March of the Unqualified

It's true... They really will let anyone preach on the Sunday after Christmas! Jon preached this morning and it was fantastic! Even after countless conversations and proofreading/editing sessions with him about the sermon, I still was challenged this morning. I read the scripture (Matthew 1:1-6... the genealogy of Jesus) and cruised through all of those names. Too bad we aren't having a little boy! Zerubbabel is a great choice! It's so amazing to remember how God uses those who are least qualified to serve in His kingdom. We don't have to be perfect, we don't have to be "good people," and we don't have to know everything. In fact, since we're human, we don't meet any of the above criteria. God used a bunch of liars, adulterers, prostitutes, thieves, etc. to bring our Messiah into the world!! How comforting to know that I don't have to meet criteria or work really hard to be good enough for God to use me. Despite being the screw up and sinner that I am, God will work in spite of me! Casting Crowns has a really great song that really expresses how I feel about all of this... "How refreshing to know You don't need me. How amazing to find that you want me!" My family came to support Jon and to hear him preach this morning, which was really special for both of us. In case that wasn't enough excitement for me, I've learned that baby girl gets so happy when she hears Daddy talk, she always starts dancing!!