Wresting with Identity

"God will put you in a position to wrestle with your identity and choose whom you believe; Him or you."  -Beth Moore

These words changed my life about three years ago as I wrested with God over the new calling and gifting He was revealing to me.

In 2011, I began writing and for months I struggled with whether I had any credence to be writing and who was I to think I could be used by God in this way.

Then, one day these words jumped off the page in a devotional I was reading and I had to make a decision...

Who was I going to believe?  Me or God.

Was I going to believe my own fleshly mind filled with self-doubt?  Or would I believe God.

The most true thing about anything is what God says about it.

Do you know what God says about you?  I want to give you some verses today to look up.  As you look them up, may you discover the most true thing about yourself.

I have no doubt God will also put you in a position where you are forced to wrestle with your identity and choose whom you will believe...you or Him.

1.  1 Peter 2:9
2.  Ephesians 2:10
3.   Zechariah 2:8
4.  2 Corinthians 5:17
5. 1 Thess 5:23
6.  Isaiah 43:1
7.  Isaiah 43:25-26
8.  Isaiah 61:3b

I would love for you to come back and comment on which verse spoke to you!  

Bowling with the Guardrails Up

Last week, while my kids were on Spring Break, we ventured to the bowling alley.  My 11 year old son, Joe, wanted to bowl with the guardrails up.  However, I wanted to see how he would do with them down. Without the guardrails, he bowled a total score of 16 (or was it 9?).  Any rate, it was far below par (or is that just a golf term?  I know nothing about bowling other than you try to hit the pins and I rarely do that!).

For the second game, I gave in to his request for the guardrails.  Wouldn't you know it?!  He got two strikes right off the bat (wrong sport again-sorry) and he DIDN'T even use the guardrails!  I thought it was so interesting that with the guardrails down, he repeatedly threw the ball in the gutter, but when the guardrails were up, he did not even come close to hitting them!

For the first 6 frames, his ball stayed clear of the guardrails and he had a score of over 60! What was the difference?

The only conclusion I could make was that it was all mental.  Having the guardrails up boosted his confidence.

We also need guardrails in our lives.  The Word of God is our Guardrail.  Without our Guardrail, we end up in the gutter over and over again.  When the guardrails are up and we are in God's Word, we have confidence to move forward with the Lord.  We know He is protecting us and keeping us in the center of His will.  We can know He is there as our shield and ever-present help so we can be victorious rather than roll along the edges of life never reaching our goals (or pins).

Knowing what a confidence booster guardrails are, I may never bowl without the guardrails again!

I am thankful for the Word of God being my Guardrail!

Power Verses and Reflection Question: 

"Our soul waits for the Lord;  He is our help and our shield."  Psalm 33:20   

"For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."  Proverbs 3:26

1.  How does the Word of God, as a guardrail in your life, give you confidence?

I'd love to hear from you in the comment section!  :)

How to Handle Fear {Part 3}

Earlier this week, I shared some truths I have been looking at in God's Word about fear and some heros that were victorious over fear.  The last Hero of the Bible we are going to look at this week is the King of Heroes—Jesus!  We are going to look at Jesus in the Garden and uncover whether Jesus was afraid.

 

In Matthew 26: 36-46, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He said to Peter, James, and John,    “ My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch with Me.” (Matt 26:38). 

My Bible commentary states that the agony Jesus experienced was not caused by the fear of physical death, but by the association of His death with sin.  

“For He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”( 2 Cor 5:21)  

This is huge!  Sin and God cannot be together, so this meant Jesus would be temporarily apart from the Father!  That is why on the cross, He said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  (Matt 27: 46).  Jesus trembled at the thought of being separated from the Father and His Holy nature agonized over becoming sin, the one thing He hated.  

However, I have to take issue with those who would claim that Jesus was afraid of His sacrifice.  Jesus, the One who constantly stood confidently in the face of fear and is the same as God who commands over and over again in His Word to NOT be afraid, would not have been afraid.   He agonized over His plight and temporary suffering, but He was not afraid.  He may have been tempted to fear and He left a good example of what we should do when tempted to fear.

