Twelve

Twelve is significant for me.
At twelve years old I gave my life to Jesus.
I heard God's voice and I was forever changed.
That was twelve years ago.

I've been doing much reflecting and reminiscing.

I've been doing some reading through 1 Timothy, Romans & Psalms-words repeadly telling me "Don't forget what was preached to you, what has been taught, & where you have set your foundation! You know all too well that the world teaches one thing & the Word another. So don't forsake the Truth! Dive deeper & test everything your ears hear! For this is your Hope. In this your feet will never fail."

So here I sit reading John (the same book in the Bible I studied twelve years ago) and read these words today:

"All I have is yours and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them."-John 17:10

These words are coming from Jesus as He is praying for His disciples (both present & future) before He is about to be handed over to die for our sins.

I read these words and am first torn because it feels like this is such a great mystery. Second, I feel excited.

I feel this way because if I am like the rest of the world (which I most certainly am) I know exactly what I need to lay down before God....but I too often forget what it is I need to pick up....or maybe we know both things, but aren't motivated....and thus, we experience more heartache from our brokenness, yes?

So I made a list of twelve things (imagine that) we have in Jesus. A reminder to both you & I:

Power/triumph
Joy
Strength
Peace
Access to the Father
Forgiveness
Confidence
True Life
Satisfaction
Completion
Royal Status
Healing/Restoration

Great things huh?

But thing is you're never going to truly know (aka experience) them until you truly lay down your stuff.

So what's your stuff?

Did you know you had all of this (& much, much more) in Jesus? If you didn't, I recommend reading the book of John...it's a great start.

I look over my twelve years of walking with the Lord & I see all the things I still need to lay down.

I want His glory in my life.

But first I need to want to have ALL of my things to be His & vis versa.

"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken"
- Psalm 55:22

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
-1 Peter 5:7

May this be your prayer today, tomorrow, & everyday. I know it's hard, but we do this together!

"Lord, forgive me. Teach me, guide me-take my hand! Let me not lean on my own understanding. Holy Spirit remind me, correct me, & sustain me. You are worthy of having my life; for you laid down yours for mine. Thank you, Jesus."
❤❤❤