The Lord's abundant Grace and Mercy are always our Strength.

September 10, 2013 - 1 Timothy 1:12-17

¹² 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. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Apostle Paul's life became an example of God's mercy and patience to save sinners though Paul considered himself to be the worst of the sinners - the blasphemer, the persecutor, and the violent man. Having served the Lord for more than thirty years, Paul reflected on his own life, praising God with deep gratitude regarding on how God had saved him out of his wretchedness, considered him as trustworthy that he never deserved, chosen him as His servant for the Gentiles, and continued to empower him to fulfill his ministry responsibility. Paul felt that the Lord's grace had been abundantly poured out onto him together with the faith and love in Jesus Christ. 

My dear Lord, Apostle Paul also became my mentor as he modeled a life to me that I must also rely on God's patience, mercy, and grace in all my life. Thanks for calling me while I was still a sinner who was dead and disobedient to You; choosing me to be Your servant as You are trustworthy though I do not consider myself to be trustworthy; and strengthening me on this way of pilgrimage with the faith and love of Jesus Christ, and the empowerment of the Spirit. Lift up my spirit that I can praise You from the bottom of my heart as You are the God of eternal and mighty King.