Subject: Totally stripped down

God told me to call a brother today with this message. This brother told me, "and right back at you!" (Meaning, the message is to me, also) I'm trying to think on this and feel like you might need to hear it.

God loves you. HE loves you, but, not because of your; title, possessions, accomplishments, position, associations, abilities, looks, strength, personality, or anything that one would consider to be attached to you. In other words, HE loves you, totally stripped down, with nothing to cover your warts, bumps, faults, lacks, or anything else that you think makes you unlovable. You (and I) have to think this out, and not just let the thought roll through our brain.

When we look at our physical selves in a mirror; we always see things we don't want every one else to see; things we try to cover up. When we honestly look at our spiritual selves in the mirror of God's Word; we will see things we want to cover up. Down deep inside, we all know we are really not "lovable," for we know our warts, bumps, faults, lacks, etc. The amazing thing is, though; God knows them, too.

When and how did God show that HE loves you? Did HE wait until you gained your; title, possessions, accomplishments, position, associations, or any of those other things you believe make you lovable? The Word says: "But God showed His great love for us (you) by sending Christ to die for us (you) while we (you) were still sinners" (Romans 5:8) Did God wait? No, HE loved you; "while you were still a 'sinner'," meaning; hideous, reprehensible, totally alienated from God. You had no standing before God. You were His enemy, yet HE showed His love for you while you were in that state. Now, how much do you think HE loves you, now that you are His child? HE showed a total and complete love for you, and all the while the words of Isaiah 64:5-6 described you perfectly. That says; "We are not godly. We are constant sinners, so Your anger is heavy on us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags"

You had absolutely nothing to cover yourself up with; no fig leafs, make-up, accomplishments, positions, title, associations, etc. All HE saw was you. HE loved you, totally stripped down. That's how HE loves you now. Your warts, bumps, faults, lacks, etc., don't affect His love for you. HE knows all of your "ugly parts," yet, HE still sees you as beautiful, for; HE sees you through the eyes of love. You don't have to run and hide, as Adam and Eve did; Nor do you have to sew fig leaf garments to cover your "ugly parts." I think we each need to be reminded of this fact -----------------

GOD LOVES YOU, TOTALLY STRIPPED DOWN.

                                                    Ben