Focus

Be still and rest in the Lord.

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Read

1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NRSV)

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

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Reflect

Some friends and I were playing golf the other day. My tee shot sailed into the water. My buddy said, “Grab another ball and take a mulligan.” In golf, a mulligan is a do over, a free shot because you messed up on the previous shot. However, in the official rules of golf, mulligans are not allowed! If you lose a golf ball, you must take a one shot penalty.

Paul reminds us again of the grace and mercy of God! I love the part where Paul said he had acted ignorantly. We can all look at our lives and make that claim. Life can be more intimidating than standing over a golf shot trying to clear a few acres of water. Let’s face it, in life we have all fallen short of the green a time or two. When we fall short, hear God say, “Take a mulligan; I won’t even charge you an extra stroke, because your penalties have already been paid.”

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Pray

Loving God, help us always to remember that nothing can separate us from your love through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Go with God.