praying effectively: Engage in Good Deeds (Titus 3:1-8, 14)

(Titus 3:1-8)  Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

(Titus 3:14)  Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are respectful, subject to rulers, and those in authority (3:1)

- that we are to not malign anyone (3:2)

- that we are obedient (3:1)

- that we are peaceable (3:2)

- that we are gentle (3:2)

- that we are are considerate to everyone (3:2)

- that we are to speak confidently about the gospel message (3:8)

- that we are to encourage other believers with God's words so that they are inspired to serve God and others (3:8)

- that we are to learn how to serve, where we should (3:14)

- that we are ready to do good deeds, all the time, at a moment's notice (3:1)

- that we are to prioritize our serving and attend to things that are really needed in that moment (3:14)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sovereignty.  May we highly respect You and Your word, because You are over all.  May we desire to be obedient to You and serve You with a motive of love and gratefulness, with the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.  May we respect and obey those who are in authority over us.  Guide us in seeking a peaceful life.

Thank You for what You have done for us on the cross.  May we be confident and excited to share that good news with anyone, wherever and whenever You provide an opportunity.  And when You give us an opportunity to serve, strengthen and equip us for that task, and give us the motivation, because this does not come naturally for us.  Help us to not use excuses to avoid serving, but change us from the inside out.  

May we put our spiritual gifts from You to good use.  And may our service be done with pure motives, because ultimately it is about You and doing things to Your glory!  Amen.