In Need of a Savior (Every Single Day)
For me, it’s been the reverse.
Because I’m a mess. I’d never make it under that sort of religious yoke.
As I grow in faith, I’ve become ever-more aware of my own depravity. I stand in daily need of a Savior. I needed Him once … and I need Him for always. Every. Single. Day.
My salvation is not based on how “good” I’ve been, or how many good deeds I’ve performed. Rather, I cling to an incredibly gracious Savior who takes me as I am … but promises never to leave me that way.
And the closer I grow to Him, the more aware I am of my own helplessness. That’s why I wrote “Crimson” a while back.
Today, I am re-posting Crimson over at Tea With Tiffany. Tiffany asked me to guest-post for her and felt that Crimson was the right post. Tiffany knows what you and I know: That we are nothing — nothing — without Christ.
Perhaps you’ve read “Crimson” before. But might you visit Tiffany anyway?
Tiffany lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her family. She is a devoted follower of Christ and a writer who radiates with Christ.
(Email subscribers: you may
click here or head straight to the site by typing the URL into your browser window: http://www.teawithtiffany.com ).Photo: Tiffany Stuart
I grew up in an environment where, while there was love, the expression of it was withheld if you did something unpleasing, which, as a child, you're going to do over and over! Oh, the message that conveys! And it translated into the subtle religious teachings throughout my childhood. God's grace was something to be earned, and if you did wrong, it was withheld. Do you realize how hard such teaching (even as subtle as it is) is to get past! It has taken me years, and I am only now entering through the door of it. Losing our daughter last year was an experience that actually brought me into it…realizing for the first time the extend of God's love for me as the Creator of the universe walked with us through each and every step of the darkest days! I don't take that love… that grace for granted. Oh…the liberation ones feels!!!
Wow. Shirley. Beautifully put. Thank you for sharing that with us.
You "wear" his grace beautifully.
Jennifer I just finished reading Crimson on Tiffany's blog. I cried when I read it. So many of us are in that same place and it is hard to imagine that God loves us beyond our flaws. Like you stated, he doesn't leave us that way.
My "religious" training was so messed up it's a wonder I go to church at all. Hell fire and brimstone, doctrines of do's and dont's that aren't Scriptural, monuments to men rather than God, preachers who pick and choose which parts of Scripture they think matters and so on.
Like Shirley stated,things like that are tough to overcome, but until you meet Jesus, the WORD himself, you can't overcome it. I am so glad I found yours and Tiffany's page. Both of you bless my heart.
Hugs
Rose
No matter how good we are or how many good deeds we do, If we do not have that personal relationship with Christ we are nothing. Faith in Jesus, gives us the desire to the the good works and to be righteous.
Thank you for allowing me to post your words on my blog. My readers are already blessed and it's still morning.
Much love, friend,
Tiffany
After reading your Crimson post on Tiffany's blog, I had to come over here…my heart is full…it blessed me so much….
Stopped by to visit Tiffany! Thank you for such a wonderful encouraging blog that encourages women of faith! I wake every morning calling out to Jesus and wouldn't make it one moment throughout my day without Him by my side. It is SO wonderful to meet other women who are passionate about our Savior!
With joy,
Cherie
Amen, my sister…amen…
Deeply moved upon my first reading of Crimson, moved again today.
Funny, isn't it, that when we are far from Christ that we have no need of saving but when Jesus takes up residence in us that we realize all the more the need for a savior every single day even though we are desiring to be much more like him than when we were far away? Did that make sense?
Beautifully crafted, as usual, a testament to one of the many spiritual gifts God has blessed you with, sister!
Deeply moved upon my first reading of Crimson, moved again today.
Funny, isn't it, that when we are far from Christ that we have no need of saving but when Jesus takes up residence in us that we realize all the more the need for a savior every single day even though we are desiring to be much more like him than when we were far away? Did that make sense?
Beautifully crafted, as usual, a testament to one of the many spiritual gifts God has blessed you with, sister!
Amen!
We do need Jesus every single day for we are vulnerable to everything in this world. You're post has reminded to stand still and cling always to His loving mercy. He is worthy of our praise and I will always be forever thankful for His saving grace.
God bless you Jennifer.
In Christ,
Ardy
Let me echo Chris. The rereading of Crimson today was at least as soul-piercing as the first (and, um, second and third and…). I have that need as well, every single day.
So glad more folks have the opportunity today to hear Him speak through you. He and I just finished talking about you. An extra portion of His grace to you this weekend (even though one portion is quite enough).
Bless you all.
What a beautiful, grace-extending, Jesus-reflecting bunch all are.
And Lyla? … You know how much I need those prayers this weekend.
Thank you. *Thank you.*
((((((All of you.)))))))
That's me, hugging each of you. I appreciate you. I see God in you.
Jennifer..this was beautiful. It truly spoke to my heart, girl. I see myself in those positions so much. Thank you for a beautiful reminder of His love and grace.
Hugs!
Susan
Heading over to Tiffany's to read! I love that song they've been playing on K-love: I need a Savior. Don't know who does it, but I sing it from my heart every time.
Crimson was beautifully written. And thanks for introducing me to Tiffany's blog — I love it!
Jennifer, what a blessing to find your blog today! Thank you for encouraging others, and boldly proclaiming the Mighty name of Jesus! Hallelujah!
Joyfully,
Wylie
http://www.shoutajoyfulnoise.com
Yes, I am very much in need of Him and blessed for that. I came over from Tiffany's. Love the flavor of your blog. b
Thank you, Jennifer. I will be sure to visit Tiffany and read "Crimson."
I used to want to be good, and I stay frustrated that I did not have a perfect childhood. Little did I realize the blessing of imperfection.
Through maturity in Christ, I grew to appreciate my mistakes and failures, for now I remain in a perpetual state of thankfulness for God's grace. I no longer need to be good. I simply want Christ to live through me.
Blessings to you,
Andrea
Ah, I recognize that face! Those Christ-connections are what keep me going…
I have something for you when you have time.
Sweet dreams.