Modesty: Respecting my Brothers

As the warmer weather approaches God really has touched my life with some important lessons. Summer before last, I went to Delaware to visit my grandparents, we spent a day in Philidelphia, and then traveled to Ocean City, Maryland.

I loved it!

While I was there, I needed a new bathing suit. And my step mom and I went to the different shops along the boardwalk. I ended up buying one. I still have it, but as soon as I put it on, I felt like I needed to put shorts on. I felt like I was showing my family, and every other beach goer parts of my body that were not supposed to be seen. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my body. I am thankful for the curves, and being petite. It is nice going to the gym not because I have to, but because I love my body and like to be healthy.

I have been praying for a while about what to do about my dilema of swimwear. I am a fish, I love the water. I absolutely love to swim. But, I always felt weighed down by t shirts/shorts. So, I decided to do some research and found a few great sites that will allow me to swim with ease and be modest. It took me a little while, but I am grateful that there are great fashionable options. 

I'm not only doing this for me though.

See, summertime especially in the south can get well over 100 degrees. In fact starting in April, until around October, it usually is in the 95-108 degree range. I hate warm weather. I have always been tempted to just put on something that may be immodest, but at least I'm not dying,

Then, I figured out, it's the type of fabrics I'm wearing. Choosing the right fabrics for dresses/skirts/shorts can save your life.

But, as for the guys, my dressing modestly will help them out. They are commanded not to look at a woman with lust in their hearts. Yet, how can they? Go to the beach, girls are walking around in what is equivalent to their underwear.

I want to be a blessing, not a stumbling block for those guys that are trying to honor God. And this is the first of many steps that I must take.

Whenever I go shopping, (which is a lot, sadly) I always have a mental checklist.

Is this breaking my strapless rule?

Are those shorts too short?

If my Dad saw me in this, how would he feel?

Can I wear it to church respectfully?

I am in no way trying to be legalistic, however I felt that these measures were needed.

Stacy at "Your Sacred Calling" puts it this way:

"Love your brothers in Christ (and other men) enough to want to help them not to sin, rather than risk being a likely stumbling block. Yes, some guys will lust regardless; just make sure you aren’t an actual participant in the problem. Love your husband (or future husband) enough to save yourself for him."

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

I Am Stronger Than You Think

For those of you who have just joined the blog, or who do not know me, I hope that this post (and blog) in particular inspires you.

Before I was born, my mom who was 15 was told that I would have spina bifida and would probably not make it to my second birthday. She was asked if she wanted to have an abortion, and told the doctors that I was her daughter, and I deserved life. I was supposed to be born on July 1st, I was born on May 1st. I weighed a pound and seven ounces. I could fit in a grown man's hand. They had to dress me in doll clothes because even the premie dresses wouldn't fit me. It is a miracle from the GOOD Lord that I am even breathing today.

Once I was born, they discovered I did not have spina bifida. Instead, I had (and have) a rather severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. I have had 17 surgeries and will have my 18th in early May (wonderful birthday present [insert sarcasm here]).

Friends, I'm blessed. Each day is a gift.

Many people have told me "you're too small", "you can't beat this", "you are ruined". However, I choose not to believe it.

Yes, I may have a disorder that consumes my daily life with doctors visits every week and frequent trips to the hospital, but this disorder does not define me or who I am. I am not just a patient, I am daughter of the Most High King, I am beloved. I am a sister, daughter, friend, mentor, photographer, musician, dancer, I am Jess. I am NOT this disorder. I am more.

I am strong. By God's grace, I am a survivor.

Before my Mom passed away in 2007 from cancer, she had a pep talk with me. She reminded me of how strong I am, and how I beat the doctors expectations, and how I could change the world, if I only believed in myself, and trusted God. That pep talk was the last real conversation I had with her.

I want to change the world, I want to show the darkness that the Light can't be covered up. I have a hope, and a fire inside of me that I want to use to glorify my Father.

I know God has a BIG and unique calling on my life, and I only recently fully embraced it.

I've been given gifts musically and I have a "one of a kind spirit" (Mrs. Tina wrote that on a card that is taped to my dresser). I have the best medical care on the Gulf Coast, and an amazing church family.

