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DEAR GOD: May I Always Journey With You & For You~

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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Or RCIA – Journey in Faith - St ...

The Journey of Being a Good Christian

Opening Scripture: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” —Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

The Upside of Being a Good Christian

Being a good Christian brings an abundance of joy and fulfillment. The knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by God and that we are part of His eternal plan provides a sense of peace and purpose that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We find joy in serving others, knowing that our actions reflect the love of Christ (Galatians 5:13). The fellowship we share with other believers strengthens our faith and creates a supportive community that uplifts us in times of need (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The Challenging Sides

However, the Christian Walk is not without its challenges. Jesus warned us that we would face trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33). Standing firm in our faith often requires us to go against the grain of society and face opposition or ridicule. The commitment to live a life that honors God can be difficult, especially when we are tempted by worldly desires (1 John 2:15-17). Yet, it is in these moments of struggle that our faith is refined and strengthened.

The Frustrating Sides

Frustration can arise when we see the brokenness of the world and the suffering of those without faith. We may feel helpless as we witness injustice, pain, and the rejection of God’s truth. It’s disheartening to see others searching for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places, unaware of the hope and salvation found in Christ (Romans 1:21-23). In these times, we must remember to lean on God’s strength and trust in His sovereign plan.

The Struggles and Difficulties Facing Those with No Belief

For those without belief, the journey can be even more daunting. Life can feel directionless, and the weight of the world’s troubles can be overwhelming without the anchor of faith. The search for identity and purpose often leads to disappointment and disillusionment. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the darkness, offering hope and guidance to those who are lost (Matthew 5:14-16).

Conducting Ourselves with Grace and Love

Through it all, we must conduct ourselves with grace and love, embodying the teachings of Christ. We are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). By displaying the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we can make a positive impact on the world around us (Galatians 5:22-23).

A Small Poem

In the light of His love, we stand,
Guided by His gentle hand.
Through trials and joy, we find our way,
with faith and hope, we kneel and pray.

Closing Scripture

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Prayer

“LORD-Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your love and grace. Help us to live each day as good Christians, reflecting Your love in all that we do. Strengthen us in times of challenge and frustration and guide us to be a beacon of hope for those who are lost. May we always conduct ourselves with grace, embodying the teachings of Christ. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

God Bless You All~

 

Journey to Faith - KCM Europe

DEAR GOD: May We Embrace Your Grace In This Current World~

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For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” -Titus 2:11-12

The passage from Titus 2:11-12 speaks profoundly to the nature of God’s grace and the transformative power it holds for all humanity. This scripture offers a rich tapestry of spiritual truths, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and godliness in a world often beset by ungodliness and worldly desires. In exploring this passage, we can uncover the depths of its meaning and the practical implications for our daily lives.

The Manifestation of Grace

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” This opening statement is a declaration of the universality and accessibility of God’s grace. The term “grace” refers to the unmerited favor of God, a gift that is freely given and not earned by human effort. This grace brings salvation, offering redemption and eternal life to all who receive it. The appearance of this grace is most notably embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God’s love and mercy.

Teaching and Transformation

The passage continues, “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Here, the grace of God is not merely a passive gift but an active instructor. It teaches us to renounce ungodliness—those attitudes, behaviors, and practices that are contrary to the nature and will of God. This includes worldly lusts, which are the desires and temptations that pull us away from a holy life.

Living “soberly” implies a life of self-control and moderation, where one’s actions and decisions are guided by wisdom and discernment. “Righteously” denotes living in a manner that is just and in accordance with God’s standards, reflecting His character in our interactions with others. To live “godly” means to live in a way that is devoted to God, where our lives are a reflection of His holiness and love.

The Challenge of the Present World

The call to live soberly, righteously, and godly is set against the backdrop of “this present world.” This phrase acknowledges the reality that we live in a world where ungodliness and worldly lusts are prevalent. The present world is marked by moral relativism, materialism, and a pursuit of self-gratification. In such an environment, the challenge for believers is to remain steadfast in their commitment to the teachings of God’s grace.

Practical Applications

  1. Personal Integrity: In our personal lives, denying ungodliness may mean rejecting dishonest practices, impure thoughts, or harmful habits. Instead, we strive to cultivate virtues like honesty, purity, and self-discipline. This integrity is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.
  2. Relationships: In our relationships, living righteously calls us to treat others with fairness, respect, and love. It involves being a peacemaker, seeking reconciliation, and extending grace and forgiveness to others as we have received from God.
  3. Community and Society: On a broader scale, living godly involves engaging with our communities and society in ways that reflect God’s love and justice. This might include advocating for the marginalized, volunteering our time and resources, or participating in efforts that promote social justice and moral integrity.

The Role of Faith and Prayer

Living out the teachings of Titus 2:11-12 requires a deep reliance on faith and a consistent prayer life. Faith anchors us in the truth of God’s grace and empowers us to resist the pull of ungodliness. Prayer is our means of maintaining a close relationship with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and wisdom in our daily lives.

The Hope of Future Glory

While the passage focuses on living righteously in the present world, it is also infused with the hope of future glory. The grace that brings salvation also promises eternal life with God. This hope encourages us to persevere, knowing that our efforts to live soberly, righteously, and godly are not in vain but are preparing us for an eternal inheritance.

Conclusion

Titus 2:11-12 is a powerful reminder of the comprehensive nature of God’s grace. It not only brings salvation but also instructs us in living lives that reflect God’s character in a world that often opposes it. By embracing the teachings of this passage, we can navigate the challenges of the present world with integrity, love, and a steadfast hope in the promises of God.

 

“O Lord, our Heavenly Father, We thank Thee for Thy grace that bringeth salvation to all men. Teach us, O Lord, to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Grant us the strength and wisdom to walk in Thy ways, and let our lives be a reflection of Thy holiness and love. May we always seek Thy guidance and find comfort in Thy promises. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”