The Joy of Salvation: Living in the Freedom of God’s Grace

Salvation is more than a theological concept or a promise of eternal life—it is a transformative gift that infuses our lives with joy, peace, and purpose. When we embrace the grace of God and step into the freedom that salvation offers, we begin to experience a profound and lasting joy that transcends circumstances.

Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (NKJV). This verse is a reminder that salvation is not just a past event but a present reality that can continually refresh and sustain our hearts. Let’s explore how living in God’s grace through salvation brings us joy and freedom.

---

The Transformative Power of Salvation

Salvation is the process through which God redeems us from sin and restores us to Himself. This transformation is beautifully described in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (NKJV).

Through salvation, we are made new. The weight of guilt and shame is lifted, replaced by the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness. This renewal allows us to live with a sense of freedom, no longer bound by the chains of our past.

The joy of salvation is rooted in knowing that we are loved unconditionally by God and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). It is the joy of knowing that we are no longer defined by our sins but by the righteousness of Christ.

---

Freedom Through Grace

Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and it is through grace that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (NKJV).

This freedom liberates us from striving to earn God’s approval. Instead, we can rest in His finished work on the cross. Grace allows us to approach life with confidence, knowing that we are secure in His hands.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this freedom in Galatians 5:1:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (NKJV).

When we walk in this liberty, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We no longer live under the burden of performance but in the delight of God’s presence.

---

A Lasting Joy That Transcends Circumstances

The joy of salvation is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances. It is a deep, abiding joy that sustains us through trials and hardships. Jesus promised this kind of joy to His followers:
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, NKJV).

When life becomes difficult, the assurance of our salvation becomes an anchor for our souls. We are reminded that our hope is not in this world but in the eternal life we have in Christ.

---

Living Out the Joy of Salvation

To live in the joy of salvation, we must nurture our relationship with God daily. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate this joy:

1. Abide in Christ: Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7, NKJV).

2. Worship with Gratitude: Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. It reminds us of His goodness and faithfulness.

3. Serve Others in Love: Sharing God’s love with others allows His joy to flow through us. “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25, NKJV).

4. Remember Your Testimony: Reflect on the moment you encountered God’s saving grace. This remembrance rekindles the joy and gratitude of your salvation.

---

Living in the freedom of God’s grace brings us lasting joy—a joy that is not rooted in our circumstances but in the unchanging truth of who God is and what He has done for us. Salvation transforms us, liberates us, and fills our hearts with a joy that nothing in this world can take away.

Let’s hold fast to the joy of our salvation, allowing it to overflow into every area of our lives. As we do, we become living testimonies of God’s grace, inspiring others to experience the same freedom and joy in Christ.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength today and always. Amen.

Feel Free Friday ~ Make a Joyful Shout.....

Happy Friday!! Woo Whoo!! You made it through another week....again!! For this Feel Free Friday, I want you to feel free to do as Psalms 100:1-2 commands....




"Make a joyful shout
to the Lord,
all you lands!
Serve the Lord
with gladness;
Come before His
presence with singing."


Shout, Serve, and Sing in the name of Jesus!! God inhabits the praises of His people. When you decide to make an executive decision to stand on Psalms 100:1-2, God will open up a window and pour you out a blessing. Don't just stand on it, live it!!  Make this scripture part of your lifestyle.  There is freedom, joy, healing, etc., when you "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, Serve the Lord with gladness; And Come before His presence with singing."

Feel Free Friday ~ Enjoy Your Weekend!! :)

I love Fridays!! Don't you?? I am excited about for today's post. Feel Free Friday is about feeling free to Enjoy Your Weekend!!  Yep, you heard me!!  Enjoy Your Weekend!! This whole week we talked about Lamentations 3:24-25. One of the key points is putting your hope in God and waiting patiently on Him to deliver. While you are doing that, it doesn't mean that you should waddled in self pity or not enjoy life, but 100% of the opposite.




