Here is a collection of some journal entries I would like to share with you.
Be Ready! Be Awake!
Titus 3:1, 14
"Remind the people...to be ready to do whatever is good"
"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"
Ready: in a suitable state for an activity, action or situation; fully prepared; made suitable and available for immediate use.
Paul challenges us to stand at attention in our faith and reminds us that there is never a time or place in which God is not working and unwilling to use us through common circumstances. Are we ready to be a witness of Christ whenever and wherever we're put? Will we be awake to the ministry of love?
Awake: regain consciousness, become aware of, come to a realization of
A life of prayer postures us into a mental state of constant submission to God. This is why Paul exhorts us to "pray without ceasing" since our mental default mode is a focus on self. Prayer causes us to be awake to God and His ongoing kingdom work. We must be constantly denying ourselves and asking for the mind and mission of Christ to be at our forethought.
"I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Tim 6:13-14
Often Paul will essentially remind Timothy not to "slack off" in his faith but to live with intentionality. There is a constant pull towards business-as-usual where we get caught up in religious practices rather than staying awake in the Spirit. Paul doesn't go easy on Timothy because, like us, he knows our proclivity towards "maintaining" and "relaxing" in our faith.
"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him" Titus 1:16
How many times do our actions and/or words suggest a "don't worry about it" or "I'll do it later" attitude? "Don't get sucked into these influences Timothy! Don't settle for cheap grace but be keenly aware of how you are living your life. Don't allow yourself to develop unhealthy habits but be consciously mindful of Christ's return."
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 2 Tim 2:15
Please keep me and the students of Briercrest in your prayers as it is exam week.
- Discipline
- Mental Aptitude