While I've been telling myself, I can't, God has been whispering "You can, just trust in Me". While I have been screaming "Lord, You can't use me, look at me!", He says "I use the simple to confound the wise, and the weak to confound the strong."*

And, after my first year in college, and much prayer, and thought about the economy, I've decided to pursue a dream, a ministry in music. Trust me, I changed my mind and went back and forth a million times, before just surrendering to God's call.

I may not be the best, but Philippians 4:19 says "my God will supply all my lack, according to the riches in Christ Jesus."*

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

And so can you.


* rough paraphrase, grab a Bible and read it :)

To All the Men of God

Dear Men of God,

As a single 19 year old female, I wish to apologize to you. I know that following Jesus is hard in the culture we live in, and mediocre Christianity is often deemed acceptable.However, I wish to encourage you in some simple truths and promises through the following paragraphs.

I love God, I hope that is obvious by this blog, but I just wanted to say it. I present truth number one to you now, I (and others like me) resolve to love God more than we will ever love you. I refuse to find my ultimate emotional (and physical) fulfillment in you. God has given me a desire to want to be loved, accepted, cherished, and needed by you, but this is only meant to be an earthly representation of how much I should depend on Him every second of every day for the rest of my life.

I commit to dress in a way that will not cause you to stumble. Some may find this objectionable, however I believe it not only honors God, but it honors you. I will not expose parts of my body that should not be seen. I promise to be wise when shopping, even if the dress is cute and on sale. I resolve to cover up at the beach. Honestly, what is the difference between a bikini and me walking outside in my bra and underwear? And, yes there are options out there that will allow me to swim faster than you and not weigh me down. 

I will use my time and talents in a way that serves God, and honors Him. I will not waste my time being idle, but will use every gift that God has given me. In my spare time I will perfect the talents He has entrusted me with, and grow deeper in the Word.

I will act in a way that encourages you to walk in purity and truth. I do not have the same last name as you, or a ring on my finger, therefore I have no reason to be touching you. 

I will encourage and not belittle your position as men. I will allow you to be men. This means even those hobby's that I may find ridiculous, I will accept. I will not speak ill of you, or anyone else and guard my tongue. We are told not to offend brothers in the Lord. I will submit to your leadership when needed, and rise up to be a teammate when applicable.

In short I will

 "Trust Him, Proverbs 3:5-6. Honor him, Proverbs 31:12."

In Christ,

Jess

What's A Girl To Do?

A fantastic friend of mine requested this subject, so I thought I'd provide practical advice and encouragement for her, and you.

I am going to make a reference. Back in November when I was down visiting Andrew in Florida, I knew that I liked him alot. I knew that and since I was staying with his family, our feelings were hard to hide. Well, I never said anything to him. Until, I just needed to take a walk, and asked him to join me. I voiced my opinion cautiously about our friendship, and we started our courtship that night. He very awkwardly asked, "So, how about, let's court?" And we did for a little while.

However, when you are attracted to a guy, what do you do?
You let him be the man.
God designed men to be the initiators, and the starters.
Pray about God's direction, and grow in friendship with him. However, please do not under-mind his masculinity. Let him man up! :)
If God has a future planned for the two of you, He will work out the details. Don't rush into something. Pray, pray, pray. Don't over think, overreact, or over analyze. Just give it to God, and if need be, spill it to a girl who you trust and can give you godly advice.
Just let him be the man, he will thank you for it.
Trust me. Relax, all is well.
If he likes you now, and has waited this long, a few more days/weeks won't be so bad.
Don't be discouraged if he is distant, encourage him, but don't smother him. Honestly, I don't have much advice. I thought I would, but my best advice: Pray. God knows better than I do, and better than you do.
Read through some books by Dannah Gresh and Leslie Ludy, they phrase all of this way better than I ever could. :)

Yellow Lights: Be Cautious

We don’t often realize the harm that we put ourselves and others in by speeding through yellow lights. We think, rather carelessly, that those yellow lights aren’t exactly red lights, so we don’t have to stop. Yet, countless accidents are caused each year by this act of recklessness.

