² Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].--Romans 12:2, AMPC

We had grown up together, and been through a lot together. Were both Christians, as far as I knew.

However, in my mid-30s, I realized our belieifs were becoming very different: my "best friend" of over 30 years was now openly approving witchcraft, and taking her kids to see movies about it. 

I had to cut off the relationship. Some might consider that radical and "religious," but I am not some; I am me, and only I will answer for my life and the influences and people I allowed into it. 

So when I got the "Easter" card--with a unicorn among bunnies and chicks ("Where are the cross and Jesus?" I asked my husband, as I showed it to him--right before I threw it in the outside trash), I was so very glad the LORD  had not left me alone, but had continued to pursue me, woo me, change me! 

I had a few darts about the fact that, in the natural, she had been much more financially successful and stable than me, even earning her Ph.D. in a certain discipline, right out of college. She had stayed married to the same man for over 30 years, and had three grown children who had all graduated college. She and her husband had built and paid off their house years ago.  To me, she was very lovely. So I was behind on some of these things, compared to her.

But then I started rejoicing! I rejoiced that the LORD had never left me alone! He had, through the many dark times in my life, used what the devil meant for evil to draw me much closer to Himself, and start preparing me for the future--to recognize and rout the devil out of their lives! 

I was so deeply thankful that my LORD had continue to help me know where I needed to make changes, and often, they were major ones. He has pulled me out of many pits--most of which I jumped into myself! But oh, how great is His mercy and faithfulness; how truly amazing is His Grace! 

There is nothing more priceless than our relationship with the LORD, Jesus Christ, and His matchless, living, unchanging, eternal Word! 

My life has been totally transformed into (truly!) days of Heaven on earth, and I experience His Presence daily. I have barely begun getting to know and experience Him, yet being with Him--and knowing He is with me, no matter how I feel (for faith is not a feeling, thank goodness!)--is the supreme, most sublime time I ever have, and I want more! 

I am so thankful for the powerful covering of my pastors and other ministers with whom I partner; for the freedom and privilege to have and read and study and live and share the perfect, priceless Word of God; to worship in open adoration of my LORD; to pray in the Word and the Holy Spirit; and to fellowship with like-minded Believers!

Truly, I know that I am born again and will go with King Jesus when He returns to get His Royal Family on earth and take them to Heaven! There is no confidence like that of a true Christian.

Truly, I know that, with all my heart, I am following Him, because He is helping me. I will never be perfect, til Heaven, but I am being perfected! 

I am so very, eternally thankful that my LORD has never left me alone--He continues to change me, and, as I've told many when they ask, "Are you by yourself?" (like that's a horrible thing, when usually, I prefer it!), "I'm not by myself!"

Either way, He never leaves me alone! Hallelujah!

So, if you need this Savior, Jesus Christ, today--and you do!--then tell Him out loud that you need HIm to please forgive you of all your sins, cleanse you by the blood He shed for you on the cross, and come into your heart and be your Savior and LORD. He will, and you will be a new creation (II Cor. 5:17)! 

He makes it easy, and--this article you're reading included!--He will never leave you alone!

I make a decree that in all my royal dominion men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for He is the living God, enduring and  steadfast forever, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed and His dominion shall be even to the end [of the world].--Daniel 6:26, AMPC

Separation from famliar people and habits and things can seem hard, but it's so worth it to pursue the LORD Jesus and His Way, and you'll be so very glad you did! Whatever you sacrifice to follow Him, He'll make up to you in innumerable and priceless ways!

Ask Him today to help you do what you need to do to follow Him. He is so faithful, and gracious, and all-wise, and good. He will! 

19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).--Matthew 28:19-20, AMPC

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.