 

1.       Pray!  (Matthew 26: 36)

2.       He asked others to pray (Matthew 26:38, 41)

Jesus knew by the end of His time praying that it was God’s will for the plan of redemption to move forward.  By the time the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He was no longer in agony and the temptation to fear did not win.  He stood boldly before His enemies.  

Prayer in the midst of fear gives us the confident and courage to be bold in the face of adversity.  And praying also helps us to know God’s will and when we KNOW God’s will, courage and confidence follows to do His will.   

Thank you for allowing me to share what I have seen in God's Word this week.  I would LOVE to hear your feedback?  Did any of what I found help you with your fear?  Was there anything I mentioned that you hadn't thought about before?  Do you agree or disagree with it?  Please leave your thoughts in the comment sections.  I heart and treasure your comments.   

How to Handle Fear {Part 2}

Yesterday, I shared in How to Handle Fear {Part 1} how David triumphed when others were paralyzed with fear.  Today, we will look at Joshua and how he handled fear.

In the book of Joshua, Moses is dead and God tells Joshua to prepare to enter the promise land. God tells Joshua 3 times in the first 9 verses of Joshua Chapter 1 to be of “good courage”.   Each of the three verses coincides with a reminder from the Lord later on in the book of what is needed to help his people “be of good courage” to face their fears.   

What the Israelites did to prepare their hearts for belief is an example we can follow to prepare our own hearts to believe and conquer fear. 

“Be strong and of good courage for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. “  Joshua 1:6

1.       Remember God’s promises.   God swore to their fathers to give them the land.  Anytime God makes a promise, we can expect Him to deliver on that promise.  We do not need to be afraid.  God will do what He said He will do.  Before Joshua led the Israelites to Jericho, he reminded them of God’s promise.  “The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.”(Joshua 1:13)  We too must remember and remind ourselves of what God says when we are afraid. 

“ Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses, My servant, commanded you; do not turn form it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:7

2.       Obey God.  Living pure and holy lives helps us overcome fear and walk in boldness.    In Joshua 3:5, Joshua exhorts the Israelites the day before the Lord opened the waters for them to cross over the River Jordan.  Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”   When we are living in the truth of God’s Word, we can have confidence to do what God has called us to do and believe that the Lord will do wonders!

 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9

3.       Remember God is with you.  Throughout Joshua 3 and 4 there is an emphasis on the Ark of the Covenant being with His people and going before them as they crossed over the River Jordan on dry land.  The Ark is mentioned in in Joshua 3:3,6,8,11,13,14,15 and Joshua 4: 5,6,7,9,10,11,16,18. Of course, the Ark of the Covenant is symbolic of the Lord being with them. 

When facing difficult circumstances or overcoming fears, it is important to remember our God is with us and goes before us (Psalm 139:5).  We must keep our eyes on Him.  They had a physical symbol of the Ark.  We don’t have an Ark, but we have something better, the living Word of God.

    

4.       Watch your words.  The last truth I want to point out from the book of Joshua is that God had the Israelites remain silent until they shouted for the walls of Jericho to come down.   “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth until the day I say to you, “Shout!” (Joshua 6: 10) 

What we say and don’t say will help us overcome our fears.  Words of unbelief and doubt reap actions of unbelief and doubt.  Words of belief and faith, reap actions of belief and faith.  Yesterday, we saw how David spoke words of faith to the giant and how it built his confidence and courage.   Words of doubt feed fear.  Words of faith feed courage. 

Again, like David, we can see the train of thought--belief-faith-courage-action-success, in the example of Joshua.  He believed God’s promise, He had faith and encouraged himself and others in that faith through God’s Word, He took action on what God said to do, and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down in the end.  Any giant or wall of fear cannot stand against our God and the truth of His Word!   

Hemmed In

This is the memory verse for Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study "A Confident Heart" this week.  I love this verse. 

The NIV translation says, "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me."  

"You hem me in"...mmm... doesn't that sound lovely? 

