I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with self-image, self-worth, abandonment, feeling loved, and a host of other issues. Alvin Reid’s book changed the way I tell others about Jesus, as well as how I talk to myself every morning. In his book Sharing Jesus Without Freaking Out, he encourages us to preach the gospel to ourselves every morning. This changed my life!

(I’m working on a book review.)

Although, I fall short of God’s glory all the time, I am justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ. It’s not by works or achievement or intrinsic value.

I’m so thankful that I no longer live under conviction, so that I have to keep beating myself up over the consequences for my sin.

I am so thankful that I don’t have to muscle through life by the power of my will. Now, I can ask the Lord to forgive me for my pride, when I care too much about what other people think about me. Jesus left his throne in heaven and humbled himself into the womb of a woman. I can humble myself to see both the good and bad things that I do, take healthy correction, and identify abusive behaviors in others.

I am so thankful that I can be as patient with my healing and growth as Jesus is with his

We finished the Mercedes Half Marathon (13.1 miles). I wanted to wear my medal around for the 1st week! Feels good!

disciples. Even when I am cold and irritable with my family, I thank Jesus for being patient and tender. In Luke 22, just before the crucifixion, Jesus asks the disciples to pray while He went to pray.  When He returned, they were asleep.  Jesus was gentle, I can be that too.

I still have struggles in this life because I am being made into the image of the Lord Jesus. Making this dead heart alive is no easy task! I am thankful that in Christ I am blessed with spiritual blessings because they will not burn up in an earthly fire. I am holy and blameless in His sight. I am adopted. I am a first born, a co-heir with Jesus. I am forgiven. I have the Holy Spirit leading, guiding, and teaching me. I am chosen and equipped with special gifts to do His will. Because of Jesus, I can run the race that God laid out before me.

Now, because of who Jesus is I can go tell others about the freedom, healing, and love that I found.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

speaking to one another with psalms, hymns,

and songs from the Spirit.

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,

in the name of our Lord and Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:18b-20