Living in the Spirit
September 9, 2022
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Andrae Crouch’s song My Tribute, came to mind as I read this scripture,
How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee*
God with us, Jesus Christ, is the source of mercy, which we all need at some time or another. In our busy lives, we forget about the need for mercy. Our actions and ways of being that call for mercy, I think stay with us until we deal with them. Regular self-examination is important, asking for mercy, and perhaps more important accepting mercy is necessary for us to continue in our work toward a better family, community, and world. Sometimes we may need to make amends for our behavior. God’s mercy carries us through the guilt and shame we may feel and helps us to turn around from our separation from God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your mercy that enables us to overcome our shortcomings and be the person you created us to be. Amen.
See at *https://www.google.com/search?q=how+can+i+say+thanks+for+the+things+you+have+done+for+me+lyrics&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS987US987&oq=How+can+I+say+thanks+for+the+things+ou&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i22i30j0i390l4.12118j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.