No Such Thing....

As I am sitting here pondering on whether to write or not, I am prompted by a song: Perfect People, by Natalie Grant.

Perfect people, uh, yea, they DO NOT exist. Let's just be real here. I think for the most part, people are afraid of showing the insecurities, the flaws, the less than good qualities of themselves. I believe showing these things are the way to be relational to others. I have flaws, imperfections, insecurities, junky thinking from time to time yet the truth remains that God loves me just like this. Does He want more or better: of course, but for my good and for my protection. Does He expect perfection from me? NO WAY..... (this is freeing)

Paul states in Philippians 3:12: 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. '

To be made perfect or for God to be perfecting us, we have to be less than perfect in the making to becoming perfect on the day we meet Jesus. In these weaknesses, we claim HIS boldness and HIS perfection. Almost every one of us can use some improvement in our self-image. It takes time to grasp the hope for ourselves that God has for us.

I remember a time in my life that I certainly was not material you would have picked for doing the things I am doing today and the life He is allowing me to live...I am sure there were many who had given up on me at times in my life. It is so wonderful and comforting to know that when others only see our faults, God still sees our possibilities.

Knowing the Ten Commandments and going to church and trying to be "good" with some "good works" is not the same as having real victory in your life. In the middle of your imperfections, God does not have a bad attitude toward you or toward me. He loves us. He delights in us in our imperfect selves.

My advice in this is PRESS ON!!!! God meets people us right where we are in the middle of our imperfections and faults and messes. Thank God He doesn't wait for us to manage to get to Him --- HE comes to us. Will you invite HIM into your mess of imperfection and let HIM perfect you?

John 17:24-26 (MSG)
Father, I want those you gave me
To be with me, right where I am,
So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,
Having loved me
Long before there ever was a world.
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
But I have known you, and these disciples know
That you sent me on this mission.
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.

As I was taken to this scripture by the Lord today, I am brought to tears as my prayers are fervent for the ladies who attend our bible study on Wednesday nights....I am heavy at times and so light at times. I LOVE these women and what all God does on these Wednesday nights. It amazes me every single week to watch HIM move in their lives and mine. HE never fails of forsakes, never leaves or turns away. NEVER!!!!!

I am in awe how HE places me exactly where HE knows I need to be and among such women is so energizing to me. I love pouring out everything He reveals to me to these women and sharing our laughter, pain, and tears. This is how HE weaves us together and shows us how to be in communion with HIM.

I am passionate (as my wonderful husband says) about the Word of the Lord and want to carry HIS message and the gospel to all who have ears and hearts. At the center of my heart is discipleship through love. I am consistently thanking God for bringing people into my life to teach me, guide me, advise me, and humble me. I thank God for the people HE sends who need something from me. I absolutely LOVE people, passionately, whole-heartedly. I long to meet new people every day to show me a different way to love and live. As my beautiful niece, Carrie Grace, says,"Aunt Mandy, we have a lot of living and loving to do!!!"

So, I want to LIVE and LOVE passionately and in the fullness that Jesus Christ intended when HE died for me!!!!! Will you walk hand-in-hand with me through this life? Let's experience the fullness together, in love, all the glory going to HIM who allows that to happen!!!