We were... but now we are... and it is all because of what God did for us.

Karen and I are blessed so much in that most days we start our days together eating breakfast then after breakfast we read God's word together. We read first in English and then in German. Two reasons for this. First, it helps with our pronuciation of German words and is a good practice in our continuing to improve our language skills. Second, it is a great way to compare how the different languages choose to translate the scripture out of the original Greek. Languages don't translate word for word. Generally we have a definate English word for every definate German word... but to be honest, sometimes they just don't have the same flavor as the word in the original language. So there could be a little nuance difference in German or in English. I am just saying that it has been a blessing for us to develop some knowledge of a different language and be able to read God's word in both languages. Recently we were reading in Titus 3 and I thought I would share a few thoughts with you about what we read (in English, of course)

Tit 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
Tit 3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Tit 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Tit 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
Tit 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Tit 3:6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Tit 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Paul is telling Titus to remind those who are the children of God on how they should be acting and treating other people in their surrounding area that they lived. He is telling us the same thing. He reminds them that they were once people of this world, not children of the most High God. He is telling us the same thing. But I love vs. 5! It is because of God's mercy that we are saved. We can't do anything to save ourselves. We can depend on God for our salvation, in and through Jesus Christ. But what that does for me is to make me want to be righteous, knowing full well that I cannot, but I want to be and I believe God continues to work in me to help make me into who He wants me to be! We, as His children are 'heirs, having an assurance of Eternal life!'

That my friend, is good news in any language! Now go out there and share that good message with someone God puts in your path this day!!