For Thought and Meditation - Wednesday, October 18

[Pine Baron]

Good morning all. Thank you Jesus for your grace. Have a safe and blessed day.

Verse of the Day
by Phil Ware

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
—1 Timothy 1:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We minister by grace. We are saved and made holy by God's grace given us by Jesus. We are declared righteous and blameless before God because of the grace of Jesus. We are given spiritual gifts to use in ministry for the Church because of the grace of Jesus. We are given strength from the Holy Spirit to persevere during difficult times because of the grace of God in Jesus. So, what ministry we find ourselves capable of performing, what opportunities we have to serve and make a difference in people's lives, and what power we have in fulfilling our ministry are all given to us by grace. Our ministry, service, and efforts are not something we boast about. The Lord's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-11) as we offer ourselves to him to be used for his glory.

My Prayer...

Glorify your name, O God, the Eternal Father of grace. Thank you for Jesus, who has redeemed, gifted, strengthened, led, and empowered me to serve. May you be glorified in all that I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[WRideout]

I frequently feel disheartened because I have not served enough people in the name of the Lord. And yet, He has never given me a quota to reach, or a quality standard for Christian love. Before Betsy and I were married, we both agreed that our primary ministry is to our own family, which is what we are doing.

Wayne