I was thinking today, and reading a book by Leslie Ludy, in that she describes appropriate action towards Christian men who are single, and attractive. She gives guidelines that you can read for yourself, because I don’t have time to type it all out.

But, as far as guys go, we tend to be careless. Think about it…

I’ve walked in countless churches and seen girls and guys touching each other, tackling, hugging (full body), and so forth. That’s not okay. I’m sorry but no man, until he proves that he is Christ-centered, is going to touch me. I’m not OCD, or anything like that, but I have a bubble.

I realize just how powerful touch can be. And, I am probably one of the minority of women who are visual so, I understand what the whole tackling and sitting on guys laps does to men. Yes, even Christian men.

“It doesn’t matter if you think that you might one day marry the guy that you are getting to know. Until God makes it clear that this is your life-long covenant marriage partner, live as if you (and he) both belong to someone else. If you engage in sensual touch prior to entering that sacred covenant, you dishonor God’s perfect design and leave yourselves wide open for the enemy to ravage the beauty and nobility of your relationship.” –Leslie Ludy

My body is a temple for the Lord, and I pray to keep it in all holiness for the man who God knows will cherish my heart.

So on a physical level, don’t speed through those yellow lights with any guy. It’s dangerous.

Be cautious, and I promise God will reward your patience.

PLEASE, don’t give any room for temptation to creep in. Dress in a way that honors God, act in a way that promotes purity, and speak encouragement.

I’m waiting faithfully as the end of Day 1 of my 40 day fast comes to an end. :)

Setting The World On Fire

Day One of the 40DF is going amazing! I am still in my pajama's even though it's almost 11AM. But, hey I'm studying and taking notes all day. :)

As I woke up this morning, I realized that I want to be used. I have a voice, I have a guitar, I have feet. That's all I need, God can use me. My voice will sing praise and my feet will go out and make disciples. I set my Britt Nicole playlist up on iTunes, and started cleaning, when I came across the song "Set The World On Fire". And, once I found it, I was hooked.
I believe that it should be our desire as children of God, to be used. We NEED to know Him, and make Him known. It's not enough just to proclaim Jesus in our hearts, but not proclaim Him where He is needed most.
So, as the first day of my fast nears it's midpoint, I'd like to make a proposition to all of you.
Let Him use you.
Whatever talent, gift, or ability you have. Be open to using that to further the Gospel. Whatever your hobby is, let it be a starting point for opening up the salvation found through our Savior. College student, Mom, Police Officer, Nurse, Retail store clerk, go out and declare Him. We are commanded to do so.
Let Him have His way. Let Him change you. That's what I'm doing with the fast, and I really hope you will join me.
Don't hesitate, just do it. God will be with you.

"Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Josh. 1:9

See, I used to HATE getting up in front of people. Now, I have no problem being on a stage in front of 200 people and doing what God has called me to do. It's all a matter of prayer. We are promised every spiritual blessing in Christ, and yet we as Christians are still so hesitant.We think that God can't use us. SERIOUSLY?!

Go set the world on fire. Be that light to the world that you are called to be. (Romans 8:28, Matt. 5;16)

Please don't use any excuse, with God ALL things are possible. Ask Him to change your heart, to be more willing, to be more submissive, to do the impossible.

Go serve your King,
Jess

Seeking, Lord I Long For You!

I realize that I have neglected the blog for the last few days. I've just been studying, studying, and studying! I hope you have had a wonderful week.

As I tried to figure out what to say this morning, one thing came to mind. 

 "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13

This week has been one of the most "epic" weeks of my life. I'm still a little uncertain, but I've declared a major (finally!). I led worship (with Sarah :D) at Kingz Kidz, and I experienced a joy that once again, just sweeps me away.

Then, I began to think about all the miracles, and crazy stuff that's happened in my life. It all came about through God's mighty hand at work. But, I realized that we must fight for our faith. See we have an enemy, and as I've said before, his main goal is to steal us away from our marvelous Creator.

