Tag: church

  • Come As You Are: The Heart of Jesus’ Invitation

    Come As You Are: The Heart of Jesus’ Invitation

    When we hear the phrase “come as you are,” many of us immediately think about what we wear to church. But Jesus’ invitation goes so much deeper than just our outward appearance. He’s not concerned with whether you’re dressed up or dressed down. He’s looking at the state of your heart. Jesus is calling you to come as you are—no matter where you are in life, no matter what struggles or sins you’re wrestling with.

    You might think, “I’m not ready to come to Jesus. I’m still struggling with smoking.” Or perhaps, “I’m caught in the web of fornication; how can I approach Him like this?” But here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus says, “Come.” You don’t have to be perfect before you give your life to Christ. In fact, the very essence of the Gospel is that we can’t make ourselves perfect. That’s why we need Him.

    Living for the Lord is a daily journey, a step-by-step walk that’s often filled with challenges. No one gets it right all the time—not on the first try, and sometimes not even on the hundredth. It’s a process, a gradual unfolding of who God created you to be. Jesus doesn’t expect you to clean up your life before you come to Him. He knows that only through His grace can the layers of sin and brokenness be peeled away to reveal the true you underneath.

    You have to trust Him. Trust the process. Come as you are—a sinner in need of a Savior. Repent of your sins, but don’t stop there. Get to know Jesus. Spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and let Him do the work of transformation in you. There’s no need to be ashamed of where you are right now, and there’s certainly no need to compare your journey with anyone else’s. Each of us has our own path, and God is working in each of us in His own time.

    The Bible reminds us in Philippians 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse encourages us to take our relationship with God seriously, to work on it diligently, but it doesn’t say we have to do it perfectly. The focus is on our own walk with Jesus, not anyone else’s.

    So stop waiting until you feel like you have it all together. Stop waiting until you’ve conquered every sin or figured out every struggle. Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are and lead you into the life He has planned for you. Come as you are—broken, weary, burdened—and let Him make you whole. Amen.

  • Facing Slander: Stand Strong in God’s Word

    When people spread lies about you, when they attempt to tear you down with their words, and when you feel as though you’re being belittled and mocked, remember that these are merely trials designed to shake your faith. As Psalm 101:5 warns, “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” Yet, in the face of adversity, we must stand firm in the promises of God, trusting that He is our refuge and strength.

    In the midst of slanderous attacks aimed at tarnishing your reputation, it’s vital to anchor yourself in the unwavering truths of Scripture. Just as Jesus faced false accusations and ridicule during His earthly ministry, we too may encounter trials that test our resolve and faith. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these attacks are not a reflection of our worth or character but rather distractions orchestrated by the enemy to derail us from our divine purpose.

    Even in our darkest moments, when the weight of the world threatens to crush our spirits, we must not lose hope. Instead, we must cling to the assurance found in 1 John 4:4, which declares, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the same God who conquered sin and death resides within us, empowering us to overcome every obstacle that stands in our way.

    So, when the voices of doubt and discouragement grow loud, drown them out with the truth of God’s Word. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, and no amount of slander or mockery can diminish your inherent value and worth. Take refuge in the knowledge that God sees your heart and He delights in you, despite the false narratives that others may try to weave.

    As Proverbs 10:18 admonishes, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” As you navigate through the storms of life, hold fast to your faith and trust in God’s unfailing love. Lean on Him for strength and courage, knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you. And as you persevere through adversity, may you find solace in the words of Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

    So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, stand tall in the face of slander and persecution, for you are a beloved child of God, and nothing can separate you from His love.