open arms......

this week i had an 'ah-ha" moment.  i was in deep distress and praying fervently to God to calm my spirit, open my mind, and assure my heart.  i get like this at times when i am either battling a "depressive episode" or my mind does not want to give me any peace!  i am a firm believer that going to God and His Word, as well as asking prayer warriors for prayer will provide (and it always has, maybe not in the time frame i want, but always in God's perfect time) the truth i seek, the calmness of spirit and mind, and the relief that only He can provide for a soul and mind in turmoil.

in my "God immersive" state i was watching The Chosen, season 2, episodes 1 & 2, and as always, cried at the remembrance of the great love, patience, guidance and understanding Jesus has for us.  has for me. that His arms are open to all who will run to Him, no matter what your past, present or future will be.  no sin is too great, He cannot forgive it, no life so unimportant that He cannot touch it, no heart so broken that He cannot heal it, no person so lost He cannot save them.  

i was reminded of the parable of the lost sheep.  if a shepherd has 100 sheep and 1 gets lost, he will leave the 99 to find the 1.  i was also reminded of the samaritan woman at the well that Jesus spoke to, revealing not only who she was and what she needed, but who He was and that He was all she needed.  i know that this show is not an exact biblical representation of Jesus as the scriptures show, but more of a creative portrayal.  for me, it reminds me that Jesus was not only all God, but also a man who walked this earth, had close relationships with people He shared His ministry with, loved humanity enough to associate with those others would shun and embraced those who came to Him with open arms. it reminds me of the clear biblical fact that Jesus loves me. even me.....

Jesus will always give you truth, which at times may sting, but He always does it in His love for us, for you and for me.  He will always go after that lost sheep, even when it is me. He will always reveal the truth of our sin and our need for it to be paid for.  He will never reject the "worst of these" who repents and runs to His open arms.  sin is sin to God, all sin is the same and holds the same requirement: it must be paid for.  Jesus willing paid for it. i can never thank Him enough for paying my sin debt~

wherever you are in your life, wherever you are in your faith, wherever you are in your spiritual walk, wherever you are in your relationship with Jesus, (hopefully you are a found sheep!), whether you are saved and flailing, or battling a "depressive episode", He is never too far away to be found.  He is waiting to forgive your sin, restore your path, pay your debt and greet you as you run into His always open arms.....

Matthew 11:28-28; Luke 15:20; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 91:1-2; Proverbs 18:10; Hebrews 4:16; John 6:37; Psalm 18:2