TAKE ME AS I AM by Lecrae

Lyrics to Take Me As I Am :

[Talking]

Christ through faith

I talked to a cat the other day

And he was like;

"Man I really wanna come to Christ

But I gotta clean my life up first, get my sins together"

I told em, I used to think that way too

I thought I had to change myself before I could come to Christ

But Christ changed me

Let me tell you my story, it starts like this

[Verse One]

It's 5:46 in the mornin', tossin' and turnin'

Chest burnin', sermons in my head keep reocurrin'

Havin' visions in my head of a kid

Cryin' at the feet of the Father, for all the wrong things that he did

Now I'm sweatin' in my sheets can't sleep

My mind keeps tellin' me I'm six feet deep

Don't remind me, even though I'm still alive I can't tell

The way I'm living my life I feel I'm going to hell

God they telling me I should accept you

That you had to leave the world, cause the world left you

Reason I can't change, like a mystery to me

So I make believe there really is a heaven for a G

Even though they say you loved the world so much, you shed ya blood

God I feel I'm too messed up for love

They tell me come as I am but I smell like smoke

My whole lifes full of sin cause it's all I know

The bible told me that you died for my sins

If I believe in Christ, it'll save me from the end

But I'm scared to ask you, to save me my heart

So evil, I got thoughts, that's full of hatred hurtin' people

I thought at first I had to clean up my life

Now I'm hearin' I just need to cling to the light

I'm ready to do it, but Lord I pray you understand

My life is a mess, will you take me as I am

[Chorus]

Will you take me as I am

I know the way I'm living is wrong

But I can't change on my own, trying to make it alone

I wonder, how could you love me when my life so ugly

But you came down and died for me

Will you take me as I am

I know the way I'm living is wrong

But I can't change on my own, trying to make it alone

I wonder, how could you love me when my life so ugly

But you came down and died for me

Will you take me as I am

[Verse Two]

I'm sick and tired of trying to me the man, my daddy never taught me to be

I'm grown up now, life ain't what I thought it would be

I made many mistakes in my past I can't fix

Now I'm staring at this crusifix tatted on my wrist

Is it true what they telling me, am I just crazy

Did ya bleed on the cross, for my sins to save me

But why would ya die for me

My whole life I've been working for Satan, while He fed lies to me

And now I'm hearing too much, trying to get a true touch

Of a love that can change me, I'm all screwed up

Figure Hell is what I deserve

But your word says we all fall short so I guess we all outta burn

Teach me I wanna learn

How you could save a wretch like me, before death says it's my turn

I think I finally understand

No matter my past, you'll still take me as I am

[Chorus]

[Verse Three]

My father had a few last words to give

I be telling people the reason to live

The reason to die, united with the King in the sky

This life is passing us by, I got no reason to lie

You'll never give the world enough, they'll hunger for more

They figure there ways are nuthin to the wonderous lord

More security than the man that left you

More love than the moms who kept you

He'll always accept you

Be everything your supposed to

Let Christ rule ya heart, mind, body and soul cause He chose you

And if the world don't know you

It don't matter you're Gods child and he'll never disown you

Ya purpose on earth is far from worthless

That's why ya glorified like ya life's been purchased

And it don't matter if the world don't seen us

We still mean the world to Jesus

[Chorus]

[Talking]

Yeah, we're saved by grace through faith

It's not works

Ain't nuthin you can do, ain't nuthin I can do

That could get us this grace salavation that we got man

It's only Christ

So if you feel like you gotta clean yourself up

Before you can come to Him

Forget it

Just come to Him

He'll take you as you are, and he'll change YOU

From the inside, out.

Romans 3:23:
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…"

Do Not Be Anxious

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears”
-Psalm 34:4

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” -Philippians 4:6-7

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”
-1 Peter 5:6-7


“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’”
-Luke 12:22-26, NIV

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God”
-Psalm 42:5

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”
-Proverbs 3:5-8

“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
-Romans 8:26-28

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength”
-Philippians 4:13

The apostle Paul found his strength in God, He reminds us that, “I …have …been in prison …frequently, been flogged …severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. …I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. …Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. …I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. …[God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”
-2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”
-Hebrews 13:6

“…put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.”
-Psalm 131:1

Before You Complain, Ask Yourself

Is anything corrupt or rotten coming out of your mouth? Evaluate your words carefully.

Are you meeting a need? Someone else's need, that is. When you give voice to a negative attitude, more often it is to get affirmation, sympathy, or advice that fills your cup. Your complaining is totally self centered rather than other-centered.

Are you benefiting others? To benefit means "a kind act; anything contributing to improvement in a condition; advantage; help." Using that definition, do you want what you say to improve rather than impair a situation or someone else's perspective?

If your answers show a complaining attitude, ask God to help you change.

