My friends, the only reason we exist and things happen day by day is because of the mercy of God.  This morning I got up out of the bed and it was because of the mercy of God.  In 1 Timothy chapter 1, we see two times where Paul says, “I obtained mercy.”  Paul was a appreciative for the face that God had given him mercy to serve as a minister.

In 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."  That word ministry in the Greek is the same word as “deacon,” which literally means “to serve.”  As I pondered on this passage, I am so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to serve Him.  From the moment we get saved, we ought to have a heart to serve our Lord.

Not everyone is called into the ministry to serve as an occupation, but God has called every person into the occupation of ministry.  In others words we are all called to serve in ministry.  I must be honest, if anyone is happy sitting and doing absolutely nothing for the Lord God, then I doubt they personally know God.  If we are born again believers, then we ought to be effective as Christians in serving our Lord as we are called.

Paul was example of man who was a blasphemer against the Lord, a man who persecuted and murdered Christians.  He became a blessing to God, a minister for the Lord, and a missionary for Jesus, all because of the mercy of God.  You are who you are and do what you do because of the mercy of God.  Praise God for His loving mercy.  Amen!

Disclaimer: Pastor Shane's devotions are written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God and are never intended to be directed toward any one individual or group or any particular situation. These daily devotions are sent to thousands of subscribers through different mediums and is intended to proclaim truths from the Word of God. Thank you for taking the time to read and please continue to pray for wisdom as Pastor Shane's heart is to write in a spirit of love and to bring life application for every day living to those who are reading. ~Blessings!