Jeremiah 5&6; 1 Timothy 1

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” I Timothy 1:12-15 NKJV

I am convicted by Paul’s advice to Timothy about going into ministry. “Although I was formerly a ________,________,and__________. But, I obtained mercy.”

I could add many things to this list. It reminds me how to stay in that place of brokenness, when I want to point out how my sins are smaller. When I know deep down that they are not. It shows me how to show love and grace when I don’t always feel like it. It strips me from my pride. The sermon at church on Sunday was about Love.  Jesus loved people for not only who they were on the inside, but He saw who they could become. I am so grateful that He sees me this way. It gives me hope. It keeps me humble because I know that my heart can stray like the people of Israel.

“Nevertheless in those days,” says the Lord, “I will not make a complete end of you.” Jeremiah 5:18 NKJV

Dear Father, Thank you for your patience with me. That You don’t leave me where I am. Help me to remember how much I have been forgiven so that I can forgive and love others like You have forgiven me. Amen.

“Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof-Public Sinner Number One-of someone who could have never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now He shows me off-evidence of His endless patience-to those who are right on the edge of trusting Him forever.” 1 Timothy 1:15 MSG

Amy(amyctanner)

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