Tuesday, July 26th, 2022

There is nothing we can all be more thankful for than our salvation through the completed work of Jesus at the cross. But often, at least for me, my thanksgiving prayers tend to center on earthly blessings. I catch myself from time to time simply giving thanks for what is going right in my life before moving on to other types of prayers. Paul wrote to his protege Timothy a powerful passage in which he glorifies God for saving him, despite what he considered to be overwhelming opposition to God in his life. He said, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” It’s important to remember just how far Jesus went to bring us back into relationship with God, and how there is no sin too great for Jesus’ sacrifice to cover. Today, lift up your praise and thanks to the Lord for bringing you back to himself through faith in Jesus Christ.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 1:12-17