Daily Encouragement For February 10:

I received the invitation is said, “Come as you are.” I walked in the room, tattered and torn, I shook my head in disbelief, “This couldn't be the right place, after all, I couldn't possibly be welcome in this place.”
Quickly I looked at the invitation, the address was correct, I stood at the entrance and looked around, it was a room full of people, so joyful that a glow was about them. They were all beautifully dressed and so graceful.

Shameful, I looked down at my dirty, tattered clothes, covered in stains, I was filthy. “I cannot go in there.” I said to myself, “I am disgusting, grimy, and I stink.” I walked out the door, looked at the invitation once more, “Come as you are.” I decided to go in. I drummed up enough courage to walk up to the host, “I received this invitation.” I handed him the invitation, looking down at him. He looked it over and said, “Come with me.” As I followed him I quickly hid my stained covered hands behind my back. He lead me to a table, the placard had my name on it. “Wow! I can't believe it!”

I sat down, picked up the menu and looked it over, I saw many delightful items, “love”, "peace", "joy”,
"blessings", "confidence", "assurance", "hope", "faith", “forgiveness”, "mercy." I realized that this was no ordinary place, I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see the name of the place. "God's Grace," was the name of this place!

The host returned and said, "I recommend the 'Special Of The Day.' With it, you are entitled to everlasting portions of everything on this menu." You've Got To Be Kidding!” I thought to myself. “You mean, I Can Have All Of This! "What is the 'Special Of The Day?” I asked with excitement ringing in my voice. "Salvation," was his reply. "I Would Love The Special Of The Day!” I cried out.

Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body, a sick, painful ache jerked through my entire body as tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said, "Mister, look at me. I'm dirty and filthy, tattered and unworthy of such things. I'd love to have all of this, but, but, I it something I just cannot afford"

The host smiled, “Do you know who I am? Look up.” For the first time I since I got here I looked my host in the eyes and saw that heavenly face. “Jesus? Is it really You?”

“Yes, my child, it is me. You see, your bill has already been paid, I paid it for you on Calvary.” He reached for my hand. All you have to do to receive the 'Special Of The Day” is to ask me for it. “My child, all will be yours, just ask me for it. I will receive you, clean you up, and remove all your stains.”

Suddenly a feeling like never before came over me, I took His hand, “Jesus, clean me up, remove my stains, I ask You to save me.” As I looked up to Him, He smiled and said, “It is done, my child.”

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us...But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” -Romans 5:1-5,8,9.