Accepted

"Grace tells us that we are accepted just as we are. We may not be the kind of people we want to be, we may be a long way from our goals, we may have more failures than achievements, we may not be wealthy or powerful or spiritual, we may not even be happy, but we are noetheless acceptede by God, held in His hands. Such is His promise to us in Jesus Christ, a promise we can trust."

This is a quote found in a book that I have been reading while being here in Wales called The Ragamuffin Gospel. It's a great book about how God's love and grace came to a people undeserving - it came to the ragamuffins. I love this particular quote because it reminds me of what the Gospel is truly about - a grace which accepts those who are unacceptable, a love for those who are unloveable, a pardon for the undeserving. As much as I try there is nothing I can do to earn this grace. I just have to accept it. Accept the idea that there is a God who passionately accepts me just as I am.

Sometimes, well often actually, that idea baffles me. The thought of the God who created the rains which frequent this country, the heat which covers my hometown, and the daisies which spring up from the rocks loves me absolutely astounds me. To know I am justified when I don't deserve it brings me to tears, but it also brings smiles and laughter and joy that is beyond compare.

Knowing God accepts me just as I am or really inspite of who I am is a humbling thought. I love Psalm 103 which I posted a few days ago how it reads "for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust." God accepts me, one who is of dirt. He accepts though I am not good enough, knowing that I will never on my own be good enough. He accepts me knowing I fail over and over again. He accepts me knowing knowing I am weak and I will stumble and fall. He accepts me knowing there will be days when I am jealous of everyone and question why He made me the way I am. He accepts me knowing I am not usually nice to everyone; that often I am rash and quick to judge. He accepts me knowing that I am afraid and that I really don't trust Him in all areas of my life yet. He accepts me knowing that I worry more about tomorrow than I actually do about the moments He gives me. He accepts me knowing I am not grateful like I should nor do I give like I should. I could continue on and on how He accepts inspite of all that I am not, but it would be a very long list.

The bottom line is I am accepted by Him because of what He's done. Because of what He's given. The bottom line is we're all accepted not because of anything have or haven't done. We're accepted because of His grace. It is not earnable. It is a gift. And it is a costly gift, but one that is worth more than anything this life can offer.

You are loved today and you are accepted by the One who created the stars in the sky and every colorful (and non-colorful) fish in the sea. He is absolutely crazy about you and wants you to know Him. Never doubt His love because nothing can take it away :)

I leave you with my favority poem by Bradley Hathaway, entitled "Celebration Wedding"

This is for the ones whose hope is falling
And you no longer hear your savior's calling.
This is for the ones whose backs are turning
And that passion-filled heart you once had has stopped burning.
This is for the ones abandoned.
Now all alone with no solace and you think you're stranded.
This is for you empty, by life branded,
That had a vision that took leap, but it never landed.
This is for the ones who are plagued.
By those mysteries of life.
And you feel torn inside by this mind of spirit and strife.
This is for the ones whose desire to do good is always outweighed
and you don't do as you should.
This is for the ones whose mistakes are too many to count
and the guilt on your chest just continues to mount.
This is for the ones who have been done wrong by sins.
At the corrupted hands of perverted men.
Hold on.
HOLD ON!
Because soon will come the Celebration Wedding
and bundles of restoration will be our bedding.
Soon will come the Celebration Wedding
and bundles of restoration will be our bedding.
The trumpeter is taking a breath
The guests are taking their seats.
The Bride is putting on a veil.
The Father is making last-minute preparations.
There's Thousands Times Ten Thousand
angels waiting in holy expectation.
The readied groom is readied.
Soon will come the Celebration Wedding
If you are hurting, your hurt will cease.
If you are restless, you will find peace.
If you are empty, You will be filled.
All of these doubts, they'll be stilled.
If life for you is just to trying, Your tears will be dissipate.
There won't be anymore crying.
If the only thing you know is shame, you will be cleansed
and never again feel the same.
If you can't see straight.
focus.
persevere.
And wait...
Soon will come the Celebration Wedding
and bundles of restoration will be our bedding.

Grace and Peace