Passage of the Day:
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life, 1 Timothy 1:12-16.
Reflection:
Since I’ve been blessed by the numerous Christian communities that I have been a part of over the past 40 years, sometimes I respond, “been there done that.” Whether this comes across as arrogance or over confidence, most Christians prefer a more honest and genuine faith. As I read the words of today’s featured passage of the apostle Paul, writing to a teenager pastor named Timothy, this humble tone makes me regret past comments. While Paul could have puffed up his resume with the number of churches he planted, and souls led to Christ, he considers himself the greatest sinner of all. This kind of opening statement emulates the honest faith that Christians should strive to obtain.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.
Fueling your Faith this Spiritual Season:
As a former stutterer, I received plenty of sympathy from Christians in college. Yet, if you want to make an instant connection with someone, be willing to admit your shortcomings in life. When you become vulnerable, this opens the door for permanent meaningful lasting relationships to form. The apostle Paul could have easily spoke down to lesser Christians in the first century, but the Holy Spirit impressed upon him to follow God’s example, Ephesians 5:1-2. As a current Learning Ambassador with Amazon, the more I tell new hires previous mistakes that I made, the more approachable I become to them in the future. You shouldn’t have to tell people about your faith, this should be clearly demonstrated through your daily actions.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The apostle Paul reached a spiritual state that most Christians never experience in life. Perhaps, Paul came to a point in his life where all he wanted to fulfill God’s will for his daily life. May today’s devotion and song inspire you to live an honest faith, real about our failures and shortcomings, Romans 3:9-12.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 