I Was, I Am, I Will Be Day 395

James 1:2-6  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

I was a lost vessel, bobbing and weaving aimlessly in a sea of defeat destruction and bondage.  I now have a captain who is large and in charge!  I`m merely a passenger, as God navigates this fractured earthly container.  Thank you, Father God!  It wasn`t until I truly received Jesus Christ as my savior, that I surrendered the helm to His control and direction.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I was in bondage, a believer of lies decieved by the Satan and his band of ruling spirits.  Deuteronomy 11:16  Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods, and bow down to them.  I was an alcoholic, nurturing the addiction that allowed me to escape reality, pain and suffering.  I am celebrating six years of sobriety while walking in and through spiritual, physical and inner healing.

I was trapped in guilt, shame, insecurity, rejection and feeling unworthy, excising in a life of fear and doubts.  Ignorant to the truth.   Not any more, with perseverance and obedience to God`s will for my life, I have died from self---- striving and desiring holiness.  Ephesians 5:15-18  Be very careful, then how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are full of evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the LORD`S will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which lead to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

 I am God`s child.  I have been justified, (just as if I`ve never sinned).   I am united with the LORD and I am one spirit with Him.   I have been bought with a price.  I belong to God.  I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.

I am free forever from condemnation.   I  am free from any condemning charges against me.  I cannot be separated from the love of God.  I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.    I have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.  I can find grace and mercy in time of need.  So long Satan-----I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am a branch of the true Vine, and channel of His life.  I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.   I am Christ`s personal witness.  I am God`s co-worker.  I am God`s workmanship.  I may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

To function in the will of God: apply Biblical principles, seek wise council, know the Spirit man and live in peace!  Colossians 3:15-16  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God.

I was, I am, I will be, thank you Father God!  I was unemployed, I now have a new job (tell you about it later) Have a blessed day!

James 4:7-10  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail.  Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  HUMBLE yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up.

Thank your LORD, AMEN!