One of my favorite movies is a romantic comedy called, "Return to Me". It is about a young woman who receives a heart transplant and how through a series of unusual events, God brings love into her life. But, what always strikes me the most about this movie are the scenes that take place around the table in the back room of the restaurant that her grandfather runs. Each night, after the restaurant closes, an eclectic group of people gather to eat, talk and laugh together. It is a warm and inviting place where all are welcome.

One evening, a man grieving over the loss of his wife returns to the restaurant to retrieve his phone, which he had earlier left behind. Even though he is a stranger to the friends at the table, he is graciously welcomed as if he had always belonged there. And in that moment he begins a journey which heals his heart. At the table he finds family, friends, acceptance and love.

Isn't that something we all want -- to be accepted and loved? So often we search for that feeling of belonging in places where we will only find heartache and sorrow. Our lonely human hearts long to be loved and cared for. However, in our search for acceptance we can sometimes make choices contrary to what we know is the right path and as a result, end up feeling more lost and alone than before. We strive for happiness through things or numb our pain through destructive behavior, but the result is the same -- A void, an emptiness and a sensation of isolation even in the midst of a crowd.

Have you been there? Are you there now?

The good news is that there is hope for all of us! Our God is the most gracious of Hosts. He invites us to come and sit at His table. It doesn't matter if we are young or old -- He welcomes us just the same. He looks past the color of our skin, the length of our hair and the style of our clothes and sees right to our hearts. He knows our scars, our pain and our fears. And regardless of where we've been His invitation is the same.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need" (Luke 12:31).

What a wonderful promise that is! No matter who we are, where we come from or what baggage we carry, when we answer His invitation to come to Him, He welcomes us with open arms. And there, when seated at His table, we will find a banquet filled with forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

Accepted by Him,

Joan

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God" (Ephesians 3:17-19).




And now it's time for the Sharing His Beauty Link Up!
Where has God shown you His beauty this week? Please join me to share the blessing that God is to you in your life. Write a post on your own blog and then simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information. You can find more information about Sharing His Beauty by clicking the tab in my top menu.

You can also Tweet your participation by clicking here: #Sharinghisbeauty

I'd also love to hear from you in the comment section of my blog! You may leave a comment on this post to tell of the beauty you have found in His hands. Be sure to visit some of the other inspirational sites linked up and be encouraged today!

21 Comments

  1. "Accepted and loved" - yes, that is a genuine need all of us have. So grateful we can get it met through Jesus Christ. Thanks for reminding us of this beautiful truth.

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    1. He fills the hole inside all of us! Blessings, Joan

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  2. I don't think I know that movie--I'll have to rent it. You know what I love about God's love? There is no jealousy in it! You're His favorite, and I'm okay with that, because I'm His favorite too!

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    1. Hi Mary! The movie came out in 2000 and stars Minnie Driver and David Duchovny (plus a very familiar supporting cast including Carroll O'Connor!) It is sensitive and funny...and has a good ending. It's written by Bonnie Hunt, who is also in the movie. I'm sure you can rent the DVD or possibly stream it.

      I love that about God's love, too! We are ALL precious to Him! Amazing!

      Blessings, Joan

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  3. Of all the things that we are offered through the sacrifice of Jesus, we rarely discuss the gift of acceptance. It wasn't until His gift of salvation that we *Gentiles* were given the keys to the Kingdom. We were invited in as descendants of Abraham, and co-heirs, and as children of God! We believe in such a *scandalous* Gospel!! I am so grateful for the acceptance I receive in Christ, and for the invitation to the communion table, and to the future wedding feast of the Lamb!

    This week beauty is found in understanding that time is short, and we are called to make good use of our time!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Accepted...adopted...loved. I'm celebrating that today!

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  4. The table is such a beautiful representation of God's love for us. I love the way you tied the two together. I've experienced those moments around a dinner table when I felt totally understood and known. God gives that same gift. A perfect picture! Thank you for hosting the link up today. It's my first time visiting a sharing. Blessings!

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    1. Welcome Angela! I'm so glad you found your way here! Yes, to be known and understood is such a wonderful thing...and to think that our God offers that to us is amazing!

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  5. Yes, sometimes we do long for companionship - to belong. And yes, Jesus is always there to hold us in His hand. I love that. Psalm 37:4 is my year verse so I am delighting in Him first and foremost. So glad to find you, Joan.

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    1. Hi Amy! Oh, I love that verse! I was just referencing it this morning at our women's Bible study! Isn't it incredible that as we seek Him, our hearts align with His? What a gift! I'm so glad you stopped by today!

      Blessings, Joan

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  6. Amen, Joan! So thankful to be accepted by Him! His love is the only place we can find complete love. I've been writing a lot about this lately! I love our alignments of heart :-)
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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    1. Yes, Lori. We can search for completion through so many "things", but the only way to truly fill the hole inside is with Him. Our God is enough! I'm so thankful!

      Blessings, Joan

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  7. Hi Joan - I love the heart behind this post. The fact that we each have a spot at God's table always demonstrates to me what the body of Christ ought to embody. That we fling wide open those doors and welcome all in, creating that safe grace place for them to be loved and accepted just as they are. It's the cry of my heart. Thanks for welcoming us in today. Blessed to visit from #tellhisstory.

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    1. Hi Tiffany!

      I think that when we realize and understand how much God loves us we will naturally follow His beautiful example of acceptance...The more we believe in His love, the more we share it! Thanks for coming by from #tellhisstory!

      Blessings, Joan

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  8. Joan, this is beautiful! In a world full of rejection, we can tend to look for acceptance anywhere we can get it. Praise the Lord, we have been adopted into His family and are accepted as His sons and daughters. We no longer have to search for a place to belong! Thanks for sharing this with us today.

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement! What a gift it is to be adopted into God's family! We are loved by Him!

      Blessings, Joan

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  9. I love the imagery of God's Table being one of acceptance and love. This is a great reminder to come to the table of His grace and be loved on. :)
    Blessings,
    Dawn

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    1. Yes, we can count on God to welcome us when we turn to Him! I am so thankful!

      Blessings, Joan

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  10. That is beautiful! Have a Blessed weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Cascia! Have a wonderful weekend as well!

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  11. I often think about "what ifs" and one question that often comes to my mind is "What if Christ had not accepted us as sinners into His flock?" He has every right to reject us! But instead we are welcomed with open arms, even when we keep sinning and making terrible choices in life. I'm so grateful that He does!! It's what gives me the desire to draw closer to Him...to feel and know I am accepted.Thanks for sharing!!

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