Today we are digging in deeper...

Part 1: "You go before me and follow me."  

In the original Hebrew, "hem" is the word tsuwr, and it means to enclose or secure.  Wow!  How comforting to know the God of the universe has us tucked in tight and secure.

"You go before me."  The Hebrew word for "before" is qedem.  It means aforetime, from the beginning.

God knows the future.  He is already there.  He has known it from the beginning.  He goes before us.

"...and follow me." The Hebrew word for "follow" is achowr.  It means the back side or rear.

 He is our rear guard behind us.  He hems us in secure in Him.

He is before us and behind us.  As my friend, Melissa Taylor, says, "We are a God-sandwich".

Now for Part 2: "You place your hand of blessing on my head."

The word "hand" is from the Hebrew word kaph.  One meaning is palm of the hand.  He not only inscribes us in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16), but He also places His hand on us.  Again, God-sandwich!  

Another meaning for kaph was power.  God places His hand of our head and when He does, it is full of His glorious power!  Of course it is, after all, He is God, full of power and majesty!!

Wherever we go, He goes.  He goes before us.  He is already there.  He stands behind us to protect and guard and hem us in.  He places His Almighty and powerful hand of blessing on our heads!

Father, we thank You that You go before us and follow us, that You place Your hand of blessing on our heads.  Thank you for hemming us in and keeping us secure in You and Your power.  We need not fear the future, worry about the present, or fret about the past because You surround us as with a shield.  We are secure in Your love.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.   

A Confident Heart {Last Week}: A Display of His Splendor

The very first post I ever wrote was based on Isaiah 61 about us being "A Display of His Splendor".

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has annointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.....

To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of dispair, that they may be called OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, the planting of the Lord for the DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOR." 

In that first post, I shared how there was a time when a friend shared this verse with me years ago.  When my friend shared the verse with me, I told her how I longed to be a display of His splendor.  She calmly and certainly replied, "You already are."   

Today, I am telling you dear ones, "You ARE a display of His splendor!"

 He sees you as an oak of righteousness, planted in Him to display His glory! 

Be confident in His Word.  Be confident in His promise.  Believe and receive for yourself all God says you are and all He has created you to be!  As Renee Swope says on page 204 of A Confident Heart,

"He will use your transformed life to show off His glory.  There is nothing more fulfilling than asking God to reveal Himself to you and then letting Him reveal Himself through you."

You are a display of His splendor.  As others see your confidence in Him, He will be glorified and you can then help others live in confidence in Him as well.

 Renee also writes this caveat at the top of page 204:

"As we end this part of our journey together, I want you to know that living in the power of God's promises isn't a one-time thing.  I return to every truth I have shared with you, again, and again.  I pray you will keep this book as a resource so you have easy access to God's perspective and His promises that remind you how much He wants you to have a confident heart."

Freedom requires frequent maintenance.  In Chapter 12, there are many suggested verses and promises of God to refer to and read over and over again to imprint in our hearts.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have journeyed with you studying A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  I believe the truths we have learned have help us to develop "a confident heart".

I pray you will continue your journey in growing in the Lord and studying His Word.  I plan to do another Proverbs 31 "Gather and Grow" Study and I hope you will return to join us again.  In the meantime...

"Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  Hebrews 10:35-36

Discussion and Reflection Questions (Pg 220):

1.  Now that we have spent extended time getting to know God for who He truly is, let's see how our image of Him has changed.   Close your eyes and think about God.  Write down what you see and feelings you have.

2.  Describe who you were when you started this book and compare her to the woman you are becoming as a result of learning and living in the power of God's promises.

3. Is she the woman you want to be? How will you continue your daily journey toward the heart of God and hold on to the security that is your birthright as a child of God?

4.  In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for ourselves seems to grow as well.  Who will you pray for and encourage with your words, so that your confident heart in Christ becomes contagious? 

A Confident Heart {Week 6}: When I Fail

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8

Grace.  It may be the sweetest word I know besides the Word, Jesus.

