But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own ^[a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. -- I Peter 2:9, AMPC

I was putting a clean plate into the cabinet when I noticed, once again, the chip. It was about an inch long, and it had been there for a couple of years, at least. I should throw this away, I thought. 

But it's stoneware, my mind reasoned.  It's a good plate, and the chip isn't going to hurt anyone.

Then immediately, another thought came. Would a king keep this plate? I believe that thought from the Holy Spirit Who loves me and knows all things. 

I resisted just a bit. My soul--the poverty thinking I'd had for decades, but had asked the LORD to deliver me from--wanted to keep the plate and use it till it was cracked so badly that it was dangerous. 

"You're right, Father," I said out loud. "And I am a king and a priest in You, the Most High God!"

I chunked the plate. 

Then I picked up the next plate--and it had a chip too. This mar was not nearly as big, and I felt my mind try to justify keeping it. But I chunked it. 

After all, a king has nice stuff, I told myself. And a king will be supplied with more when needed!

The LORD gave me breakthrough that day, as I had asked Him. He is forever faithful to lead us continually to more and more freedom! That is part of our restoration to the knowledge and application of who we truly are in Christ!

Hallelujah! 

12 Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, -- Hebrews 12:1, AMPC

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (300 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.