Wednesday, June 25, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Titus 2
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
God’s grace is a lifelong teacher. It reaches down and saves us, but it also walks with us, shaping how we live every day. Titus reminds us that grace doesn’t stop at salvation - it leads us into transformation.
Not long ago, I found myself sitting in my car, exhausted from a long day. I’d been short with someone I love, all because I let frustration rule my mood. As I sat there, the enemy tried to flood my mind with guilt. But in that moment, grace showed up. It didn’t scold me. It reminded me who I am and whose I am. That gentle nudge to go back in and make it right … that was grace teaching me, again, to choose love, humility, and self-control over pride and frustration.
That’s how grace works. It meets us in the real, messy middle of life. It teaches us to say “no” to anything pulling us away from God and others: distractions, old habits, misplaced desires. It also teaches us to say “yes” to the life we were created for. A life filled with integrity, discipline, and purpose.
And here’s the thing - saying “no” isn’t about the fear of getting it wrong, it’s about recognizing the depth of God’s love and choosing what’s best because we’re already loved. Grace is not behavior modification; it’s soul transformation. It doesn’t drive us by guilt. Grace leads us in love.
Grace teaches us daily - in our marriages, our parenting, our work, even in our thought life. And when we mess up, and we will, it doesn’t throw us away. It lifts us, corrects us, and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
Friends, let grace guide every part of your lives. Wake up each morning knowing that you are loved and empowered to live differently, not because you have to, but because you get to.
Today, let grace do its work. Let it teach you. Let it remind you that you’re not just saved for heaven, but shaped for a purpose here and now. And when you’re tempted, tired, or discouraged, remember: that the same grace that saved you is still working in you.
Questions:
Where in your life are you sensing God’s grace teaching you to say “no”?
How has grace helped reshape your responses, habits, or mindset recently?
What does it mean to you that grace is both a gift and a guide?
Next Steps:
One of the most powerful ways to allow grace to shape your life is by intentionally walking with others who are learning to say “yes” to God, too. We weren’t meant to follow Jesus alone. Grace grows stronger in community.
This week, take one step to engage in a Christ-centered relationship:
- Join a Group: If you’re not already in a Group, visit CedarCreek.tv/Groups to find a Group that fits your schedule and season of life. Being around others who are also letting grace teach them helps you stay encouraged and accountable.
- Serve on a Team: God’s grace gives us gifts to serve others. When you serve on the DreamTeam, you’re not only making a difference, you’re also surrounding yourself with people who will help you grow. Learn more or sign up at the Next Steps area in the lobby or at CedarCreek.tv/Serve.
- Have a Conversation: Reach out to someone you trust, your Group leader, a DreamTeam coach, or a spiritual mentor. Share one area where you’re asking for God’s grace to transform you. Let them pray for you and walk with you.
By taking just one of these steps, you’re not only letting grace shape your life, you’re also allowing God to use you to reflect his grace to others.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of your grace, a grace that saves me, teaches me, and walks with me every day. Help me to recognize where you are gently leading me to say “no” to the things that pull me away from you and “yes” to the life you’ve called me to live.
I don’t want to just be rescued, I want to be transformed. So shape my heart, renew my mind, and guide my steps. When I fall short, remind me that I am still yours, fully loved and never abandoned. Surround me with people who will encourage me and walk with me as I grow.
Today, I choose to let grace lead. Teach me, strengthen me, and use me to reflect your love to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
This post was written by Monique Myers, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.