Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Hope in God
Titus 2:1-7
VS.1 "But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine". 
The English word “hygiene” comes from the Greek word that is translated as “sound” in this verse.  Paul here is telling Titus to teach doctrines that will create a healthy church and a healthy family.  A healthy church consists of both young and old members.  While there are plenty of   challenges when ministering to people from various ages, there also is a great blessing.
People from different ages are to minister to each other.  In this passage it deals with older women encouraging younger women to live the proper Christian life (Titus 2:4-5.)  In other parts of the bible we are told of how the widows were taken care of by the whole community of disciples (Acts 6.)  The Bible shows that God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34-35.)  In Christ not only are the barriers between race and sex removed (Galatians 3:28), but also the barriers between age are removed.  People of all ages are to be respected (1Timothy 5:1-3.)
As we contemplate the theme “Old Age: Hope in God” we should be strengthen by the fact that people of any age can be used by God.  From Moses who led the Israelites until he was 120 years old; to the older women who set an example for the younger women in the New Testament times; in the Bible we have elderly people leading and guiding the younger generations.
The wisdom and experience that God has given the “older generation” is a gift that is to be shared with the younger generation, helping them to live the proper Christian life.  They are teachers who have experienced life and understand what it means to “Hope in God.”  Hope in God means believing that God has a plan and purpose for us.  It means trusting and not being afraid.  It means that though we may face problems and difficulties, that though others many leave us, God will never leave or forsake us.  Hope in God means that even when we walk through “the valley of the shadow of death,” we are not afraid, because God is with us.
When the book of Lamentations was written and the Israelites were recording the pain, suffering, and embarrassments they were enduring, they remembered one thing: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We hope in God, because God is faithful.  He will never leave us or forsake us. Because of this we can live in hope.
PRAYER
Lord, allow me to always remember that your steadfast love never ceases, and that you can use me every day of my life to glorify Your name…  Amen.
Rev. Shibi Abraham, Youth Chaplain, North East Region

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more