Honestly, seeking God has always been "hard" for me. Just ask Andrew, I have a severe and sometimes intrusive case of ADHD. I can go from God to "oh, look it's a hot air baloon" in about 3 seconds. (LOL)

So, praying for hours, it's always been hard for me. I'm one of those people who must always be moving, do something....Well, don't you know I am weak. And, we all need to just "be still" before God sometimes. And, last night I had a desperate cry for God, I just needed Him. And, this seeking was hard. Yes, I felt like I was talking to my bedroom wall, crying out to a God who is merciless and just wishes to see my agony. But, God taught me something. When we seek, we find. When we knock, He answers. When we pray, He listens. I am not a theologian, bible scholar, or in the least bit famous, but God cares. 1 Peter 5:7 declares it, and I am not one to argue with the Word of God.

Please understand this, when you feel like He doesn't hear you, when you're at rock bottom, or you hate where you are in life, just seek God. Don't worry about the problems of today, or the troubles of tomorrow, just seek Him.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." -Matthew 6:33

When we feel torn, broken, and battered, God doesn't leave us alone. But, sometimes He just wants to be sought, and He wants you to put your trust in Him alone. When there is nothing left, we will find Him. Remember that.
So, instead of pursuing the world, pursue Jesus, He's much much better.

Go serve your King,
Jess 

My Promise, I Will Wait For You

I literally want to burst into tears right now. Just thinking about Jesus, and what He did for me, it literally makes me want to cry, and shout His praise at the same time. As I write tonight, before studying and doing my time with God, I am overwhelmed.

Today God showed me what He has for me. See, I know there’s a man out there that He created, just for me. I pretty much exalt this principle of “one guy for me” to tons of young girls each week. However, God reminded me through the story of Ruth, that my guy will be “known in the gates”. I am so unbelievably thankful right now, even though I have no idea who this guy is, that God is shaping him. I know that before I meet the guy that God has, he will be refined by the Creator. I can’t wait for the day that I walk down the aisle, and my Dad gives me away.

But, right now I am single.

There is no way of getting around that truth. So how do I practically wait for this guy? I’m not Sleeping Beauty, and I will not be the pursuer. If any guy wants my heart, he will have to win it. It will take a man to win my heart :). I am not just going to give it away. Part of virtue is mystique.  I have physical boundaries, as well as emotional ones. So, right now, how do I live in light of that guy’s soon appearance in my life?

I don’t say or do anything that he wouldn’t approve of if he was beside me. That’s my number one rule. If my man was right beside me, how would he react to me doing or saying this?

Please know, I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve messed up, big time. But, my God is a redeemer! He loves to heal and restore! (Can I get an “amen”?)

I have made boundaries, because I know how far I can go. I know that I want to honor God in every area, with a pure heart, and mind. I know that men struggle to some degree with the physical side of things, and this is protect him and I from anything that wouldn’t honor our King.

I realize that he may have made mistakes. But, I want to point this out:

“You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.” –Psalm 71:21

God is a good God. So if my man ever reads this. I hope he knows, that no matter what “mistake” he has made, no matter what failures he has done, he is a son of the King (and loved by me, even now). 

I want him, and you dear reader, to know that God is so overflowing with love it’s unbelievable. And I promised God to wait for him, and I am living every day in expectancy. I know it will be glorious, and wonderful. I know that angels will be cheering when he lifts my veil. I will wait. That’s what I want to say tonight. 

You make a vow on your wedding day, but I made it when I gave this area of my life to God. So, once again. Here is my vow. Before I know him, I want him to know that,

I will love you

I will honor you

In sickness, and in health

For richer, for poor,

Until death does us part,

Because love never fails,

It always endures,

I promise to forgive,

I promise to submit,

I will be the best wife I can,

I will love you every day of my life,

I will provide a soft place for you to land,

I will be there for you on the rainy days,

When the storms of life compass us,

I will take your hand,

I will show you a love, that is stronger than mine,

I will be the mother to our children, that my mom was to me,

I will be the best friend you've ever had,

No matter what.

From now until eternity.

Falling In Love with Jesus: Day 4: Running

Before I get too far into this, I would like to admit that I am guilty of doing what I will talk about. It's part of our sinful and fleshly nature. I did it when my Mom died, I did it when my first boyfriend broke up with me, I did it when I was angry, I am not too proud to admit that I struggle here.

