November 20, 2019
1 Timothy 1:12-16
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.

New International Version (NIV)
               John Newton was amazed by grace.  Once the captain of a slave ship, he found grace in Jesus Christ and became a Baptist preacher in England.  But he never forgot what God had done for him.   “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

                Paul was amazed by grace, too.  Paul knew who he had been:  a blasphemer, persecutor, a violent man, the worst of sinners.  But God intervened with mercy and grace.  God poured so much grace on Paul that he became a trustworthy servant. 

                Remember for a moment who we were before we came to know Christ.   Think about the mercy and grace he has poured out on us.  What sins has he forgiven in calling us to be his faithful servants, today?  Aren’t we amazed?  We should be amazed.  I’m amazed.  By grace.

Pray with me:      
Father, help us never to forget all that you have done for us through the crucifixion and resurrection of your only Son.  Let us never return to the sins of the past, but let us remember all that you have forgiven.  Make us more amazed than we have ever been.  Let us stand in awe of your boundless love and infinite kindness.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 

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