Friend of Sinners

About a week ago I got stuck in Dallas after a CE course.  The sleet, snow, and ice kept my mom, kids and I from leaving and we got to enjoy another night at my aunt and uncle's. The next day instead of getting to break up the drive for us, I drove the 6+ hours straight. Wasn't bad but definitely not by choice for the kiddos. It was actually a great drive. Some definite snow and ice, but mostly worn down to slush by the time I left.  As usual, I found that music makes ANY drive better and transforms my mind. I do some of my best thinking, praying, and planning in my car. I love the road, the possibilities, and I'm humbled by the fact that the Lord plans for us and will reveal it if we only ask. The song below once again brought me to tears. Unbelievable the power of these words. I was reminded that each of us has incredible mercy and grace spilled over us in order to stand and wake every day. I'm so humbled that the Lord gives me that every day.

 "You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet."

Read the words for yourself. I'm unable to stand listening to this. I'm brought to my knees. Reminded of the beautiful sacrifice Jesus gave. Not for me to act how I want. Pass judgement, speak without thinking, careless with words, all for what. Because of stress and exhaustion and selfishness. My reasons cannot stand in the presence of His grace. His beautiful mercy. My heart humbly bows before Him. 

"Jesus, Friend Of Sinners"

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet