Today’s Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12 ESV: I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,
In 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul reminds Timothy and the rest of us that Christ Jesus is our hope. Do you find strength and hope in Christ Jesus? Do you have a question in your mind, or downright fear as you read in our scripture today “he judged me faithful”? Don’t fear; be filled with hope and strength.
Paul’s story, “formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,” 1 Timothy 1:13 (ESV). Then the grace of the Lord overflowed on Him…and us. Have we not acted ignorantly in our unbelief? Yes we have and here is the great news, the hope and the REASON we have received mercy.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16 NIV Like Paul, we feel like the world’s biggest sinner too at times don’t we? Jesus will use our story to show His patience and his grace. Be thankful for your story and know that what looked like a weakness is now your strength.
Today’s Prayer: Thank you Jesus for Your mercy, grace and peace that give me strength. Thank You for your unlimited patience with me and I pray through me You will show others how to be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Paul, Paul, Paul…looked upon as being this huge Man of God, but the reality is, he was just. like. us.
I appreciate that about Paul. I do. I think it would have been something to have known him in person. I have often wondered what he looked like.
In his story, many of us can find our own, paralleling the works of God in Saul of Tarsus, and then becoming Paul. We were once wearing the names that The World gave us. Then The LORD saves us and gives us new names.
Mercy, grace, hope, promise, reality. Good stuff, Tom.
Sorry, in the previous comment, I meant to say “..mercy of God on Saul of Tarsus…”, and not “works of God in Saul of Tarsus”. It makes it sound like God was having Saul go around and kill Christians. NOT what I was trying to say at all!
Thanks Donald, isn’t mercy amazing??!!
Loved reading this today, Tom. Like Donald mentioned, it’s encouraging to remember that “Paul was just like us”. I’ve really been sitting on some thoughts about this (strength in weakness, etc), so I appreciate you sharing this today.
Thanks Dustin, just like Paul said we find hope and strength in his story don’t we?! We too have been changed and restored to go and show how this same grace has been put to work in our lives! When we are weakest our testimony in Him is strongest..
Thanks for this today. Particuarly “Be thankful for your story and know that what looked like a weakness is now your strength.” — it’s our strength as we realize our completely dependency and need for His mercy 🙂
Rachel
Thank you for stopping by and sharing Rachel! Complete!!
Hi Tom, totally agree with all the previous replies. The book of Acts is my favorite, because it is where the Apostles begin the work of the church. I am so encouraged by Paul’s writings and yes, I’d agree that we can all so readily identify with him. God brings us from where we were and makes us into something so special, if we let Him. I’m thankful to be in such a good place, I can feel God working in me and around me. I have felt such a peace and calmness that I had not experienced before. It feels awesome to just let go and let God. thank you!
Thank you Liz! I too am thankful! God’s peace is strength isn’t it??!!