Dear Jesus.

“Dear Jesus,

In thanksgiving for what You have done for me, I will make known to my Brothers and Sisters how kind You are toward sinners.  And that Your mercy prevails over all malice, that nothing can destroy it, that no matter how many times, or how shamefully we fail {or how criminally}, a sinner need not be driven to despair of Your pardon.

It is in vain that Your enemy and mine sets new traps for me every day!  He will make me lose everything else ...but I will never lose the confidence I have experienced in Your mercy.  Jesus, I’m going to go tell it on a mountain.”

— a raging alcoholic, as he was working his ‘fifth step’

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His Service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  Here is a trustworthy saying deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive Eternal Life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”— 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

— the Apostle Paul, in ruthless honesty

“Now testify...

It’s right outside our door

Now testify

Yes testify”

— Rage Against the Machine

How does your testimony read?  If it hasn’t yet been written in pen and ink, or 0s and 1s, how will it read to the One who examines the human heart on the Day we stand before Him?  A lover of mercy who showed mercy to others, a receiver of grace who gave it out generously, a sponge of Jesus’ limitless love who let herself be wrung out for the world, a consumer of His compassion who turned toward everyone, including him or herself, with tenderness?  How will we be read by the Lover of Our Souls?

HJC	Ric Webb  |  Shepherd Heart’s Journey Community 9621 Tall Timber Blvd. |  Little Rock, AR 72204 t +1.501.455.0296
hjcommunity.org
Heart’s Journey – Live Generously and Love Graciously