A mind spillage of scripture.

I have a tattoo.  And I rather like it.  But it doesn't come without skepticism and at times an undesirable attitude from others.

It's on the inside of my wrist, it says "Redeemed".  The reason I got it, wasn't for shock value, wasn't because of a midlife crisis.  I didn't get it so that others would know what I am.  I for sure didn't get it to make sure Jesus knew what I was.

I did it for me.  I did it to remind me that I'm not defined by my past or my bad decisions or my wrong choices.  There was a time, in my earlier Christian walk that I allowed things in my past to haunt me.  And still from time to time the enemy will bring things to mind and since I'm a visual person I love that I have a visual aid, like a big blinking sign!  I can point to my tat and say to the enemy, "dude, did you read the sign?!".  I am no longer that person, I am a new creation.  I'm no longer a sinner but a saint.  All because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

The sad things and the trials from my past are not forgotten.  They were allowed for a reason and none of them will be wasted.  They were allowed and entrusted to me for the very reason to help others, what better way to see the glory of God for once was, and is no longer.  It extends hope to a hurting world.  To know that someone has been there and survived, not only survived but thrives.  It becomes your ministry!
 
When my circumstances try to rattle me, when a trial arises, I know God's at work and I watch for Him.  I know I'm being entrusted to something important that will be used for His kingdom, and His glory.   If I know and trust Jesus, I want to say "bring it on!".  I said I want to, not that I always do or have.  I'm thankful for those around me to remind me of these things.  We need each other for this very reason...to encourage and to build up one another to fight a good fight.  We know the end if we've read the book, but we don't have to take things laying down...we can fight a good fight.  I'm not a vicious person, I don't like or welcome conflict.  But it does feel good in the midst of it to sucker punch the enemy when he least expects it.   I know who I am in Christ and so does the enemy, that's why he's merciless toward the children of the King.

I am redeemed, a child of the King.  Jesus has provided me the power to defeat any temptation thrown my way.  He's equipped me for everything I need to live out a righteous and holy life.

The enemy wants to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus provided armor and the weapons to fight.  Doing a word study in the greek on dunimas translated power, I looked up every word in scripture for power.  It knocked my socks off.  We can walk in confidence!  We have a huge God, who loves us and provides all that we need in every single circumstance. 
I'm bolder, more confident, and have a whole lot of courage because I believe in Jesus and His Word.

Just a chunk.