Notes to the Lord:Grace Expressed In Faithfulness

1 Timothy 3

8Church officers should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money. 9And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith.

Lord Jesus--Leadership has responsibility. There is a need for seeing leadership as something that is important and weighty. There is a need for clear conscience that has been washed clean by grace and that is living out the life that You have called us to. It is expressed in actions of holding on to the truth in a cluttered and chaotic cultural setting, not addicted to substances or money.

10They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as officers. 11Women must also be serious. They must not gossip or be heavy drinkers, and they must be faithful in everything they do. 12Church officers must be faithful in marriage. They must be in full control of their children and everyone else in their home.

Lord Jesus--It is living out your call in the everyday that is the evidence of my faith...it is at home that there is the chance to live out the life you have called me to. One step at a time, mistakes and mis-steps seen and owned. Repentance and forgiveness sought and then lived out. This takes consistently walking with you.

13Those who serve well as officers will earn a good reputation and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Lord Jesus--The goal is to live out life in a way that brings you glory and that reflects a life that has heard the Word and lived it out in small ways and in big ways.

Help me in this day to live out the grace that you have show to me, let me be faithful in the little things as well as the big things.