Come as you are

Everytime I hear the words “Come as you are”… two things come to mind. The first thing I think about is Jesus (my present state of mind) and 2nd thing that comes to mind is a blast from my past… a popular song from the ‘90’s by Nirvana titled Come as You Are. 


Jesus + Rock Music =.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. –
Amen. Couldn’t have said it better myself, but I sure am glad Jesus said it 2010 years ago (or somewhere around there). I think a huge misconception of how to become a Christian and how the ‘modern day’ Christian is perceived is this: You don’t have to make changes and then come to Christ. You just come as you are, with all of your baggage.


I had about 200 suitcases full of junk when I went knocking at Jesus’ door on July 24th... and guess what? He took me in, with all 200 suitcases.. (and being the gentleman that He is, He even carried my junk for me) gave me a place to rest and learn and I haven’t left his house yet.  Since moving into Jesus’ home, I have had daily talks with him (many of which have taken place in my car on Central Expressway…) and with His counsel, love and guidance, I have been able to make HUGE changes in my life.. but those changes could have never been made without Jesus. I may have been able to make changes here and there on my own, but it wouldn’t have been easy. His yoke is much easier and he’s an outstanding companion and teacher!  Jesus, if I haven't told you today how much I love you, allow me to now... Jesus, I love you - you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the rock of my strength in whom I take refuge and my Savior.


I entered His home with my 200 suitcases, and with the help of Jesus we have gladly thrown out about 100 of those suitcases together. I still have 100 that I am diligently working on, but I’m working on it with Him and He knows me inside and out and will never give me more than I can handle at one time. What an awesome, loving and sovereign God He is.


Now, from my Nirvana 90’s song; it says “Take your time, hurry up, choice is yours, don't be late”.  Kurt Cobain, you hit it right on the money! No one can tell you when it’s your time to come to Christ… just like this song says… take your time or hurry up, the choice is yours.. but don’t be late… No living person can tell you when to come to Christ, but the Bible, which is the living word of God, can -  “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2


Salvation is gained by receiving the gift God has already given us... Jesus Christ. If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your Faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins, completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God and tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. Cast all of your burdens on Him and embrace Him (Jesus) with all your heart.

Prayer for the Day by Stormie Omartian
Lord, I feel as if my faith is tested every day. Help me to pass those tests so that my faith will be strengthened and shine as pure gold. Help my faith to remain strong, steadfast, and unwavering so that my actions will glorify You in the sight of others. I pray that every trial I go through will make my trust in You and Your Word grow stronger and stronger.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:6-7

... Cause I Gotta Have Faith!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1).  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith begins and ends in the realm of the unseen.  It is conviction supported by evidence concerning things we do not know by personal experience.  But, by faith we accept that the invisible things of God are behind the visible universe.  By faith we hope for an eternal home in heaven, though we have never seen that paradise with our earthly eyes.

The Faith we have must have two elements:  It is conviction of truth.  We "must believe that He is."  It is also trust.  We "must believe ... that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  Conviction causes us to accept His word without question.  Trust leads us to obey Him without hesitation.

Every step we take on life's journey that is pleasing to God is a step taken in faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians:5-7).

Prayer for the Day by Stormie Omartian:
Lord, I know You have called those of us who are Your sons and daughters to have faith in You and in Your ability to keep us and guide us.  Help me to do that.  Help me to make faith a daily walk.  Help me to learn to live by faith in all that I do and to trust You for each day and all that is in it.  I know my brokenness cannot be mended without faith in Your ability and desire to do it.  I trust You to do whatever is necessary to bring me to complete wholeness.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."   Romans 1:16-17