Kelly Balarie- The fog was thick; I couldn't see out the window. Dazed, because I woke at 3:45 this particular morning, I stared into the grey abyss. I let my imagination go . . .

What if Jesus came to me through that fog right now, arms wide open? In that moment, it was as if I could see Him...approaching me. I imagined how it would feel to see -- and be seen -- by Jesus. Fully exposed, I wanted to run to Jesus, but then I thought... (Google image, A buck on a foggy morning)

Jesus, will you like me when you see me? Am I enough, flaws and all?

Wow. Coming out of this daydream, I have to admit, my thoughts surprised me. I suppose, subliminally, I haven't completely accepted that Christ completely accepts me. . . because my fear in that moment was that He might reject me.

Yet, I know the truth. The truth is, I don't have to shape-up, be better, or act perfect to be accepted. Jesus doesn't want or choose me because of what I do -- He wants, chooses, and accepts me because of what He did.

He doesn't love me more because I know more about Him; He just loves me.
He doesn't want me more when I am rocking being a mother; He wants me because He chose me.
He doesn't accept me more based on how religious I act; he accepts me, period.

Jesus counted the cost, paid the price, and gave me His righteousness. Sure, I repent as I need to repent, but beyond this — the deal is done. The price is paid. My eternal standing is completed, because of Him.

His blood marks you and I — enough.

I pray this truth might sink in. I pray it may sink into every space and place of inadequacy and fear within us. I pray it might touch both our unconscious and conscious reality. I pray it may increase our ability to receive His love and grace. I pray that it exists as more than a mind-reality, but that it becomes a firm-reality. We stand on the solid-rock of Jesus, not shifty ground. May we know that we know this truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

On that day we meet Jesus, we will run into glorious grace. We will run into grace that loves us, grace that covers us, grace that accepts us and grace that wants us, forever and no matter what. Oh, what a Savior we have in Jesus. All Glory to you, Father.

Jesus said, ". . . I have called you friends . . . " (Jo. 15:15)

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Let's pray-

"I pray this truth might sink in. I pray it may sink into every space and place of inadequacy and fear within us. I pray it might touch both our unconscious and conscious reality. I pray it may increase our ability to receive His love and grace. I pray that it exists as more than a mind-reality, but that it becomes a firm-reality. We stand on the solid-rock of Jesus, not shifty ground. May we know that we know this truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen." [Kelly's prayer]

426-430 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

426- Ps. 85:12 "Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase."

427- Col. 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

428- 1 Chron. 21:27 "And the LORD commanded the angel: and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof."

429- Pro. 3:26 "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."

430- Rom. 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."

Quotes for today-

~ James Banks- "Some of God's best blessings may be long in coming. Though they linger, keep looking to Him! He prepares every blessing with perfect wisdom and care—and He's always worth waiting for."

~ Skip Heitzig- "If you love Jesus, you'll attest to and authenticate that love by your obedience. James stated this key fact in simple, up-front terms: Faith without works is dead. True faith is accompanied by obedience; profession and practice go hand in hand." (See James 2:17-18). [p. 213 of BLOODLINE, Tracing God's Rescue Plan From Eden to Eternity].

Words of wisdom-

~ Will you keep your confidence in the Lord inspite of the challenges before you? As He is Faithful, He will see you through your fears, so you can be victorious. Your face will radiate peace when you trust Him.

Words from God the Father

By Dave Roberson Ministries

Our weekly word from the Father

I Rejoice Over You With Great Joy

"I rejoice when I hear your voice begin to pray. I rejoice. It blesses Me. I receive from you when you give yourself to Me. You see, it is not just Me giving to you, but I receive from you, says the Lord. My heart is pleasured. My heart begins to leap. I rejoice over you with joy. I delight in you, says the Lord."

Today's guest post-

How to Worship God with Your Emotions

Jessica Van Roekel -

"As a worship leader, I know the dangers of emotion-driven worship. But I also know the dangers of worship without emotions.
Emotions do not prove truth, but truth should strike a life with positive emotional force. It's tempting to let the complex nature of both to say that worship is only singing in church and box up our emotions.
But God created us to worship and he gave us emotions. How do we unite the two?"