Open Arms

In tears thinking about how disobedient I was, and still am, and ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the times I’ve failed Jesus, all the times I’ve brought dishonor to my Father and committed treason against THE KinG— the KinG of the Universe . . . The KinG of KinGs— and how FAI✝️HFUL He is, lovinG He IS and reassurinG he is anyway! In spite of it all! It TRULY blows my mind!! 

That’s why I EVERY single day I live from the beautiful intersection of Brokenness and Gratitude, which in light of everything He’s done and does, and just for Who He is, is EASY . . . When considering Who He is and His persistence, encouragement, discipline, love, mercy, grace, peace, JOY, relentlessness and ALL the other side things God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are— It’s the easiest thing EVER to remain humble, broken and grateful. 

Because NO matter if I’m on top of the mountain, spiritually, or in the valley . . . The best I can bring is FILTHY rags and while I can’t always guarantee consistency; I can always say I will NEVER come to the Father with empty hands. 

He, just by simply being, deserves and demands more! 

When I consider Him, ALL His ways, and a Love I continually try to grasp more of . . . I, inevitably, arrive at the same conclusion— I am UNworthy and He is WORTHY and just like any subject and KinG— that’s the way it should be! 

The BEAUTIFUL, mind-blowinG thing is this . . . A subject would certainly have to clamor for the king’s attention and would be amazed at any time devoted to him or her . . . Even Cinderella had to mop floors, get a pretty dress and ride in a pumpkin to get to spend any time with the prince. 

Then had to try on a glass slipper just to prove she did. 

We don’t have to! 

We only have to prove He made the right decision in creating us and saving us . . . And you know the unbelievably great news? Even when we don’t, He loves us just the same— with the same intensity and acceptance— as if we did. 

Justification means just as if we didn’t! We have been justified by the KinG! 

THE KinG— this majestic King—  is already fixated on us in ways we simply can’t comprehend. We are the apple of His eye. He thinks we are beautiful! He has chosen us and we can have ALL the time we desire. Every single day. 

When I worship, I don’t have my arms outstretched in an effort to draw attention to myself . . . I am only desiring to draw attention to the One, Who gives me LIFE! I am not attempting to appear as one who has it all together . . . Just a grateful ragamuffin of Grace, who is worshiping the One, Who keeps it ALL from falling apart! 

In the end, I’m just a GRATEFUL orphan, who, through the cross and a simple request, became a son, stranger, who became a friend and a human being, a jar in the hands of a Potter, who is determined, bound and determined, to make a masterpiece! I am just a man, who is overwhelmed I am able to call God, the Creator of the Universe, my Father . . . 

That He fully knows ME— the REAL me— not who I strive to be, not who I am sometimes, not just the me who gets it right . . . But the one with all the warts, the one with ALL my shortcomings, Pride, lustful desires, the one who lies and disappointments, others and himself, the one who if disobedience was measured in drops could fill oceans— yes, He knows me and always has the same response! OPEN ARMS. 

✝️ That’s the Gospel ✝️

I get to be part of the KINGDOM . . . That is the greatest marvel of ALL! 

                           +Hope Abounds+

                                      JM