Independence

Something big happened today... I used public transportation by myself, and didn't get lost. Now, some of you might be thinking, "That doesn't really sound BIG." But, I assure you, this was BIG. Back in Colorado, I got lost constantly. I also couldn't get anywhere without my GPS. So, now that everything is in Ukrainian, and I've been stripped of my blessed iPhone (I have a Verizon 4, which doesn't have a sim card slot), I've been left to old school maps and my own wits. Of course, my "wits" are a little directionally challenged, but today, I did just fine. In fact, I felt really independent, and that felt really great.

Maybe a little too great though. Maybe even a little prideful... But God has a way of bringing us back to where we're supposed to be.

The reason why I was on the marshrutka (a small bus) and finding my way around town? I was heading to a Bible study - on the wrong day. When I arrived, the hostess was very gracious (Thank you for that :)), but I felt my pride slip away quickly. In my heart, I was so proud of myself for getting around town by myself, crossing the street without Byron having to hold my hand, that I became puffed up.

But, God is gracious. Byron was going to meet me for coffee this morning, since I was already out, but I called him and asked if we could skip the coffee. Now, stripped of my pride, I wanted to try getting home by myself, but with the Lord's help. It was a good time for me... I just prayed and thought about what I read this morning in the Word.

This morning, I found myself in Titus 1. As I read about bishops and stewards of God, I really learned a lot about what the Lord wants from me right now.

Titus 1:7-11 reads:

"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (NKJV).

There is so much in the passage...

Obviously, I'm not a bishop, but I am a steward of God, and I think this passage can be applied to my life. This passage is what I want for myself. I don't want to be self-willed, hot-tempered, or given to wine. I don't want to be violent or greedy. I don't want to be an idle talker. But in everything, I hope to be hospitable, a lover of good, clear-minded, righteous, disciplined, justice seeking, and the type of person that clings to the Word. I want to edify and encourage with my words.

Titus 1 goes on to say, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work" (Titus 1:15-16, NKJV).

I know for sure, I don't want to be disobedient to the Lord, because disobedience leads to disqualification...

I don't want to be disqualified.

I believe that everything asked of a bishop in Titus 1 are not just good things, they're also good  for us. No matter where you stand, having self-control and being a lover of justice is a great idea. The thought that God really brought to my mind today as I was walking home was, "If you really want to be more disciplined and a lover of good, you need my help." I am an imperfect being. I mean, I was full of pride just because I rode a bus by myself. Talk about being a fallen creature...

So, the take home message... Today I learned what I really want in my life.

Less of me, more of Him.






Prayer Requests:
-We're having our first students/young adults Bible study at our home this Wednesday
-Wisdom from the Lord as we pray about which ministries to commit to
-Open doors for street outreach