Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:2b, 7:1
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation…Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

“NOW!” The present is always the time to do business with God. Like interest on unpaid bills, it will cost more to procrastinate in confessing sin with true repentance. John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter all began their public ministries with a call to repent. Our reading today gives the very best definition of “repentance” (7:9, 10, & 11). Is this important? Yes, yes, yes!

Just as the Corinthian believers refreshed the spirit of Titus, let’s do our best to refresh our Pastor’s spirit, along with the spirits of church administrators and our missionaries. We could jump ahead and read Paul’s letter to Titus (click here). There is much wisdom in the little book of Titus. How do we do all things well? How do we make sure that we give no offense and that our ministry is not blamed? It’s well worth the time to read today’s chapters 6 & 7 all over again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, You have called me again today to repent. Your Word is true north. It points to You without fail. It is my Compass. Like a pilot or a ship’s captain, may I constantly make corrections in the direction I take in life. Grant me the grace to be diligent. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I received a letter recently from the former Pastor of Compass Point Church. The initiative taken by Pastor Ron Gannett has refreshed my spirit. “Compass Point” has a magnificent building next door to the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario (a photo of the church is below). The real Church is the people. Over the years my spirit has been refreshed again and again by the Pastors and people of this great congregation. As I type this blog, I’m praying at the same time that everyone who reads this with me will find their spirits refreshed.

When I became a believer at 16, I was asked to share a personal testimony in the High School auditorium at a Youth for Christ rally. I went to my part-time job boss at the local Chrysler dealership for help. He said, “David, you can never go wrong quoting Scripture,” and suggested Titus 3:5a. I remember that in a faltering voice, I simply said, “This is my testimony, ‘Not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to His mercy, He saved me.'” The actual quote says, “we” and “us,” but to me it became very personal.

I cannot conclude this blog without commending the leadership of Crossroads. They exemplify the righteous leadership portrayed in today’s reading. I’m so very thankful for our CEO, Lorna Dueck and the entire team at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. and at the TV network, YES TV.

Yours for “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (7:1b). Let the process continue!

David