"And Jesus said, "Come to the water, stand by my side; I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied. I felt every tear-drop when in darkness you cried, And I strove to remind you that for those tears I died."

Tears are part of life. God is safe to cry with. We often find God through our tears.

Jesus Christ said, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11: 28-30, translation "The Message" by Eugene Peterson)

We are invited to come to Jesus in friendship with all our cares. Jesus is completely safe to be with. Jesus is totally non-homophobic. Jesus Christ is wonderful to be with. Our tears are precious to Christ. We will never be ridiculed, rejected or refused.

Come and see. Linger with him in spiritual conversations. He offers only spiritual hospitality and generosity. His heartbeat is love. Nothing can separate us from his free, unconditional love. He loves us, even when we are unable to love him in return. We are precious to Jesus Christ. Our lives are gifts to him. He blesses us with all the Biblical love and blessing so freely offered to Ruth and Naomi, and the love found through the story of David and Jonathan. Love is God’s heartbeat for all. Faith, hope and love. Love is best.

"For those tears I died" is a famous song. The woman who wrote these words today sings and travels throughout the world. She has experienced the tender love of God. Her song can be our song. If you would like to hear her faith story, visit her web site at http://www.balmministries.com.

May the kindness and comfort of Christ be yours today.