Today is May 14.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 1.   An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.  Christian leaders are called to live principled lives that reflect the model of Christ. Amongst our pastors, we talk often about our principles of integrity, humility, pastoral professionalism, accountability, and being above reproach. Consider spaces where you have influence—at home, at work, among your family, or church community. Ask the Lord for grace to search your heart to see if there are places where you are not ‘holding firmly’ to the way of Jesus.    King David, scripture tells us, shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and skill of hand. If you are a leader in any way, as a Christian, that’s your aspiration too: to be skilled at what you do, and to do it with spiritual integrity. Listen again to these words from Titus, and allow them to draw your attention to any areas of your own life or leadership that may need strengthened or encouraged.     It’s impossible to ‘hold firmly’ to God’s message without regular confession, repentance, and prayer with other believers. If you haven’t practiced these disciplines with someone recently, could you make a commitment to bring these practices into a current spiritual friendship? It’s so easy to keep our relationships shallow. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to show you a person in your life – perhaps a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor—you can talk with so you can continue to ‘hold firmly’ to the way of Christ.  Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

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