November 30, 2015 – Titus 3:4-5

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, Titus 3:4-5When goodness and kindness appeared…For the grace of God has appeared….And an angel of the Lord appeared to them (shepherds)…an angel of the Lord appeared to him (Joseph) in a dream….The word appear means to be made visible, aware of the presence of someone.  The wise men watched the skies and were aware of prophecies.   Why else would they have brought gifts?  Joseph knew the birth of God Son was miraculous, why else would have he have obeyed the angel of the Lord and flee to Egypt?  The shepherds in the fields at night often watched the skies at night, protecting their flocks.  They had much time to talk and discuss the prophecies, why else would they have roused themselves to leave the sheep and go see this new born child?Are we ready to have Jesus appear to us and dwell in our hearts.  God’s birth announcement was given to those who would hear and know. Are we ready to throw off ungodliness and worldly passions?  Are we ready to live upright and godly lives?  There is another appearing of Jesus coming.  Will we be heart-ready?  Mind-ready?  Soul-ready?How often we fill our minds with things that blind us to what Jesus brings.  He is the Lamb, the Truth, the Life, the Way.  Only in Him will we find peace and the joy of knowing Him.  He is the blessed hope and will appear in all glory and take us Home.Our home sweet home is in Christ Jesus.  His Name is above all other Names. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.  Revelation 21:27