Mercy, Grace, Faith, Love
I found myself fairly fatigued today. Yesterday was a good work out day between some of the exercises I did, my walking and my wheelchair work. However, I am feeling stronger and more normal in my activities. I can definitely do things easier than just a month ago.
I got caught up on some personal bookkeeping today and am getting ready to sort out the medical bills that we have received and verify the amounts that we owe. Debbie’s sister Sue has commented that she is so glad that I am now able to take care of those issues. Sue and Sam were such a great help in taking care of some of financial issues during my hospitalization. I am just glad that I am able to make some sense out of it all. My sister helped me download a medical expense tracking software that has really helped me keep a handle on everything.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….“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.”  1Timothy 1:12-14
These verses above are a summary of the testimony of the man Saul of Tarsus, a Jew zealous for the law of Moses and tormentor of followers of Jesus. He believed he was right in his persecution toward those who followed “the way.” But when Jesus appeared to him (Acts 9) he found out that it was actually Jesus he was persecuting.
Jesus knew that Saul’s zeal was misguided and could be used to help spread the good news about Jesus to the world to both Jews and Gentiles. Saul the persecutor became Paul the Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was always humbled by his pre-conversion life and endured much persecution himself for the cause of Christ. Paul’s impact was unparalleled; but it came at a high price as he found himself in a constant battle to see the cause of Christ advance.
The testimony of life change for Paul becomes the center piece of the Book of Acts. His life is one of a dramatic conversion. In the description of his life in Christ he references “mercy” “grace” “faith” and “love.” These virtues are the hallmark of salvation and the Christian life.
The impact of our life may not be as great as the Apostle’s, but we can all with Paul, have a heart of gratitude for being shown mercy and understand that God’s grace and love has been poured out richly into our lives that we may place our faith in Christ alone. It is no wonder that Paul could write to the Romans and say, “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8) Those were more than encouraging words, that was a reality Paul experienced. And we can experience it too.
Benediction for today…. Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth…AMEN