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

In the early 1900s, a policeman walking his beat in Chicago observed a man standing before a mission. His hat was in his hand, and the officer thought he was acting strange. Thinking the man might be drunk or ill, the policeman approached him to find out what was going on. He noticed that his eyes were closed, so he nudged him and said, "What's the matter? Are you sick?"

The man looked up, smiled, and said, "No, sir. My name is Billy Sunday. I was converted right here in this mission. I never pass this way without taking the opportunity, if possible, to stand quietly for a moment and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord."

The officer understood and smiled back at Billy Sunday. Giving the evangelist a hearty handshake, the policeman warmly said, "Put ‘er there, Bill! I've heard a lot about you! Keep right on with your prayer, and I'll see that no one bothers you."

In his letter to Timothy, Paul reflected on the sinner he once was by saying, "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" (1 Timothy 1:13-14).

Jesus came into the world to save sinners like you and me. It is important that we stop often to remember the sacrifice He made on the cross and thank Him for appointing us as ministers of His Gospel.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the salvation you have through Jesus Christ and for calling you to share the truth of His Word. Pray that He would empower and strengthen you daily to be a faithful follower.

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