I ran from God.

This was either because of my sin, my thinking that I am too unworthy for God to begin with, or my anger/disappointment/hurt.

But, the Word of God says:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." -1 Peter 5:7

So, when the world comes crashing down (and I know it certainly can), run to Him. Not from Him. In Him, we have joy (see yesterday's post). We can do all things through Him.

There is a song by Shane & Shane, called In You. (The song is on the playlist at the bottom of the blog.)

We have nothing if we don't have the King.

 So running from God, it will do nothing. It will solve no problem, mend no broken heart. It's only when you run to Him, broken, bruised, torn, restless, that He can make you whole. He brings rest to the weary, remember?

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." -Matthew 28-29

 Falling In Love with Jesus often happens when we are so broken that words can't describe our hurt. It doesn't happen by accident. It isn't a joke. See, God not only loves you, He likes you!

I can try to put this love into words, but they would fall short of it. You must run to Him to experience it for yourself. No one else can make you, they can tell you how wonderful it is, but it's your choice.

Because, we must run to Him when every fiber of our being wants to turn and run to eat the fruit of bitterness and doubt. And that is contrary to the habit of our flesh.

So will you run to Him? 

He has the whole world in His hands, I'm sure He can handle your mess too.

Because, He is good.

Because, everything that happens in our lives is meant to turn us to Him, and bring Him glory!

Until tomorrow, go serve your King,

Jess

Falling In Love with Jesus: Day 3: Be Joyful, Not Bitter

First off, I am really sorry for not updating in the past few days. Our internet was down on Saturday, and Sunday was full of the usual church craziness (Church of the King, you rock!). Add the Superbowl to the mix and having family in town, and now you understand why I have failed to write.

Okay, so starting where we left off. Day 3.

How many times have you been disappointed? How many times have you been let down, or hurt? Can you count them with your fingers, or do you have to use your toes too? Is it more than that? Yeah, me too. And this disappointment and/or hurt can seriously rob us. BIG TIME.

When you pray, and God doesn't answer the way you want, or He says "not yet", what is your response back to Him? Is it, Thank You Father, for always listening and answering in a way that better glorifies Your name, or is it Fine, God? I hope it's not the second one! But it can be sometimes.

We can be so consumed by what we want, that we don't think that maybe He has a better plan. We forget Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

When we don't receive what we want when we want it, as fallen sinners we can become bitter. My pastor, Steve Robinson, talked about this yesterday. See, bitterness is a fruit of the Enemy. Just like Eve was tempted by the fruit of the Enemy in the garden, we can become tempted by fruit today. When things don't go our way, we tend to bite (and savor) the fruit of bitterness. Yuck! This turns us from God, by questions that can't be answered at the time. Yes, just like Eve. (Genesis 3:1)

But, there is a better way. Instead of eating that nasty fruit that can rot out our spiritual longing for God, we can eat the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit our King lived to demonstrate.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" -Galatians 5:22-23

 So, instead of using circumstances or sin to turn from God, use it to run to Him. When someone wrongs you, show them love. When the Enemy reminds you of your past, be joyful in the Savior. When you have the option to be hasty, be patient. When you have the opportunity to do excess, practice self control.

Kick the Enemy further under your feet! Thank Jesus for His redemption.

We are commanded to be joyful, always. Because:

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

So, whether we are facing death, financial stress, school work that is piling up, the doubt and disapproval of others, whatever it is....we must be JOYFUL.

Even in the midst of the worst windblown, thunder crazed, hail producing storm, we are to praise Him.

Because He is faithful, just, and merciful. He works everything together for our good and His glory!!

Falling In Love with Jesus: Day 2: Who I Am

I am so excited to start our week long challenge of loving our King!! So, here we go :)

A battle I (well Christ in me), has fought long and hard has finally came to an end. I am rejoicing in who I am as a daughter of the Most High. But are you?

When you look in the mirror, do you believe that you are made in the image of a perfect Creator? Do you judge yourself against others, wishing "if only.."?

