We ARE set FREE!

Hey Everyone!

I just started this blog, I normally journal and God weighed on my heart to start a blog since I do a pretty good job communicating through writing.  (MOST of the time!) I'll keep the first one short, since the next one I'll post will be my testimony, THAT one will be good and long!

I just wanted to share a verse I came across in my devotional yesterday that weighed extremely hard on my heart. I've had my fair share of troubles, as I'm sure we all have. Lately, I have spent more then my ordinary amount of time praying and speaking to the Lord. I do every day, but I'm talking, alot more than my usual. Not only in my world, but on this Earth, there is so much and there are so many who need prayer. HOURLY. DAILY. Most of the ones who need it the most aren't even aware of it. I've been praying for my friends and loved ones in my family to be arrested by God; by his power, presence, and love. I've prayed for a serious revival in my family up North and my generation up there as well.

As I've spent time thinking and talking to God, I've started to realize that so many people don't really understand the true beauty and passion of Jesus, and furthermore, the LOVE he has for us. Not to mention, the grace, mercy and forgiveness...

In my devotional yesterday, which by the way, happened to be the VERY words I needed at that exact moment (COME ON, JESUS!), My God just reassured me that He is in control of my life. The high points, the trials, and even the lulls of my each day, he has planned out perfectly and knows exactly what I will endure. He assured me that no matter what, I am His treasured posession, and his princess. Boy, did I need this!

Even after you are saved, and almost always before, we always think God is judging us and even if we invite him into our life we will always be the same person that we were in the past. BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE!

In Ezekiel 36:26 it says, "I will give you a new a new heart and put a new spirit in you." Let's all read that again. God says, accept Him into your life, and he will GIVE you a new HEART! He will put a new spirit, His Spirit, The Holy spirit into you! The Holy spirit is LOVE! COMPASSION! IT IS HIS PERFECT IMAGE! IT IS GOD! LIVING IN YOU! Scripture says in 1John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world." That means you are ONE POWERFUL PERSON!

That means, no matter how damaged, broken, scarred, scared, or fearful you are, because of what has happened in your past or what you've done in your past, God will wipe it all away and give you a new heart.  He will give you a new spirit, one filled with greatness and blessing, if you choose to accept his love, follow him, and use the blessings and gifts your God has given you! Not because you deserve it, or are loveable, but because God is LOVE.

You may think you are living a life fulfilled, redeemed, that because you act or seem happy on the outside you are therefore, fulfilled on the inside, but don't sell yourself short. Your answer is right in front of you. He is ready and waiting for you. In James 4:8, it says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." In other words, ask God into your life, ask him for his help, his hand, for him to come into your life, and HE WILL BE THERE. No questions asked. HANDS. DOWN.

This is for anybody out there who may or may not realize it, but they are living with anger, hate, HURT, pain, of any kind. Just remember, if you don't love yourself or love others, how could anybody possibly love you? Not that people can't love you if you're broken, but, let me put it this way. 1John 4:8 says "Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love!"  If you don't let the walls down and let your mighty God love you, you will never experience Him. And trust me, you don't want to miss it.

So, when you have those days when you feel you aren't worthy, or you are one who couldn't possibly put all of your faith into Him, because you don't know him, or don't think he exists, understands, loves, or forgives, remember this:

"The Lord your God is with you ALWAYS, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Sometimes, you won't feel the Lord singing. Sometimes, you will just feel his presence over you, a wind, a soft voice, his hand on your shoulder. He will be your best friend, if you'll let him! :)

HE DELIGHTS IN YOU! ALWAYS!

Love YA'LL!

Until next time,

Caitlin