If you truly put all your hope in God, you can have joy in the Lord. The bible says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength," (Nehemiah 8:10 ). And it's that same strength you can use to wait patiently on the Lord and to feel free to enjoy your weekend!! Amen and Amen!!




As I bid you adieu, if you haven't already, make some fun and awesome plans for the weekend or just plain ol' relax. Bottomline is don't fret and don't stress just enjoy your weekend because God has it all under control in the name of Jesus!! So, Have a blessed weekend and ENJOY!!



 Picture by: George's Journal via Toia on Pinterest



 Picture by: Anaamli via Toia on Pinterest

  
 Picture by: George's Journal via Toia on Pinterest

Feel Free Friday ~ Four Verbs.....Please Apply

It's Feel Free Friday!! Woo Whoo!! For this Feel Free Friday, I want you to feel free to put four verbs into action. Not just for today, but everyday as much as you possibly can. And that is to, READ, MEDITATE, SPEAK, and LIVE.

Before you can meditate, speak, or live God's word, you must read the bible daily. After you read it, meditate on it.  Take it all in.


"This Book of the Law shall not depart
from your mouth, but you shall meditate
in it day and night, that you may observe
to do according to all that is written
in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous, and then you will
have good success." (Joshua 1:8)


Think about God's word so that it can become rooted and grounded in your heart. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks," (Matthew 12:34). If you have God's word in your heart, you will speak His word.  And the best thing you can do for any situation is to speak His word.

The more you speak God's word and hold fast to every confession in the name of Jesus, the more you will live the word. You will be a doer of the word as well as a hearer. "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does," (James 1:25). Living God's word is the same as applying it to every area of your life such as relationships, work, home, finances, etc.

Remember what God said in Isaiah 55:11,"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." It doesn't matter how you activate God's word, it's going to fulfill His purpose and prosper in the thing for He sent it.

Since God's word is truthful, faithful, powerful, fruitful, and righteous; that means....


When you Read God word, you are reading His TRUTH.


When you Meditate on His word, you are meditating on His FAITHFULNESS.


When you Speak His word, you are speaking with POWER.


When you LIVE His word, you are living a FRUITFUL and RIGHTEOUS life.


From this day before, make a decision to apply these four verbs: Read, Meditate, Speak, and Live in the name of Jesus and by the matchless power of the Holy Spirit. When you do so, oh what a reflection of God's glory you will be. Hallelujah and Amen!! :)

Feel Free Friday ~ Stand and Proclaim

Feel Free Friday is about celebrating the freedom we have in Jesus. We are free to dance, to have fun, to worship Him, and to praise His Holy Name. We are also free to STAND and PROCLAIM. And that is what I want you to do. I want you to feel free to STAND on God's Word. Through Jesus, we are able to STAND because He is the ROCK.


As Christians, we should always feel free to PROCLAIM that He is the ROCK of ages, the ROCK of salvation, and the solid ROCK on which we STAND. Hallelujah and Amen!!! =D


Once again feel free to stand. Don't just stand. STAND FIRM!!




"For now we live,
if you stand fast in the Lord,"
(1 Thessalonians 3:8)

In the midst of you taking a stand, PROCLAIM. In the name of Jesus, Proclaim that the Lord lives and He is the ROCK of our salvation!!! And He is the firm foundation on which we STAND!!









“The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let God be exalted,
The Rock of my salvation!"
(2 Samuel 22:47)




**********************************************************

Feel Free Friday ~ Try Something New

It's Friday....Friday....Friday!! Woo Whoo!! I love Fridays!! Don't you?? This week theme is based on Psalms 51:10, which is about God creating you a clean heart. In my Manic Monday post from this week, I mentioned that the word create also means to fashion anew. And that is exactly what I want you to feel free to do. I want you to feel free to try something new or find something you really enjoy doing, but haven't done in a long time.



