Happy Saturday, friends. You know, for the most part I feel called to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ, but every once in a while the Lord will put me in the path of an unbeliever, and that’s where I want to be today.
In the path of those who have no idea what this Jesus thing is all about, and the path of those who once thought they knew, but they’ve been away for a hundred million different reasons.
I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that God loves you more than you can ever know. Yes, He does. You might not feel it right now, but sometimes feelings lie.
You might have been hurt and blame God. I understand.
You might have done something terrible and don’t think He could ever forgive you. I understand.
You might be afraid to trust Him again. I understand.
I’ve been there, done all that, bought the t-shirt and worn it until I didn’t think I could wear it anymore.
But the power of the blood of His Son paid for all of it.
And thirty years down the road I also understand that if you let Him, God will heal your heart; that He not only can forgive you, He is waiting to forgive you; and that no matter what the future holds, He will be right beside you, hurting with you when you hurt, but through it He will give you His peace and strength to forgive, to heal, to grow in grace and love, into very the image of His own beautiful Son.
And just like the story Jesus told the people who had gathered around him: “while {the prodigal son} was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him,” (Luke 15:20) so the Heavenly Father waits for you to take but a step toward Him, asking for forgiveness, and He will run to you with such compassion and all the love you ever wanted, throw His arms around you, and welcome you home.
Today’s song is dedicated to you.
Father, let the chains fall…
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)
David Crowder
Down the path of forgiveness, salvation’s waiting there
You built a mighty fortress 10,000 burdens high
Love is here to lift you up, here to lift you high
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
Fix your eyes on the mountain, let the past be dead and gone
Come all saints and sinners, you can’t outrun God
Whatever you’ve done can’t overcome the power of the blood
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory be open wide
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory be open wide
Let the gates of glory be open wide
Let the gates of glory be open wide