40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 3, DAILY DEVOTIONAL


SCRIPTURE:

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."-- 1 Timothy 1:15b-16

REFLECTION:

As a post-abortive woman, I (Carmen Pate) made this my life verse following my brokenness before the Lord and the receiving of His forgiveness.

This verse is a reminder to me that I must never waste God's mercy towards me, but instead allow Him to use meas an example of His love, His patience, and His amazing grace.

The Apostle Paul was the first to identify himself as the "chief of sinners." Certainly, it is easy for us to point to his record of sins and understand why he would claim this label as his own.

We may wonder silently if it might more appropriately be the label for the abortionist inside the clinic, or the Planned Parenthood counselors, or the NARAL activists. But God who knows your heart may be nudging you right now asking, "What about you"?

Paul spells out the case for all of us when he writes,"Once you were dead because of your disobedience. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved. So, God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 1, 4-5, 7 NLT)

Truly, we are all trophies of His grace. May we live worthy of the honor He has given us to be heirs in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, the Lord Our Righteousness, may we be ever mindful of your amazing grace in each of our lives that allows us access to Your throne. You deem us worthy only because of the sacrifice of your precious Son, Jesus Christ, and our acknowledgment of His saving blood.

May Your love that drew us to Yourself, be evident as we love others. Expose any area of pride that would keep us from reaching out in kindness to hurting hearts. Cleanse us Lord, and prepare our hearts to gather more trophies for your kingdom.

In Christ's name we pray, AMEN.

-

Comments

  1. Anonymous9/29/07, 11:54 AM

    If Paul is the "chief" sinner, I know I am a very close second. I cannot understand how God could love me, I believe and accept this truth, and thank God for his mercy.

    ReplyDelete

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