DATE POSTED: Friday, September 8, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Ashford, AL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) IS FOUND IN Titus 1:1-3

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God’s chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life. My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began. God has revealed this in every era by spreading his word. I was entrusted with this word by the command of God our Savior.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: The Holy Spirit directed Paul to acknowledge who he was in relation to Christ. Some in the position of Titus may have challenged Paul to ‘state your position, then talk to me’. Paul didn’t just answer that question, but he also clarified why Christ sent him, or why he was in such a position to challenge Titus. I challenge you to consider the question posed in my subject today, as you meditate with me on this devotional, ‘Why am I here’? Also be sure to consider ‘Why might God have me here’?

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: I borrowed this title from a pastor/friend of mine who posted just these words in a recent Facebook post. It caught my attention and caused me to search the Scriptures for the reasons why God placed me here, and then to consider how much of that am I adhering to. Titus knew the heart of the man he had joined forces with, to spread the Good News, but for the readers of God’s Word thousands of years later, we might certainly want to know why Paul felt at liberty to fill the position of: mentor to Titus; servant of the Lord God; and evangelist; to Titus, and also to us. If you walked around your town’s public square and found a man preaching, the first thing you might ask is: who is this man? or what church does he represent? For you need to know if this man is a legitimate representative of Jesus Christ, and whether it’s worth your while to stop and listen to him. To fully appreciate why Paul found it necessary to qualify himself at the very beginning of this book, we must be reminded who Paul was – a persecutor of Christians. I believe it might be extra challenging for us if God would reveal, based on our actions and our words, who we are: to our spouse; to our children; in our homes; at our workplace; in a restaurant – in and out of town; in our home church or at a visiting church; etc. Imagine replaying a video recording of your encounters in any of the above-mentioned scenarios on your good days and also on those days when you’ve felt under pressure? I am always challenged by the determination of Paul to bear witness to the truth of God’s promise of eternal life. But if we pay close attention, we will see where Paul told Titus the reason why he shares the Good News. Friends, it was true back then, and it is still true today, it’s the Word of God that will expose sin and challenge mankind to surrender their life to the lordship of Jesus Christ in order to be saved from Hell. No amount of church attendance, giving to the poor, or any other kind word or deed will do the trick. I love the way this translation reads that Paul challenged Titus to this teaching to help people live a godly life. Paul said that was his mission. In all honesty, don’t we know without a doubt that the world today is badly in need of help to truly live a godly life? Based on our mission, our actions and our words, I wonder if we could honestly declare that we are on mission to lead the lost to Christ, and/or show them the way to live a godly life? If our heart is right with God, and our minds set on getting as many as possible into heaven with us, then perhaps we will have a stronger determination to make every moment count. Have a little talk with Jesus, my friends, and let Him convince you and help you stand ready to make a difference in this world for Him.

BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: God placed us here to be His witness and to do His will. There should never be a question as to why we are here. Just obey the Father who placed us here.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Based on how we spend our time each day, or the things we spend our money on, it may be obvious that our minds are fixed on earning maximum income for our own selfish use, or on promoting self at work, church or in our community. But Lord, I believe You are showing us through Your servant, Paul, today that there is only one thing that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the folk following in our footsteps, and that’s the love of Jesus and the expression of words and actions that exemplify what You taught to us and exampled before us. Please Lord, help us that our time here on earth will not be in vain, but for anyone who imitates us, will actually be imitating You and Your teachings. People still need the Lord, perhaps more today than ever before, may our lives be worthy of Your kingdom, Lord, and for leading others to their eternal home in glory also. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!