Empty Pockets, Open Hands

This morning was one of those mornings I could feel that ugly Funk Cloud settling in. You know the one...it just sort of descends on you like a fog, and before you know it you're snippy, grouchy, sarcastic, and just a joy to be around.

I decided to head this one off at the pass with a little music therapy. I flipped the station from my normal country music/news authority stand-by and gave preset #1 a try...K-LOVE.

As soon as I flipped the station I got a healthy dose of perspective for my day. If you're familiar with K-LOVE you're no stranger to their Daily Encouraging Word. Now, I'm a subscriber, but many times those Encouraging Words get filtered into their own little folder and forgotten. This one though, this one God wanted me to hear.


How many times have I strayed down my own path and then came slinking home to my Heavenly Father? How relieved am I that there isn't a limit to the number of times He'll welcome me back to Him? The answer is many, and thankful beyond words.

God reminded me that oftentimes I can get stuck on the idea that I need to make myself a better person. I know what my past was like, and I know what I'm capable of if I'm left to my own devices. I also know how thankful I am for God's grace and forgiveness, and oftentimes I forget that He doesn't need me to prove my gratitude. His grace and forgiveness come even though I continue to stray. I can't earn His favor because I've already got it!

This next part, this is the God stuff that I just love. The very next song on K-LOVE? "Forgiven and Loved" by Jimmy Needham. I hadn't heard this one before and within the first 3 notes, I was hooked. After the first verse I knew it was no coincidence I was listening to those words. The more I listened, the more I smiled. I'm pretty sure the more you listen, the more you'll smile too.

Don't believe me? Click play...

"When He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation, and His blood commands my guilt to leave. Now on Calvary I stand, empty pockets, open hands. Oh, there is no condemnation for me!"

Sort of puts it all back into perspective, doesn't it? How on earth could that funk stick around when you've got something like that coming from your speakers? God brought me right back to where He wants me this morning, and I couldn't keep something like that to myself. I hope you know just how much He loves you, and that His grace isn't cheap, but it is FREE!

Oh, and that Funk Cloud? Yeah, it's long gone...

In Him,