reading to my life that day
Nov 3, 2024, 1:18 AM
Passage Read: Titus 3 - Philemon 1
Meditation Verses: Titus 3:1-3
Thought
The reason Paul gives for his command to be obedient to authorities and kind and considerate to all people is because we also once walked in the sinful lusts of the flesh and the bitterness and malice that comes from it. We once were foolish and disobedient, enslaved to evil desires, spending our days in hatred of everyone. We know what that's like; we understand why others treat us and everyone else badly.
Nov 2, 2024, 2:20 AM
Passage Read: Titus 1-2
Meditation Verse: 2:15
Thought
The servant of God is called to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine, so that those who listen to him will not be people who claim to know God but deny Him by their actions. These things that Paul has recorded in this chapter, specific instructions for older men and older women, younger men and younger women, slaves and teachers like himself, these things he is supposed to require of the people who claim to believe in God.
Oct 15, 2023, 2:12 AM
Passage Read: Titus 3 - Philemon 1
Meditation Verse: Titus 3:14
Thought
Paul wants all believers to be devoted to doing what is good, which includes providing for their own daily necessities and being productive. He doesn't say that they should work to get rich or be devoted to providing for themselves. He wants them to live productive lives, which certainly includes being productive in their work, so that they can provide for their necessities.
Oct 15, 2022, 7:49 AM
Passage Read: Titus 3 - Philemon 1
Meditation Verses: Titus 3:1-2
Thought
The believer should be known for their humility, respectfulness and meekness. Paul tells Titus to remind every believer to be submissive to authorities, obedient, ready to do whatever good, to speak evil of no one and not to be quarrelsome, but forbearing and meek. We're supposed to honor all men in humility and meekness, to put up with those who are tiresome rather than argue with others.
Oct 14, 2022, 7:50 AM
Passage Read: Titus 1-2
Meditation Verse: 2:15
Thought
Wow! "Let no one despise you." Paul gives Titus the command to teach and exhort and convict with all authority the things he had just told him. He is supposed to find men who are submissive to the Word and not quarrelsome, and he's supposed to teach the same, without letting anyone despise him. What happens if people do ignore him? What should he do? You can't force people to obey who refuse to obey, Paul knew that.