1 Timothy 1:12-16
12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
As a believer, an important discovery we need to make in our walk is that without God we are sinners. We are fleshy, selfish, and ignorant and grace can't be fully accepted if you think you're "not that bad", or "not as bad as them". When we come to that understanding, we can invite true grace into our hearts and be grateful for what Jesus did for us. Another important message from this passage is that after accepting that grace, it's time to rebuke the lies that you are unworthy of God's calling on your life because He equips who He calls. It's not with your strength, but with God's strength that the calling on your life will be accomplished.
Psalm to bless your week:
Psalms 40:1
1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry."
Prayer for this week:
Dear Lord, thank you that while I was still a sinner, you died for me. Thank you that I can receive your grace through faith in you and I don't have to work my way to you, because I never could. Show me the calling you've placed on my life, and in Your name I rebuke the lies that I'm unworthy of that calling. I will lean on You as my rock and my firm foundation. Jesus, I love You for who You are and what You've done, and I am eternally grateful. In Your name, Amen.
Song for the week:
Good and Loved - Steffany Gretzinger & Travis Greene