I'm not sure how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but in SC it is somewhat hot. The weather for this weekend will fall between 100 - 105 degrees; And that is not including the heat index. YIKES!! However, I am not going to let the weather stop from having a good time this weekend; An you shouldn't either.

If you not quite sure of what you should do, I have a few suggestions.

A Picnic - Pick a nice shady, comfortable area; where you can relax and take in the scenery around you. Don't forget to pacy your favorite sweet treats. There's nothing wrong with indulging...a little bit.


Bike Riding - Not only it's great exercise, it's a great way to relieve stress. Besides, you will probably be so focus on how much your legs are hurting that you won't have the time to think about anything else.


Go to the beach - The best time to go the beach (in my opinion) is early in the morning or late in the evening around 6 pm, especially when the sun is about to set. If you are not a beach person but loves the water, take a swim in the pool. If you don't have a pool of your own, try going to a public pool in your community.

A nature walk - There is nothin like a nice brisk walk. You don't have to power walk, just stroll along and take in the ambiance around you. Take the time to stop a smell the flowers, look up at the beautiful sky every now then, and listen to the birds sing.

Now if you are not exactly an outside person or if the weather won't permit you to go outside, you can still have just as much fun on the inside. For instance, you can play video games with the family. Nowadays, they make video games so that adults and even the whole family can enjoy. You can even watch your favorite DVD movie, make special snacks with your children, or even play charades.

Whatever it is, just find something new and fun to do. With a new and clean heart created by God, you should start having a new leash on life. Enjoy your weekend!!

Feel Free Friday ~ Be Strong and Very Courageous

I love Feel Free Fridays. It's the end of the work week for most; And the beginning of the weekend. This Feel Free Friday is about feeling free to be strong and very courageous. There is nothing wrong with being strong and courageous.


If you always wanted to sing karoake, but never had to the courage to get up on stage to do it. Go for it this weekend!! Or, if it was something else you always wanted to do, but don't exactly feel strong and confident in doing so...try it anyway. Because, God is with us wherever we go. He got our backs so we shouldn't be afraid.


For Feel Free Friday, I wrote another poem. I hope you like it and it's a blessing to you. Happy Feel Free Friday!!







 
Be Strong and Very Courageous
By: Toia Thompson

The freedom to BE STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS
It's not just for you or me, but for all of us
Not only is it our freedom, It's a command
That we do not waver in hope for on God's word we stand

We should not be afraid or dismayed
Because God has our backs and He will surely lead the way
God will never leave us nor forsake us
Knowing this promise, we can truly
BE STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS!!

---

For more Feel Free Friday, click here.

Freedom to Read the Bible

Now that this week is my attempt to start back blogging again, I cannot wait to start visiting you all so that I can see what I missed and what everyone has been up to.

Today in Charleston, SC the weather has been exceptional beautiful. It seems like the first day of spring in February!!  Believe it or not, early this morning birds were chirping outside my window and squirrels playing in my yard, running up and down the trees. I almost felt like Cinderella without all the mice dressing me and everything. :)

However, it's such a blessing to have the freedom to sit in my front yard on a warm sunny day and read the bible. Sometimes, we do take little things such as this for granted. One thing for sure it's a blessing to live in a country where I can do that and where you are encouraged to read the bible and build a relationship with God.





For those who don't have the freedom of being a Christian and is unable to sit in their front yard and read their bible, I pray that one day they will in the name of Jesus!!






I hope everyone is having a Happy Hump Day!!

Freedom Word Fighters Friday - Free From Self

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

(John 3:30)

This is edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday is about being free from self. Sometimes it's ourselves that keep us in bondage and not the devil. It's what I like to call the "It's all about me" or the "I, I, I" syndrome.

