ABC August-20-2008

Tit 2:1-10;Pro 15:1-17;Luk 19:1-10;Est 1 Analysis: Tit: teaches sobriety, industry, deference. Pro: teaches there's a difference between skepticism & a fool(the "ad hominem", mocking response) Luk: teaches a changed heart prompts a changed life. Zacchaeus was willing to right what he'd done in terms of anything dishonest. Est: teaches that if one is in high positioni humility isn't wasted - especially if it's due to others higher than yourself. Vashti might have remained queen if she'd thought through her response and humbled herself to come when King Ahasuerus summoned her. Best Verse(s): Tit 2.7-10 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Pro 15.14 A scoffer does not like to be reproved;he will not go to the wise. Luk 19.8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Est 1.17a For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt... Contract/Prayer: Help me know when to ask for help. Help me understand my situation & tasks. Help me keep a clear conscience.

ABC August-21-2008

Tit 2:11-15;Pro 15:18-33;Luk 19:11-27;Est 2 Analysis: Tit: declares the life Christians are to be living (described at chapter start sobriety, self-controlled, do-gooders submissime to authority, honest) is based on Grace. And the grace teaches (Holy Spirit?) us how to live (as Christ) & how to and in what to hope(Christ's return). Pro: teaches hardship/reproof may be God's "teaching moments." We should seek to know what God is trying to teach. Luk: teaches us to make use of what we are and what we have. God will surely judge. Est: teaches humility & deference may lead to great things. God sets the drama of our lives. Esther showed deference to Hegai. Also, by inference -- Esther was not proud / oppositional (cf. Est 1), the opposite of Vashti. Best Verse(s): Tit 2.11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Pro 15.29 The Lord is far from the wicked,but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Luk 19.26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Est 2.15 ...Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. Contract/Prayer: Help me remember 5 o'clock is coming. That is, the end of this life or your return. Holy Spirit help me respond with wisdom, discretion, deference, alacrity, to my lot/work/God's providence.