Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Titus 3 (ESV)
Be Ready for Every Good Work
3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Over the last year, where have you sensed God in leading a productive life? (see verse 14)
Lord, there are some people in our church community who never seem to stop doing good. They are serving, cleaning, praying for others, encouraging others, taking food to the sick, or generously giving. They never seem to tire of doing good. Doing good is a natural response to Your mercy, kindness, and love. You have not only conquered sin, death, and the devil but You have given me the Holy Spirit to equip me to be active in my faith. Wherever I am in life and whatever my job or ministry is, it is possible to be productive and do good. Help me to be a good steward with what time, skills, interests, and abilities I have for this season, knowing that it may change over time. Allow me to respond where the Holy Spirit is leading me right now and to take action. Help me to actively share Your love to those You have placed around me. Help me to recognize how others need Your grace and love in these challenging times and take the steps to fill that need. How I serve may look different than others, but through Your Holy Spirit, I pray that as I live a productive life and do good that You make it fruitful for Your kingdom. Thank You, Lord, Amen.