June 19, 2004 Jerry chose for our Family Journal the following reading from 1 Tim. 1:15,16, 'The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I (Paul) am the foremost. But for that very reason I received God's mercy, so that in me Jesus Christ might make me an example to those who would come to believe in Him for eternal life."
"Paul, although wordy, was a great man of God who acknowledged that he himself was the worst of sinners against Jesus, persecuting men which lead to the deaths of Christ's followers. But even Paul, with God's grace, was saved so that he might proclaim the gospel to all other sinners, both Jew and Gentile.
"Thank you, Jesus, for saving even such a wretch as me! Amen."
And, thank you, Jesus, for saving me, as well, and for countless others over the centuries, and save those, too, the millions who are living without you, just hoping that life will treat them better, or at least, as well as some with whom they are comparing. Humans seem to have a tendency to compare ourselves with others around us. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to see that we are, each one, a sinner, and need you to fulfill our lives in forgiveness and loving kindness. Amen.
Oh, you among the family of God, a known or a forgotten member, be blessed today with the richness of our Lord, who now waits to hear you breathe his name with hope and love.
Jo INMN
No comments:
Post a Comment