For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titis 2:11-14).

Paul gives a brief summary of the Gospel. First, notice that the grace of God brings salvation to all people. We all need salvation. We are like a drowning person too far from shore to swim to safety and save ourselves. It will do no good for those on shore to shout to us, “Save yourself! Swim to safety!” We cannot save ourselves. Our only hope is that a lifeguard will reach us before it is too late. In the spiritual sense, Jesus is our lifeguard.  He has jumped into the water and brought us to safety. This is the salvation spoken of in our text. Paul elaborates in vs.14 when he reminds us how it is that Jesus saved us. He “gave Himself for us.” He went to the cross to “redeem us from every lawless deed.”

This is the foundation of our faith. Those who have true faith in the Son of God understand the basic Gospel message. We are on the right path when we also understand that this salvation has come to us from a gracious God. We need to remind ourselves of this foundation regularly.  More on these verses tomorrow.

Father, I thank You that you included me when You acted to bring salvation to the world. Thank You, Jesus, that You were willing to give Yourself for us on the cross that we might find forgiveness. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, January 17, 2022

One more thought on Romans 8:28 from an unknown author.

I believe I’ll testify                                                                                                                                     
God’s been good to me.                        

Through every test and trial
I’ve got victory.
The enemy has tried his best                                                                                                                                                    
To make me turn around bring me down,
But my God’s never failed me yet
So I’m gonna stand my ground.
No matter what comes my way,                                                                                                                                       
I’ll lift my voice and say.
“Halleluiah anyhow!”
Think I’ll say it again;
God’s been so good to me
And He’s my closest friend
I’ve come too far to turn around now
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna wait,
Watch God work it out somehow.
No matter what comes my way
I’ll lift my voice and say
Halleluiah anyhow. (Author unknown)

Gracious God, teach me to say “halleluiah anyhow” no matter what comes my way. Amen. PS, Today is my brother’s birthday. I miss you bro.  

DAILY DEVOTION, January 18, 2021

We get an idea of what grace means from the Old Testament. Israel was often stubborn and rebellious, just as many of us are today. They deserved God’s judgment and wrath. But we note these words in Nehemiah 9:31: “Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; For You are God, gracious and merciful.” When we turn away from God or act in ways contrary to His will, we subject ourselves to His wrath. Those who forsake God should not be surprised when God returns the favor.

Nevertheless, our merciful God does not destroy us or forsake us if we will have the sense to repent and return to Him. Our God is “gracious and merciful,” and no matter how terrible our sins, He waits for us to return to Him. And when we do, He does not turn us away or scold us.  Instead, like the Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He watches and waits, hoping we will want to return to the Father’s house. That is grace. 

Father, I know I have offended You more times than I can remember. I thank You for Your grace and mercy which You offer to me when I repent and return to You. May I show that same mercy to others, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

This Sunday I will continue the series from the Book of Romans. The title is “Forsaken by God.” The following Sunday (January 30) Tom Gee will be preaching.
May God’s grace abide with you this week.Pastor Bowman

DAILY DEVOTION, January 15, 2022

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Who are the people who know that God is working for good in all things?  First, those who remain faithful no matter what are those who love God.  They love and trust God the Father. They know that Jesus is the Son of God, and they love the Son. Those who love the true and living God understand that He is working for our good no matter what happens. Even when tragedy and evil strike, we believe God can turn these negatives for our good. God is good, and He works for good always and without fail in the lives of those who love Him.

Paul adds this thought. Those who believe that God is working for their good are those who are called according to God’s purpose. What does that mean? How does God call? He calls us through Jesus Christ.  His purpose is to redeem all those who believe in His Son. We are called by grace, from darkness to light, from bondage to liberty, from the company of sinful men to fellowship with Christ, from a trust in our own righteousness to dependence on His, to grace here and glory hereafter. This is what it means to be called according to His purpose.

Sometimes it is hard to believe, but God promises to always be at work to promote our well-being if we love Him and His Son. Believe it.

Father, there are so many negatives that come in life. Help me to believe that behind the scenes, in ways I do not always understand, You are always at work promoting my well-being. I thank You in Jesus’ name, Amen.