We can become more in tune with what our wants and needs are instead trying to become more in tune with God and His wants and needs for our lives. The same thing goes for when we are face with a problem. We focus more on the problem and not on the solution, which is in God through Christ Jesus. Many times we petition before God all of our hearts' desires, but fail to search within our hearts the true motive behind what we desire. Are your motives pure? Do they line up with God's will for your life? Or do you ask for these things (whatever they may be) for God's glory or bragging rights?

These are things that you have to ask yourself, if you truly want to remove the idea of self out of the equation. When you put self in the way, you become blind and unable to see the direction to where God is leading you. As a result, you go round and round in circles. Case in point.........the children of Israel in the wilderness. They went around in circles for 40 long years. And it's all because they did not remove themselves, their emotions, their feelings out of the way long enough to see where God was leading them. I believe if they would have decrease in themselves, and allow God to increase in their spirits with no holds barred, they would have enter the land of milk and honey that same day. Definitely, a lot sooner than 40 years.

That's the same with us. If you are tired of going through that same vicious cycle, decrease and be free of self and let God increase. You may be thinking, "Well, I pray every morning and at night before I go to bed." My response is...... after you pray, do you listen long enough to hear a response from God.

"Well, I read my bible daily." And my response is.......Do you just read the bible or do you study what the scripture is saying and get revelation from God.

If you want to be free from self, you going to have make up your mind to do whatever it takes. You are going to have to go beyond the call of duty. And how do you do that???

Simple, first get down on your knees or lay down before God and humble yourself before Him. And let God lead you from there. Doing that is the first step of being free from self. Everytime you humble yourself before God, your 'self' is decreasing and God is increasing. Take down your 'self' and rise up in Jesus. I call you free from your 'self' in Jesus' name.




Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Freedom Word Fighters Friday

"Therefore if the Son makes you free,

you shall be free indeed."

(John 8:36)

In this edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday, I want you to know that once Jesus has set you free, you are indefinitely free. You are no longer subject to chains, shackles, and ties. You are free.

There maybe times when you don't feel so free. You maybe feeling depress or low due to a situation you are currently facing or random thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. But that's ok. Though we are free spiritually, we still have battles to fight. However, we must choose not to let the battles we are fighting consume us. Yes, you are going to feel defeated at times. Yes, you are going to get frustrated and aggravated. That's naturally.

How you deal is the main thing. When you feel all these not so good emotions, go ahead and let it out. Even David, himself, vented to the Lord in anger.

Read what David had to say in Psalm 22:1-2,

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent."

Then, afterwards, he still acknowledge God for who He is.......a deliverer.

"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You." (Psalm 22:22)

Just as God delivered David and many others in the bible, he will do the same for you. And part of your deliverance package is the freedom God gave you by sending His only Son (Jesus) to die on the cross for your sins. The day that Jesus died, was the day you were set free.

So who the Son set free is free indeed!! Walk in your freedom.

Your Sister in Christ,

Toia

Freedom Word Fighters Friday

For this edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday, it's about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. God gave His Son Jesus that we may live in abundance and have freedom. Jesus died for our sins and rose on the third day. Jesus paid it all for our freedom.

"I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

(John 10:11)

"He [Jesus] went a little farther and fell on His face,

and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible,

let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

(Matthew 26:39)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

(John 3:16)

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
(Matthew 28:6)

May the word of God continue help us maintain our freedom. Freedom is for all who believe that God rose Jesus from the dead and accepts Christ as they living Saviour.

Your Sister in Christ,

Toia

Freedom Word Fighters Friday #3

And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

(Galatians 6:9)

My 3rd edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday is about not giving up and growing tired. When we are on our journey of fulfilling our destiny and purpose God has for us, we may not see fruit producing as fast as we would like. We want that instant gratification not the delay gratification. We want to see the proof in the pudding right away.

