Isaiah 43:1-4a

"But now, this is what the LORD says - He who created you, Tonya, he who formed you, Tonya: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you by name; Tonya you are mine. When you pass through the waters Tonya, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire Tonya, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you a blaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you Tonya'"

This is a passage that I read in a devotional a few weeks ago. Insert your name where mine is and it can be the Lord speaking directly to you.

Forgiven & Redeemed

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;" Psalm 103:2-4

On Easter Sunday, I was baptized for the second time. I have been a believer since the age of five but the past five months have been a huge life change for me. I have come to a new understanding of who Jesus Christ is and most importantly who He is to ME! He has completely turned my life around, made it new. I have experienced His grace in ways I never knew were possible. He has set me free - free from sin! He has given me a new life to live for Him, a second chance to bring glory to His name.

My baptisim was me showing my brothers and sisters in Christ, family, and friends that I choose to live a new life with Christ. He is the center of everything I do. I want people to see the power of God through my life. All I desire for people to see is the new person He has made me, not the sins I have done, but that I have been set free from them. Those sins no longer define me, Christ is who I am. I live only for Him.

As I stood on that stage, the lights were bright. I saw people but I didn't pay attention to who was watching. I was just so excited yet overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit allowing me to take that step of faith. I knew the people I love were surrounding me and supporting me. That moment on stage went so quick! Like BAM it was over! Even though I did have a fear before that day that I would make it about something it wasn't suppose to be about, I didn't let it! It definitely was about my Jesus, my Lord, the Redeemer, the Forgiver. I had victory that day because on that day the King of Kings and Lord of Lords gave me freedom through the Cross!

All the praise and glory goes to Him, the one and only God. And thank you Brandi, Jim, Pastor Paul, the Shellnut Family, Wayne, Sandy, and everyone else who was there to support me! Thank you for making this day possible for me. You are all a blessing from the Lord.

It's Time For Moving Past

The Lord spoke through Jim on Tuesday night. He confirmed some points and truths that the Lord had already been showing me. In 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Paul writes about the earthly things that can take over our every thought and actions. One mentioned is mourning or weeping, this is true in my own life. Paul tells us to move past these times, don't dwell in them for they will pass away. One day I will be able to be free from the mourning, it won't even matter. It's not for me to worry about, the Lord will take care of it. So why not choose today... to live for a greater and more joyful purpose?!

In the book The Invisible War by Chip Ingram, that I'm reading with my mentor, it spoke about the breastplate of righteousness from the armor of God. Having the breastplate of righteousness frees me from all sin, gets rid of all the unrighteousness in me. I am free, no longer a victim... so why am I still living in it? Reliving that moment over and over. The author wrote "You stand your ground because you believe what God tells you. You are complete in Christ, you are pure in Him, and you reject the trash-talking that evil, demonic whisper is spouting off at you... The time to feel victimized and overwhelmed is over."

I no longer have to live in those heart breaking circumstances. The Lord has given me so many things that are greater, a life full of grace, truth, hope and a future. He wants me to apply the truth NOW, rely on the power that I presently possess. I have so much ahead of me and I don't want to waist my time mourning over the heartache I have experienced. It's time to rejoice because the Lord has rescued me and given me hope, joy and purpose. He loves me and desires to use me for the glory of His kingdom.

So where do I go from here Lord? Where do you want to take me? Teach me? Show me your plan and purpose.

No Defeat Here!

O Praise the Lord for victory and JOY! When my heart is heavy I tend to lash out against the things in my life that have hurt me. I get angry and throw a pitty party... but no more! I choose to be joyful, to remember who the Lord has created me to be and how He values me! Isaiah 43:4 says "You are precious and honored in My sight and I love you." This is true for all of His people, not just me.
We are chosen, called, honored, treasured, gifted, precious, and loved by our King!

"Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely." Psalm 16:9

Yes, we will face hard times, when we are weighed down by trials. If we choose to face those trials with the joy that the Lord gives then they suddenly seem so much lighter. When I choose to have bravery in the face of the evil one I find victory because of the joy and strength the Lord promises. There will be times when we have to put on a fake face of happiness and confront those trials head on, but there comes blessings after. Blessings of victory and freedom! Satan can not defeat us, we will always have victory in Christ Jesus!