Today I’m doing something different by bringing in a guest blogger. As I’ve prayed about the direction of my ministry, I’ve sensed God wanting me to share with you some of the blogging friends who have touched my life over the years. Jennifer at Getting Down with Jesus is one of those friends. When I found her blog, I immediately loved her heart. Her ability to communicate depth with story grabs me every time. She isn’t afraid to look below the surface to discover more about Jesus. She isn’t afraid to be real.
This week I spoke with Jennifer for the first time. She’s even sweeter voice to voice. We talked for 45 minutes, which felt like 10. If you haven’t visited blog, I encourage you to. You will be blessed.
Please welcome my friend, Jennifer, as she shares a blog post titled Crimson.
I saw myself in the pages of Matthew and Mark, Luke and John today.
I am one of them — crimson-stained and in need of a Savior.
And so I pray and I confess:
Lord Jesus,
I am the innkeeper,
with crowded Heart-Rooms that push you to corner stables out back.
I am the Pharisee,
quick to point out specks in eyes while ignoring planks in mine.
I am a frightened passenger,
too scared of the waves to step out of the boat.
I am a mourner at Lazarus’ grave,
with heart seething as I wait for you.
I am a palm-waver,
shouting “Hosanna” one day then leading you to the cross the next.
I am your disciple,
asleep on the job as you sweat blood in a garden.
I am Pilate,
daily handing you over to be crucified.
I am Peter,
talking big, but warming myself by the fire as I look for a way to save my own hide.
I am a bystander on the road,
watching you carry a cross but too prideful to carry mine.
I am a criminal on the cross next to you,
deserving justice while you — the innocent one — suffer.
Yet I, robed in crimson, have the nerve to speak to you, robed in white. I don’t even ask for it; I demand it:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
How dare I?
Yet, you look over your right shoulder,
and you see me in the mess I’ve made.
Blood and grace flow mingled down, crossing your forehead and over lips that speak Truth into places no one else knows.
And still. … Still you say to me:
“You will be with me in paradise.”
And I’m left breathless.
I deserve justice, but receive grace. I am a wretch, yet you call me your treasure. My sins were as scarlet, but they shall be white as snow.
The beautiful irony of our faith buckles my knees, Lord Jesus. And with this lump in my throat, all I can do is shake my head and choke out thanks and try to tell You again how much You mean to me.
I’m alive with the hope of a brand-new day.*
All because of You.
All because of You, Jesus.
“Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom.”
— How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
by Stuart Townend
* (This line: An inspiring lyrical snippet from Aaron Shust’s new CD, Take Over.)
How wonderful God does show us direction in life, and you were meant to find Jenifer she does sound lovely, I will have to pop over and see her :0)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Blessings,
Heidi
OK…so now I'm crying in my coffee! How beautifully put!
I can see why you were drawn to her…after reading this post I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't be.
Thanks for sharing this!
Both of you ladies are sweet, classy women and I thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs. Great feature today.
~ Wendy
Jennifer is a blessing, just like you.
That is truly beautiful. It's painful on some levels because I see me there and too wonderful to imagine because Christ is there.
Nice idea Tiffany. Wonderful blog Jennifer.
Hugs and blessings to both of you.
Rose
That post was AWESOME! Wow So true All Because of HIM!
Thank you for sharing this new blogger with us. Both of you radiate God's love on your faces and in the words that you share. I was blessed by what I read today, and I am always thrilled to meet a new believer in Jesus Christ.
I recently started visiting Jennifer's blog and never leave without a smile on my face and/or reflecting on how her message pierces straight into my heart…
This post is so beautiful….."buckles my knees" is such a powerful visual/emotion to me.
Great post…..thanks Tiffany and Jennifer. 🙂
This touched me so deeply…each "I am…"…made me more and more aware of my shame and His matchless grace….
"Whoaaaaaa"!!! My God that's good I mean juicy good!!!! Wooooweeee yes you chose the right post here,this is such a blessing to me. Thanks Jennifer for sharing this but then you're such a good encourager!!
My first visit Tiffany glad to see ya.
Love you both
What a privilege to sit at this table with you today. Grateful, too, for the grace-giving company that you keep here.
Love and peace to you all …
Hey, Tiffany! I came over from Jennifer's blog! I am very glad that I did! I will be back to visit. Thank you for sharing one of my favorite bloggyland writers today. This was beautiful.
Hugs!
Susan
Hey Sweetie,
Thanks for sharing Jennifer with us. She's sweet. I read her blog as well.
Beautiful post Jennifer.
Love you both.
Beautiful words, Tiffany. I will visit her blog….
Thanks for sharing this with us!
This was wonderful! Thank you for sharing your heart through your words this way and for being a guest blogger!
What a beautiful post!! How I see myself in quite a few of them, especially fearful Peter.
I love your Thankful Thursday post also!
Great blog, I'll be back!
This post leaves me breathless too. So thankful He looks over His shoulder to see the mess I am. So thankful for His compassion.
I need a Savior.
piercing…brilliant…beautiful. THank you, Jennifer & Tiffany
I read Jennifer's blog…and now I've discovered yours, too! Thank you!
Thank you for introducing us to her, Dear. That is beautiful.
LOVE THIS. Tiffany your friend is now my friend (she doesn't even know it yet!).
This idea of hosting gals on your blog…good stuff friend.
MISS YOU LOTS AND LOTS
xoxoxo
Tiffany,
There is a saying in biblical interpretation that readers "tend to navigate to the nobler characters in the text." In other words, we a prone to identify with the "good guys" in the Bible's stories. But, as Jennifer as ably pointed out, we may be the rascals! That is what makes grace, grace. Jennifer always writes good posts, and this is certainly one of them. Good choice to host her.
wb
Today, I'm Elijah, worn out and ready for reprieve. Come and feed me Lord Jesus and buoy my steps for tomorrow.
Thanks, Jennifer, for these words again and Tiffany, for opening up your blog home for them.
Peace to you both~elaine
Wow – beautiful! I can see why the two of you became fast friends. Just reading this made my heart choke up and tears well in my eyes…all of us can relate.