Yet, we fail to realize that even a farmer doesn't receive his harvest overnight, after planting his seeds. A farmer waits for his harvest. In the midst of his waiting, he takes care of his crop by watering them, removing weeds, and keeping them safe from pesty little bugs. I'm sure everyday the farmer tends to his crop, he feels tired when the sun goes down. But he's tired from working hard each day, which his naturally for a human. However, he's not tired of taking care of his crop. He's not going to throw the towel in because it's hard work. Because the farmer knows his crop is eventually going to grow. It's just going to take some time. And the farmer also knows that if he doesn't take care of his crop, there will be no harvest.

This where the devil will try to keep us in bondage. He will try to make us feel like we are trap in his illusion. And that illusion is where he wants us to think that we are not preparing for a harvest. That nasty ol' devil will try to make us feel like we tending to a dead crop where no harvest will produce. He tries to hypnotize us by telling us - "You're getting sleepy. At the sound of my voice on the count of three, I want you to give up. Because you are not going to reap a harvest."

When hear that evil voice trying to hypnotize you, I want you to shout out in your loudest voice and say, "Devil, you are a liar and the truth is not in you. I will not grow weary while doing good, for in due season I shall reap. I will do not lose heart. Now, you flee from me, in Jesus' name."

After shouting out, you will loose that bond the devil was trying to have on you. And immediately you will be set free. Always remember the Lord will never talk you out of your harvest, especially when it's going to give Him glory. Don't give up. Don't grow weary in well doing. And wait for the time to reap your harvest.

Be set free by Freedom Word Fighters Friday.

Share what this scripture means to you.

Are you a Freedom Fighter?

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Freedom Word Fighters Friday #2

This is my second edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday. Mostly all battles that we fight are spiritual, which takes far more energy than a physical fight. That's my opinion. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Because we are in a spiritual battle, we have to fight with spiritual weapons. It doesn't matter how strong you are physically, if you are not equally or stronger in the spirit, you will be fighting a losing battle. One of the many ways to strengthen our spirits, is the Word of God. God's word is like a hammer; And is sharper than any other physical sharp sword ready to slice and dice strongholds, chains, shackles into shreds. So, the scripture that I am bringing to the table to fight is.........

THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

(Romans 8:1-2)

---

The minute you decide to confess Christ as your Saviour is the same minute you become free in His Name. You are no longer under the law of sin and death, but under a new law (the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus). Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so that we can be free in Him. Free from sin.....Free from the nasty ol' devil...........Free from the past hurts and pains...........Free from unhealthy relationships.

Jesus is the ultimate Freedom Fighter. He endured what no other man endured or was capable of enduring. The least we can do to show our love and gratitude is to make sure we remain free in His name by refusing to be ignorant of satan's devices. Satan's devices are used to capture us and keep us as prisoners of sin. But as long as we stay and keep training in God's word, we will be ready to fight to maintain our freedom in Jesus' name.


Your Sister in Christ,
Toia


Are you a Freedom Word Fighter? If you have a scripture that speaks freedom to your spirit, post it on your blog, and I will come by and visit. Stay Bless and Stay Free.

Freedom Word Fighters Friday

I'm free!! I'm free!! I'm freeeeeeeeee!!


Isn't a blessing to know that Jesus died on our behalf so that we can be free from sin, bondage, and condemnation? Jesus didn't died so that we may live a life of bondage and slavery to sin. He died for us to have life and live it in abundance. The word of God is full of scriptures expressing freedom in Christ. This is where "FreedomWord Fighters Friday" comes in. God's word is sharper than any two-edge sword. We have to use our spiritual weapon (God's Word) to destroy every yoke and release every shackle that is trying to keep us in bondage. So, every friday I would like for everyone to share a scripture or passages that express freedom in Christ. If you like, express to us the meaning of the scripture to you. Or, just share a scripture with no words attached.

I declare all of us free in Jesus' name. To get things started..........

Stand fast therefore in the
liberty by which Christ has made us free,

and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

(Galatians 5:1)

What's your freedom scripture? Post it on your blog. Leave a comment to let me know and I will be sure to stop by and check it out.

Your Sister in Christ,

Toia