follow the Leader!

"Where You go, I'll go! And where You stay, I'll stay! I will follow You!"

I have felt the Lord prompting my trip to Seattle for a year and a half now.  Most specifically, about a year ago when I heard a pastor speaking about two boys who sought refuge from a gun fight in the church.  These boys who had grown up knowing only the streets and gang life, were presented with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I knew that the youth of the city would forever be in my heart!

One of the boys received Jesus as His Savior, knowing that God loves him and has a plan for his life; his relationship with God was severed because of his selfish desires, which are sin; because God loves him so much, He sent His one and only Son to live among His people as a human, teach His people the way, be betrayed by His own people, and die for His people, in order to bridge the gap between His people (YOU!) and Himself.  He was restored and lifted from the depths of the gang life.

To accept that you are too weak to make it through this life on your own, that you make mistakes; to turn yourself in for the sins you've committed (whatever size they may be), and to fully accept the love of God: His mercy, grace, and love is to turn from the darkness of this world and embrace the fullness, joy, and peace offered by our Lord and Savior!  If this is something you've never heard before, or would like to talk about it more please email me: jessica.eckert@marquette.edu!

God has been seeking after you your whole life.  Think about it, you made it this far!  The God of the universe who rescued you from disease, isolation, depression, divorce, betrayal, abuse, neglect...loves you SO much that He wanted to save you from death, too!  When Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, He defeated death!  Our God wants to be your friend, so what are you waiting for...ask Him to show Himself.

Lord, I pray that you show those who don't know you or are seeking more of you, to reveal yourself to them.  I pray that they would see Jesus as their friend, who wants to restore them, but that they would recognize that restoration begins when we admit our faults and accept that they have been paid for on the cross.  I pray that they would see that when they enter into a relationship with Jesus, their sins are forgiven and you see them as clean, beautiful, glorious, righteous, and holy!  They are clothed in Christ's righteousness.  Oh God, pierce the hearts of your people and lead them to your goodness and grace.  I pray these prayers in your Son's holy and righteous name, AMEN!