I've always struggled with this area, thinking that God "messed up" (even though there are no mistakes made by God). I was taught from a young age that I was not enough to win a man's affection and attention (and that is the one thing that I wanted to do, at that point in time). I was told that I would never be beautiful, because of a disorder that I have absolutely no control over.

I was told, "you have no purpose".

And for years after I came to God, I didn't like to think about myself as "His workmanship", because I wasn't in my eyes. But, in His mercy, God showed me who I am, in Him.

I said, and (maybe you do too)....

I am too wretched for God.                   but God says:              Isaiah 1:18

I am alone.                                                                                   Hebrews 13:5

God doesn't want me.                                                                Zephaniah 3:17

I am too much for Him, and not enough.                                   John 15:13

See, God wants you to fall in love with who He is. We are not to focus on ourselves, but on Him, and the fact that we are adopted as Sons and Daughters through His Son's resurrection. When you are focused on Him, and who He is, then you will begin to see that since He is perfect, He did not make a mistake in creating you just as you are. You have a destiny. That destiny is to spend forever with the Man who will wipe away all your tears.

So, ask God, Who are you? Who am I in you?

Then thank Him, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made!!! 

Falling In Love with Jesus: Introduction

Good Morning! Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day!

I was in prayer last night for the direction of this blog. And, here's what's gonna be happening this week.. I want to equip you, as young women to love God. I came up with a calendar for this week, and will presenting you a new idea every day. However, these posts for this week will focus on loving God, and making Him known. Since the Gospel is the cornerstone of our faith, we should be confident in it.

I hope you will join me on this exciting new time for the blog! Number 2 will appear above this post. Number 1 is below (I'm just counting it as number 1, since I think it's a good starting place).

Falling In Love with Jesus

We've all heard the analogy of Jesus being the Bridegroom, and us (The church) being the Bride, right?

Well, as I open up this post, I want to ask you a simple question.

Are you in love with Jesus?

And I don't mean, you love him, I mean, do you LOVE him? Do you put Him above all else? Is hearing His voice a priority?

As young women, we often forget how jealous our King is.

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her." -Zechariah 8:2

He wants you to spend time with Him. He wants you to be incandescently fulfilled and satisfied by His presence. He wants you to love Him, just like you want be loved. Passionately.

I pray that the Maker of the Heavens would set a fire in your heart. When He is the true desire of your heart, you don't want this world. You want Him. Only God can satisfy the longing in your heart, don't look to anyone or anything else.

This is often difficult, we live in a society where women are consumed with pictures of how they should look, the guys they should date (even though I don't believe in dating), the way they should spend their time, the translation of the Bible they should read, etc., but no one ever tells us as young women how to be a passionate lover and follower of the One man who will never let us down.

The story of Hosea and Gomer always brings me such joy.

Joshua Harris sums the story up this way:

"Hosea was an Old Testament prophet, and God called this man to marry a woman of ill repute. And so Hosea married this woman named Gomer. And she was unfaithful to him. She left him. She was an adulteress and even gave herself to prostitution. Her life was so degraded by her sin that eventually she became a slave.

And in the book of Hosea the story is told of Hosea walking through the marketplace and he comes upon the place in the market where the slaves are sold, where human beings are being sold to other people because of their debt. And Hosea comes upon his wife being auctioned off as a slave. And in a picture of God’s incredible love for his people, Hosea steps forward and lays the money on the table to purchase his wife back from slavery.

This woman who was unfaithful to him, this woman who broke his heart, this woman who is an adulteress, he buys back out of slavery and brings home to be his wife! This is an incredible picture of the love and care of God for us, his people. We have disobeyed him, we have been unfaithful to him, and yet he comes searching for us and he redeems us. And this is what Jesus has done for us!”

 Can't you see? We are undeserving, so undeserving, but JESUS CHRIST, by His unfailing grace saved us. He saved us from an eternity apart from Himself. He saved us from a place and a person who only wishes to destroy us. He saved us from ourselves. He has REDEEMED us. Just as Hosea redeemed Gomer.

If that doesn't cause you to fall to your knees and cry, I don't know what will.

There is no sweeter name.

My heart will sing no other name? Will yours?