Part of the reading today was Titus 2. The last part of the chapter refers to the grace of God appearing. He offers salvation to all people.

The power of grace is that we learn to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace, ironically, disciplines us to live self-controlled lives.

Lent isn’t about making the “no” some practice or food I may give up for a time. Giving up some food or some practice doesn’t do anything unless we clear our spirits to more clearly hear from God. The worldliness isn’t in the food. It may very well be in some other area, but the practice of giving up something for a time directs our attention to something else the Spirit may want to teach us.

In this season, as I reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, I do ask the question, “As I work on walking in self-control in this life, am I also longing for the blessed hope?”

As I walk this life, do I long to see him face to face? When I partake of the Table of the Lord, do I think about taking this with him one day?

The grace of God isn’t about forgiveness of sins alone. It is about power to live to day and have hope for the time to come. I am thankful the grace of God has appeared!