“Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one being an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:6-8
Christians will have opponents.
Lord, thank You for making a way for us to live so that nothing evil can be said of us. And here’s a simple poem . . .
Nothing Evil 
Even though quiet
isolated and alone
lives lived for Jesus
will still be known
a contrast to
the darkness around
opposed but in them
no evil is found.
(Photo credit: cnnphotos.blog.cnn.com / Photographer: Gary S. Chapman)
Deb's Blog 
lives lived for Jesus
will still be known
That’s so true Debbie. It can be denied, people can run, but they cannot hide. Is that a poem? It’s not meant to be!! Bless you.
I love the line ‘a contrast to the darkness around them’ and your reminder that while we might face opposition evil isn’t found in us anymore. In the moments where I really stop and fully consider how much Christ changes our reality and gives us this gift of a new identity, of being righteous before God I am overwhelmed by His grace. We are so blessed. Lots of love Deb.
P.S. bet you’re glad to be on to a new book 🙂
You mean not everyone is going to like me and agree with me? WOW learn something new every day. 🙂 Good thoughts Deb.
Amen!!! 🙂
this is precious Debbie
I am enjoying my visits here. Your poems help me to be still before Him. “Opposed but in them no evil was found” seems to be an inescapable union. Jesus was perfect but hated by many…
Blessings ~ Wendy
Beautiful simple poem, Sis Deb–God bless you abundantly as you work for Him today. love, sis Caddo
““Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded…”
Boy, have I had this scripture thrown into my face over the years, especially since the Lord forgot to deliver me of a sense of humor when He saved me. The Greek word for “sober-minded” means to have a sound mind, exercise self control and one’s passions, and to think of oneself in a humble manner. It does not mean to walk around with a “woe is me” expression without enjoying a hearty laugh from time to time.
Great poem. Happy birthday, right? And by the way, how old are you?
Our opponents are only of this world…. But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! AMEN!
BTW if it is your birthday…. Have a blessed one! Thank you again for your faithfulness.
I count it a poem and am glad to have it! 🙂 God bless you , Roger, as your life for Him stands out and declares Him King.
🙂 You bless me, Aimee! I was kind of sweating it through Job, but as always, when I get to the end of a book, I’m so thankful for it and sorry to move on! Weird, huh?
Thank you for helping us think about those changes Christ makes in us, so that no evil can be found. That is overwhelming!
God bless you as He stands with you , strong and sure. love and hugs!
🙂 Shocking, I know! God bless you as you face opponents today, with grace!
God bless you, John! So thankful for you!
God bless you, Terry, as you care for Al today and all that entails! ( A LOT!) love and prayers!
Oh Wendy . ..I really liked thinking of it as an inescapable union. The reality of that and of Him being with us in it. God Bless you and your times with Him!
Thank you for your prayers and blessings, Sis Caddo Delight, SG, PG, and Preacher. 🙂 love you and am praying for you!
Thank you for explaining what sober-minded really means, Mr. Larry! Not walking around with a frown! 🙂 God bless you and your sound mind and sound sense of humor!
My birthday was yesterday and thank you for the wishes! I’m 53 years old this year. 🙂
Oh I loved that encouragement, Pastor Rob! Amen! And thank you for the birthday blessings! God bless you as you stay focused on Jesus!
I love that scripture — I going to have to highlight that one! Great poem too!
God Bless You!
So many good ones . . they all become our favorites! 🙂 Going to have to get lots of highlighters!
God bless you and keep you oh so close to His heart today!
I love the innocence of that simple cross around a child’s neck. Perfect image for beautiful words.
It’s that photographer in you! I really was moved by the photo too, Melody. Sometimes those pictures really are worth a 1000 words. God bless you muchly!
Same here Deb. same here 🙂
>> “a contrast to the darkness around”
Oh how I hope my life is indeed a contrast to the darkness around me! If the Light of Christ is shining forth as it should be, that darkness WILL be penetrated!
(Deb I will be away again for a few days. I have to drive Myles to Brisbane for surgery. He is having another angiogram and hopefully they will be able to place a couple of stents – not too hopeful of that but they will try if they can find a couple strong enough to take it. Surgery is Tuesday our time)
Mentor Angela, I can guarantee that your life is a contrast to the darkness . . .absolutely. 🙂 And praying with you as you travel with Myles and he undergoes surgery. Holding you both up to Jesus. He’s been through so much this last year . . you too.
love you!
Thanks Debbie. Actually I’ve not long returned from the hospital. I had to call 000 about 6.15pm. His blood pressure dropped to 69. He was unconscious for about 20 minutes and it dropped as low as 51 by the time the paramedics arrived. They think he had a mini stroke. By the time I left him about 9.00pm his blood pressure was up to 117. He is OK – no signs of any trouble. Hopefully he’ll be back home tomorrow and the surgery arrangements will remain. I’m praising the Lord that once again he is OK.
I was just turning off the computer before getting an early night (unusual for me, but I feel worn out). I had to email a couple of people and I saw your reply here, so I thought I’d bring you up to date.
Thank you for praying.
I am so thankful that Myles got through this okay, Angela. Amazing that he did. I can’t imagine what a toll this is taking on you both. Praying , praying , praying. Thank you so much for letting me / us know. love you!
Dear sweet friend, who also works the night shift –
You are the embodiment of this poem!
I love sharing the night shift thing with you! Only, I think you have much longer hours at it! God bless you as you stand out there tonight! 🙂 love you!
Beautiful words Debbie, and so encouraging! Although we be opposed on every side, I’m so glad that the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against our opposition! Praise God! Thank you so much for sharing, and for caring! Love you!
Paulette
Thank you Paulette , for just a good visual . . of God lifting up a standard against our opposition. Something nothing can prevail against. God bless you as He stands with you and covers you today! love and prayers and gentle hugs!