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“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” – St. Augustine

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Listen to my song “Lift Up Our Voices” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books (Mercy Reigns & Listen to Your Heart). Thank you!

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1 Timothy 1:12-14

I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry. I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant.

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St. Paul is such a testament to grace.

He was perhaps the least deserving person to be selected as a minister of the gospel.

Paul, who was first known as Saul, was persecuting the first Christians and most certainly was responsible for many of their deaths.

It was during this time when Saul thought he was doing good in ridding the world of followers of Jesus that he was selected.

Some type of mystical encounter happened when Saul was traveling.

He heard a voice asking, “Why are you persecuting me?”

When Saul asked who was addressing him, the voice stated: “I am Jesus, who you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-5).

Saul found out that he was persecuting Jesus himself in persecuting his followers.

This was a profound revelation to Saul which led him to the understanding of being a part of something bigger than himself.

He realized we are all part of one body and responsible for each part of it.

Do you see yourself in Saul?

I see many similarities between Saul and me in the ways I have changed.

Many old beliefs have been rocked by the grace of new discovery.

I have felt the tender love of God through all the twists and turns.

We are all works in progress.

We are not on some private journey of moral perfection, but on a communal journey to experience Love and share that love through our own unique creative gifts and talents.

We are living in a sea of Grace.

Amen and alleluia!

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Listen to the song of the day “Lift Up Our Voices” on the Give Praise and Thanks album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!