*Look Up*

Hi friends! I am going to just dive right in today. The Lord has been speaking so much lately, I can barely keep up! I will be sharing many things with you in the coming weeks. But right now, this is what I'm feeling pressed to share.

I can feel it so much lately, a spirit of condemnation that is running rampant. I see it in my spirit so clearly, the sheep who have gone astray. These have been the biggest targets. The enemy is on a vicious rampage. A desperate one.

His weapon of choice: SHAME

This is a lie! Please know that God does not look at us the way that we look at others or our own selves. He searches our hearts. He loves us. When we go astray, He searches us out. He longs for us to return home to Him.

Luke 15:7 tells us this: "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

The Lord calls you back home to him, quickly. He says "Look up. You are forgiven." He only seeks your heart, friend! There is no expectation for you to never struggle or mess up. Just give him your whole heart. That is what He desires from you.

In Luke, chapter 7, there is a story of a woman who is called a "sinner" in the city. She knew that Jesus would be sitting at the table at the Pharisee's house, so she brings an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet, weeping. She then washes His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. She kissed His feet and anointed them with the oil she brought. Of course, the Pharisees began to condemn this, and even questioned Jesus for allowing her to do this. His response is so beautiful.

"Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."- Luke 7:47-48

"Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you, Go in peace."- Luke 7:50

So, friend, look up! You are forgiven. Do not hang your head and give in to the lie of shame and condemnation. That does not come from your Father. He longs to embrace you.

"Look Up."

*Also, I so encourage you to read all of Chapter 7 in the book of Luke. ;)

Be Back Soon!

Love & Blessings!

-Bethany Hope