Quote for the Day
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God…”
Today's Prayer
This week pray for those traveling to focus on God alone as their power. Ask God to comfort and encourage those at home as they spend time without their loved ones.
1st Timothy 1:12-20
1st Timothy 1:12-20 (NIV)12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, 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 unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on 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. 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Message
This week Paul leads us to a focus on two of God’s characteristics that bring many of us to our knees. Yes, He is eternal, immortal and invisible, but what Paul really wants us to focus on is the fact that He is the ONLY GOD and that He has unlimited patience for those who believe. When we focus on these two items, we gain the ability to live our lives in this complex world.Consider Paul, a self-admitted blasphemer of God and Jesus Christ. He not only persecuted those who followed Christ, but was a violent man as well, including murder on his list of offenses. In his past, nothing would stop his hate for the Gospel of Christ. Yet even at this, the love, mercy and grace of Jesus CHANGED his life. God could love even him, and God can (and DOES) love each of us. This was also the foundation Paul used to encourage Timothy to not be intimidated by anything, but to “…fight the good fight, holding on to faith…” God alone holds the keys to tomorrow. He wanted Timothy to have nothing to do with doubt and disbelief. Where does your faith stand today: in yourself and what you can accomplish, or in Jesus Christ, God alone?
