I embrace who God says I am- I am an original, made in the image of God!!! I was fearfully and wonderfully created in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139). God forgives my sins and heals all my diseases, He has redeemed my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion (Psalm 103). I have the favor of God!! I also declare no weapon formed against me shall prosper. There is a hedge of protection around me and my family. You see, I declare these things because God made me… and I have a close relationship with the Lord. My declarations are life-giving!

I originally gave my life to the Lord (confession and faith to believe that Jesus is Lord-Romans 10:9) at 19 years old, but I had a very low self-worth and confidence. I didn’t realize my place as a child of the Living God until really reading/meditating on the Word of God. Jesus built my self-worth and confidence (and still does) through the Holy Spirit and lots of prayer. My on-call counselor is the Holy Spirit who ministers to me and lives in my heart. Jesus is always listening and answering my prayers. I just love that about Him!

Jesus paid a high price by dying on the cross to save us from our sins (Romans 3:21-26). He demonstrates His love for us. The free gift of eternal life is given through Christ to all who believe in Him. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8). Yes, this is Christianity 101. I believe we need to get back to the basic salvation message. First step, the truth will set you free if you confess your sins and believe Jesus is Lord. Second step, read the bible- Ask and pray for answers to your questions and listen to God, grow in wisdom and grace. Third step, find others who believe in Christ and are born-again spirit filled believers to help you. This is a good starting point.

Funny how God works. I was thinking over and over about a dream I had a few nights ago. I was thinking “Jesus is my air in the deep water of life”. So I had this dream I was drowning, but I was content to float at or near the bottom of the water. I started to realize I was going to drown if I didn’t fight to get to the air. So I prayed and prayed and fought, swimming hard to find air and suddenly the water parted in front of me, and I took one big breath of air. God saved me. This dream reminded me of all the people who don’t know Jesus as their savior and are drowning at the bottom. They don’t fight to get the eternal living air. The air that gives abundant life now and eternal life forever. I pray for people to know Jesus as I do. Because Jesus is the only savior of the world. “Jesus said whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will follow from within him (John 7:38).” That is pretty cool folks.

I know beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus is real because I have experienced Him personally and profoundly! He is my love, my hope, and my future! I will see Him face to face..Revelation 21 & 22. It’s a fact.
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By Tracey Auburn