What eats up your time?

Titus 2:1-15.  Paul encourages Titus to teach sound doctrine through the Word of God.  He mentions self-control in verses 2, 5, 6 and 12.  This is for all ages to be self-controlled in order for us to remain focused and steadfast in following God.  Titus was an example to others through his teaching as God brought grace, forgiveness and salvation for all men (verse 11). 

In verse 12, Paul emphasizes saying no to ungodliness and worldly passions.  We are to live self-controlled lives through time in His Word.  Being grounded in His Word keeps us on track in following Him.  Paul continues in verse 13 with looking ahead to our hope in the coming of Christ.  Paul refers to this often to help us keep our perspective.

Consider an area of your life where God is telling you no and pray about it this coming week.   Examples may include our thought life, words, anger, envy of others, too much tv and not enough time in His Word.  Pray through verses 12-14. I do enjoy listening to all kinds of music. I do listen to music all the time when I go for a run, do yard work, painting, showering and driving in the car. I had many songs in my phone and listened to all kinds of groups from Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire and Billy Joel to Phillips, Craig and Dean, Hawk Nelson, Hillsong Worship and Danny Gokey. When I am doing chores around the house, I tended to listen to non-Christian music more often. When I originally did this devotion, I prayed about music influence and decided to drop all my non-Christian groups. I now listen, and I’m encouraged through only Christian songs. I particularly love Hillsong and Elevation Worship. Okay I do listen to non-Christian once in a while. This may seem drastic but sometimes my decisions and choices lead not to a partial turn but to a 100% new direction. What do you need to say no to?  What eats up your time?