Yesterday I shared the above image on my Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. I still think it is funny, and not to mention, it contains mention of a verse, that is in one of my favorite “blocks of verses”, which is fully →

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:21-24

Well I received a comment about the photo on Pinterest, and wanted to just felt led to write about it a bit. The comment was, “This is true but I also think that everyone is "perfect" in their own way... like perfect who they are. NO one is really perfect besides God."

As we all know language is changing, not only does a word mean what it originally meant (for years gone by), but in some cases it can actually mean not it actually, but be said for effect - the word literally is a good example. Not to mention I myself use [my own] slang a good portion of the time, so first lets examine what the word perfect means.

Merriam-Websters defines perfect first as, “being entirely without fault or defect".   

The scripture has a whole lot to say on perfection. Apart from Mr. Solomon's use of the word the verses all echo similar chords, how God is the only thing perfect and how "actions" and "thoughts" can be perfected by seeking and aligning oneself to God's will. As I believe it to be true, we (humanly) cannot be perfect, unless we are 100% of God (i.e. we will obtain true perfection in heaven | new earth | aka next chapter) should that "label" even matter then. Sure, we are all unique and awesome [I stand by that 150%], but alas are we ever actually “what we are destined to finally be” since we are “always being improved upon” until we are no longer here? 

The fact that we are not perfect is one of the reasons we follow after Him, so we can be more like Him. And yes, we are “made perfect in God’s eyes”, but that is because God looks at those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior through blood-stained goggles. The Father doesn’t see our fault, because He see’s what His Son did on our behalf.

Can I get an AMEN?

Now you may or may not know this, but actually my self-dubbed theme song is Perfect, written by Flyleaf and Matt Lewis. If I ever get a chance to speak stadium style, a la Joyce Meyers, I totally want that playing as I walk to wherever my final destination is in the building. Lacey Sturm belts out so amazingly exactly what echoes in my core. Please take a listen. 

Thank you dear Lord for giving us free will, for allowing us to choose You whole-heartedly, even though as a believer I (and many others) may wish our free-will was taken away so we could not fall. However, we thank you for giving us a way back to you, apart from ourselves - apart from Old Testament laws, one based on true love, obedience and grace. We yearn to echo that same love out to the world, may we be shining examples of You (Father, Son and Spirit) to those that we meet. May we seek to build each other up, instead of tearing each other down. May the word perfect not even enter our thoughts, unless we immediately associate it with You. Search us dear Lord, and make us more like You. In the name of your perfect Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. 

Want to read more biblical truth and personal thoughts about perfection?
Check out 31 Rays of Hope [A Month of Daily Devotionals] : Day Twenty-One "Better Than Cupcakes".

On a personal note I just got back from a 3 day trip from visiting my momma. I simply love those times, because it is as if when I return back I have gone on my own mini retreat/revival of sorts. Henceforth, why I so pray *so much* that the government works in our favor when we look into moving her to my current state later this year. Special prayer for all those who were in the wake of the tornados and bad weather this week, my heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one or their home. If any one who reads this was affected or know someone who was, please let me know. I would love to pray on a personal level!

One of the many conversation my mother and I shared this visit was about Billy Graham and his ministry. It seems his name was brought up because some group is trying to remove 30 verses from the Bible to make it more “friendly” to those of different faiths. Admittedly, I do not know the details, nor have I tried to Google, just giving a baseline. She spoke on how that through the years (she is 67), she has watched how Rev. Graham and his message has never changed – it has always been about salvation. Where-as some preachers today, claiming to be “true”, denote that there are other ways to get to heaven besides through Christ (aka being born again, saved, or whatever you’d like to call it – more information on that can be found under Death to Life).   

Of course, this made me respond back with my views on my own (well God’s) ministry that I am a part of. Primarily, it is *LOVE* - to show love, to live love, to except love of others and all the rest, this would be the basis for the outreach (to love as Christ loved us). However, two very common themes I denote (which may be more evident in the book to be published) is about the Trinity and forgiveness. The masses say speak on what you know, right? So, that is what I do. Love is not an uncommon theme spoken by many people, where as they are Christian or not (as reminded by my momma), so I can see the importance of balancing it out with other biblical truths and teachings. Henceforth, I guess why God has led me to do a homeless ministry and devotionals. It is amazing to me to see how all the kingdom of God (His children) inevitably do work together for His good. As we are told in 1Corinthians 3:5-9, some are meant to prepare, some sow, some water and some harvest. Amen for not having to do it all on your own, right? I mean, I like to multi-task, but rather share this responsibility with the family (heehee). 

So to wrap this all up I just wanted to share these verses from Romans ->

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

Dear Heavenly Father – Thank You humbly for giving us each another day. We thank you for each step you grant us to walk and each breathe you allow us to breathe. May we use those steps to honor and glorify You alone. May we daily dedicate our life to You and Your will. May You strengthen Your spirit within us and engulf us with Your love. Thank You so much Jesus for taking our shame upon the cross with You and giving us new life, should we chose to accept it, as You had new life when You rose from the grave. May we be mindful of what we say and do as we go through-out our day, thinking first of You – then of others, and then ourselves. In the name of Your son, ><>

The lyrics to the song below, can be found here. I cannot wait until the (new) album is out later this month! If you would like to preorder, they have packages available on their site. 

SiC <3