I have a collector’s plate that a very good friend gave me that has on it “We will be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Is 61:3 This is a physical reminder to me of who I am. Yes, I have had a lot of days of being wilted but that is what Breaking Free has been to me. –A nourishment to my branches.

I have often said that when God said to love him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength He knew that in our humanneess we would not love Him the way He desires to be loved unless we gave Him all four of these things 100%. We can compartmentalize and love him with maybe our heart and strength but maybe we’re not loving Him with our mind and soul.

These last two items is what Breaking Free will help me to love Him with thus allowing me to display His splendor. When I was truly loving Him and passionately serving Him I had someone tell me they could see I loved Him in my countenance.I knew at that point in my life that I was in His will. I don’t say this to boast because we are to boast only in Jesus Christ but like the image of an oak tree’s countenance I desire to be pleasing to Him so I “can” display His splendor at “all” times even when I’m weak in my physical body. I received so much encouragement from what Beth said on page one of this week when she asked if our body is physically ill or handicapped and that He will use what we give Him. I have been discouraged as I’ve said on here the last few years because of my physical weakness to the point of guilt and shame for not having what I once had to offer Him strength wise. It was almost as if I said, “You’re no longer 100% so your days are over. This was a lie from the enemy which was causing me to not give Him all of my mind so I determine to give Him daily what I have which may be better or worse on some days but He sees everything anyway. I do want my countenance to display His splendor so others will be drawn to Him and not from Him.

There was a time when I was so far away from God. I didn’t understand the depth of what he wanted from me. Today I know that he desires to have an intimate relationship with me as his daughter. I know that he never makes mistakes, so I now love my body just as it is. Daily, I express love for God to those who’ll listen and I humbly accept my journey as his servant.

Today I feel confident and willing to display God’s beauty in me. A few years ago, this was not the case and I still hid in my shame and bondage. When I did not experience freedom, I would be embarrassed when someone called me a “Jesus freak” or I would shrink in fear that they would ask me a question I could not answer. Living in God’s splendor, I am confidently shouting His name, singing His songs, and praising Jesus. I do this for God’s pleasure, not mine. I do this for God’s approval, not the approval of people. I do this to show my love for God.

My life verse is Deuteronomy 6:5-Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.- and I am committed to this 100% of my day!