In Louie Giglio's  "Man in the Mirror" series he said, "When Heaven sees you, Heaven says I love you. Heaven says you’re a rare and beautiful treasure. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good hair day or a bad hair day; whether you’re tucking it in or sucking it in, you’re a rare and beautiful treasure." 

Go Louie.

Now, I realize the quote is a bit out of context, but Louie wasn't giving a self-help lecture. This wasn't a "believe-it-and-you-can-achieve-it" rally. No, Louie was explaining that when God looks at our lives, He sees His son. And because He does, He loves us, forgives us, believes in us and roots for us. Anyone here need to know that someone is rooting for them? Does it help to know that God - with millions of angels praising Him - is rooting for you?

God is full of compassion for us dear friends. He knows that we're clay; dust He breathed life into. Psalm 103 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."  Which is why we can rest in knowing that He realizes we're gonna mess up, lose confidence, drag our feet, snub our noses, puff our chests, rush to judgement and slouch in guilt. 

Because we're dust. Beautifully formed, wonderfully crafted, fearfully made mud. Earth with a heart. Soil with a soul, and a stone face that looks in today's mirror with a question to answer: Will I believe what God says He sees?

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Who feels rooted for? If not, you should. Despite what the world says about me or you, despite how much love we get on social media or at work or at school or how many people decide to comment on your blog (wink), God is pulling for us. 

Pre-Order: Guys, speaking of diamonds out of dust, I've been given the unique honor of reading an early edition of Pastor Shawn Thornton's newest book, "All But Normal: Life On Victory Road." Friends, please get this book. This man, this story, this reality is so piercing. A wonderful memoir of our pastor and his life growing up with a disabled parent. Please trust me and order this book for yourself or someone you love. It will reach you, enliven your faith and encourage you to live and love like Jesus.