Scripture: 1 Timothy 1.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NLT)

15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.

16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

These are some challenging words for us this morning. Think about it. God saved us from the sin and evil deeds that we were involved in, and He is able to use us as an example to others going through the very same thing, so that they would realize that they too can learn the power of God and see proof that He could help them leave that type of life. Wow, that means that He can use each of us to help work out the salvation in others, maybe even those that we may have felt were impossible to reach. I am reminded of a song/hymn “He who began a good work in me…” and I give God the glory for any good that He might accomplish through me for His glory. There is a phrase that a previous pastor of my church stuck on the pulpit so that he would be reminded of it each time that he preached: “Oh that they may see Jesus”. I pray that I might live that type of life!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, what a reminder that You were able to use Paul – a persecutor of Christians, but converted to an enabler of Christian churches in the towns within his reach. I pray that You will benefit from everything accomplished by me and that lives will be positively affected by Your witness through me. May today be filled with opportunities to let my light shine and that it may be received by others in a way that would have an impact on their decision to accept and serve You.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
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