Running to Jesus ~ Study of John Day 5

I look up every time I enter church. Is it because I'm really holy?!? OH NO!!! It's because Jesus knows everything...EVERYTHING about me and I want to make sure the roof isn't going to cave in. Seriously...I want to make sure. 

Jesus came into the world to save sinners ~ of whom I am the worst! But for the that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, THE WORST OF SINNERS, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (emphasis is mine)

I have spent most of my life in shame. All the "wrong" I have done could write a book. And boy, people can let you know that. They look at you the "right" way when you walk into a room. Or they say something to you OR worse yet...they don't say anything AT ALL!!

My hubster and I have a favorite thing about "Christians". Those that walk right by you and shake hands with other Christians or talk to them, but *gasp* don't acknowledge you AT ALL!! Oh...Yeah...remember that "sin" you did. Maybe?!? 

But I am soooo grateful that Jesus sat right down there at the well and said to the Samaritan woman "Woman...Give me a drink." WOW! He didn't mess around. He didn't look the other way. He didn't even pause for a moment. Just "Give me a drink." She was like "What the what?!?" 

THAT is how I want to be. I am not here to judge you and your sin. I am not here to judge how you got here. Your story is now. You want to judge me and my sin, well, that is for you to explain when you get to heaven, not me. 

I'm going to ask you for that drink because you are worth it. I'm going to ask you how you are. I am going to smile at you. I am going to shake your hand. I am going to just be "normal" with you. Or try to be if you let me. 

Jesus was just "real" with everyone from the lowest of the low to the highest of the high. Why? Because He knew the hearts of everyone. I do not know the hearts of everyone. (Thank you AGAIN Jesus!) But I do know that Jesus died for everyone and He would do it again.

I am the worst of sinners. The church's roof does not collapse when I walk in. For that, I am grateful. I am grateful that my life was planned before I was even born. All it takes is courage and a lot of humility. Because if there is one thing I know...I am and always will be second.