Have you ever felt stuck, taking one step forward, then two steps back? How about depressed, or worried, or like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Yeah, me too. I remember when I kept trying to win God's love. I saw him as this big powerful God up in the sky who was mostly disappointed in me. But that's a lie. Our God offers us wonderous love and  a type of freedom that can only be found in him. Freedom can be defined in several ways for different individuals. Some people are in bondage to fear, to sin, to other people, to circumstance. Through Christ we are assured God delivers, rescues, frees, and releases believers from all kinds of chains: be they physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. But to feel that kind of freedom, to fully experience that, I had to stop viewing God as a passive, far off power in the heavens and understand he's sitting right next to me, he's walking with me daily and he wants a relationship with me and with you! It's not about knowing there is a God, it's about accepting him in your heart and having a relationship. There's a difference. Many people believe there is a God but never truely know him and the freedom he offers. Don't miss out on what God has for you. There is a reason your reading this right now, everything has a purpose. Maybe you've been running from God your entire life or maybe you know of him but have never walked with him before in a relationship. Are you ready to start a new chapter in your life? Are you ready to come out of your cave and live like never before?  Come out of your depression, the hurt, the bitterness and live. Stop being afraid of the unknown, it is your time to rise up. It’s time to live in joy and peace. He came so that you may live and live life abundantly (John 10:10). So what are you waiting for? Pick up your cross and let’s go! Here's how:

 
1
Admit you're a sinner. In the Bible, the Book of Romans states "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
 
2
Be willing to turn from sin (repent, give it up, change, move on)
 
3
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you, and rose again;
 
4
Invite Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior
Here's a simple prayer that you could pray:
 
"Dear God I know I'm a sinner, I know I am not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness!  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in your name Jesus. Amen!"
 
5
Begin your relationship with God. That doesn't mean dragging yourself to church once a week. It's so much more than that. It means being in constant communication with him, through prayer. Telling him your doubts and fears, your struggles and then trusting in him. When you fall in love with God you begin to shine. His love pours out of you and your transformed! Instead of forcing yourself to go to church you are excited to learn more about what the creator of the universe has done for you. Every time you read out of the bible you now find a new strength.  You begin to focus on others rather then yourself your doubts and worries are no longer an issue because you now know the truth and it has set you free! John 8:32

                     

 
                                                                                                                        -Ciera