If you're wondering what you can talk about if you stop complaining , here are a few ideas.

Talk about the Lord. Tell others what god has done. Psalm 40:10 states, "I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation."

Pass on knowledge/instruction. Colossians 3:16 directs us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom."

Or better yet, learn how to listen. Memorize Proverbs 18:2, NIV, "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

Dry Seasons

Return your focus to God and find refuge.

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge.
-Psalm 57: 1

Make God your refuge. Not your job, your spouse, your reputation, or your retirement account. Make God your refuge. Let him encircle you. Let him be the ceiling that breaks the sunshine, the walls that stop the wind, the foundation on which you stand.

Facing Your Giants

God brings bread for our souls.
"Peace be with you" -John 20:19

God brings a sword for the struggle.
"Receive the Holy Spirit" -John 20:22

Facing Your Giants

As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.

-1 Samuel 17:48

God's Answers

You say: It's impossible
God says: All things are possible.
Luke 18:27

You say: I'm too tired.
God says: I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28-30

You say: Nobody really loves me.
God says: I love you.
John 3:15

You say: I can't go on.
God says: My grace is sufficient.
2 Corinthians 12:9

You say: I can't do it.
God says: You can do all things.
Phillippians 4:13

You say: I'm not able.
God says: I am able.
2 Corinthians 9:8

You say: It's not worth it.
God says: It will be worth it.
Romans 8:28

You say: I can't forgive myself.
God says: I forgive you.
1 John 1:9

You say: I can't manage.
God says: I will supply all your needs.
Phillipians 4:19

You say: I'm afraid.
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7


You say: I'm always worried and frustrated.
God says: Cast all your cares on Me.
1 Peter 5:7

You say: I don't have enough faith.
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3

You say: I'm not smart enough.
God says: I give you wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:30

You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave or forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5

THE VALUE OF REMEMBERING

Remembering...

GIVES REASSURANCE WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED-
I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done, I muse on what thy hands have wrought. -Psalm 143:5

REMINDS US THAT GOD IS GOD-
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other, I am God, and there is none like me. -Isaiah 46:9

STRENGTHENS US FOR HARD TIMES-
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. -Hebrews 10:32

ENABLES US TO BUILD ON GOOD, OLD FOUNDATIONS-
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

LETS US RECOVER LONG-LOST, PRECIOUS TRUTHS-
Thus says the Lord: "Stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." -Jeremiah 6:16

HELPS US STAY HUMBLE UNDER GOD'S MIGHTY HAND-
You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and the Lord you God brought you out thence with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.
-Deuteronomy 5:15

TEACHES US THE LESSONS OF GODS'S GREAT DEEDS-
Do you not yet perceive: Do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? -Matthew 16:9

WARNS US AGAINST THE FOLLY OF THE FOOLISH-
Remember Lot's wife. -Luke 17:32

STIMULATES REPENTANCE-
Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. -Revelation 3:3

SHOWS WHAT IS TRULY UNIQUE AND MARVELOUS-
Ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of. - Deuteronomy 4:32

POINTS TO A GLORIOUS NEW AND UNPRECEDENTED FUTURE-
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing. -Isaiah 43: 18-19

John Piper from "A Godward Life"

Names of Jesus

Advocate* All in All* Alpha and Omega* Ancient of Days* Anointed One* Arm of the Lord* Atoning Sacrifice* Banner for the People* Beloved* Branch* Bread of Life* Bridegroom* Bright Morning Star* Carpenter* Chief Cornerstone* Christ* Dayspring* Door* Everlasting Father* Exact Representation of His Being* Faithful and True Witness* Firstborn over All Creation* Friend* God* Good Shepherd* Head of the Church* Heir of All Things* High Priest* Holy One* Horn of Salvation*
I am* Image of the Invisible God* Immanuel* Indescribable* Gift* Judge* King of Kings* Lamb of God* Leader and Commander* Life* Light of the World* Lily of the Valley* Lion of the Tribe of Judah* Living One* Living Water* Lord* Man of Sorrows* Mediator* Messenger and Covenant* Might God* Only Begotten Son* Our Hope* Our Passover* Overseer* Pioneer of Our Faith* Prince of Peace* Prophet* Physician* Rabboni* Radiance of God's Glory* Ransom* Redeemer* The Resurrection and the Life* Rock* Rose of Sharon* Savior* Scepter* Servant* Shiloh* Son of David* Son of Man* Star* Sun of Righteousness* Teacher* The True Vine* The Truth* The Way* Wonderful Counselor* Word

Henry Gariepy
Condensed from "100 Portraits of Christ"

God's Nature

...if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, hired away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus, I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till He stops me. And when He comes to claim His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My banner will be clear.

-The author is unknown, but is believed to be a young pastor in Zimbabwe who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.