My daughter's middle name is Grace.  When we were naming her, people would ask if she was named after anyone.  She is named after the Lord's grace. 

We fail.  We mess up.  We blow it big time at times!  I am so thankful for God's grace which covers our failures and gives us room to grow.

This week, we read Chapter 10 in A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, "When Doubt Whispers, 'I Can't Follow God Consistently.'"

I used to be terrified of what others thought of me.  I was afraid they would realize I wasn't perfect and then not like me. I use to think I had to pretend I didn't mess up or hide it when I did.

The truth is... we all fall short.  So, why all the pretense?

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' 

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest of me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  for when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I am not as spiritual as Paul.  I cannot say I take pleasure in my weaknesses.  Although, I should take pleasure in them because it is through these weaknesses that I realize my need for Jesus. 

Paul said he would rather boast in his weaknesses.  He wasn't afraid of what people thought.  He knew God would be glorified when people saw his humanness and God's POWER at work in him for overcome his weaknesses.  God's strength shines through our weaknesses.

However, Renee points out most prudently that grace is NOT a license to sin. 

"Some people ask if grace is a license to sin.  A confident woman knows that it's not.  Instead, she realized grace is the security of knowing God's love is guaranteed for her because she trusts in Christ.  Really understanding His sacrificial gift accomplishes the opposite of granting a license to sin.  When we grasp what Jesus did for us, we want to return the gift of His life by offering ours to Him, even if our offering isn't perfect or even perfectly consistent."  pg. 187-188.

God knows we are not perfect.  He sees us as who He created us to be, not as who we are.  He sees the potential in us.  If we will allow Him to work in our lives, He will mold us to become all He designed for us to be before the foundations of the world! 

Renee uses Gideon in the Bible to demonstrate an example of God's grace in taking someone from weak in themselves to strong and confident in Him.  For length sake I won't write the story here, but you can read about Gideon in Judges 6:12 through Judges 7: 25.

"God is not looking for a woman who is perfect.  He is looking for a woman who wants to walk with Jesus and find her confidence through her daily dependence on Him."  pg. 201

Reflection and Discussion Questions (pgs 201-202):

1.  Have you ever blown it and felt like God was ready to give up on you?  Do you sometimes doubt God's grace and patience with you?  If so, describe what happens and how doubt perpetuates more doubt and distance from God?

2.  Sometimes life's hardships make it hard to follow God consistently.  Do you ever ask God why life has to be so hard?  What did you learn from Gideon's story?  How can his experiences about asking why and trusting God's promises help you as you take the next step He may have for you?

3.  Have you ever prayed for God to change your circumstances and instead He changed you through your circumstances?  If so, describe what happened and how it helped you grow closer to Him.

4.  What did you learn about the importance of knowing God intimately and experiencing aspects of His character to build your trust in Him?

5.  Describe an area of your life, or role you have, where you feel like a wimp and you want God to make you a warrior.  Through dependence on Him, what would it look like for you to be "more than a conqueror through Him who loves you."  (Rom. 8:37) in that area or role?

I would love for you to share your thoughts on any or all of these questions in comments. 



 

A Confident Heart {Week 5}: A Worried Heart

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Phillipians 4:6-7

This past week was week five for the online Bible study.  We are reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  This book has been life changing for me personally.  The truths taught in this book are from God's Word.  The Word of God has overtime transformed my heart into the confident heart God intended.  

This week we read Chapter Nine:  "When Doubt Whispers 'I Can't Stop Worrying'"  

Renee sums up this chapter well in this paragraph:

 "When you feel worried, talk to Jesus instead of talking to yourself.  Instead of bossing others around, boss your hearts around by reminding it to remember who God is--and how good He is at being God.  Remember that more than simply serving Him, God wants you to seek Him.  He wants you to sit with Him so He can give you His perspective and fill your heart with confidence in His presence each day."  pg.  178  

Also, if you do talk to yourself, only speak God's Word to yourself. 

God's Word fuels the fire of belief and confidence.  

"Sit with God" and let His peace rest on you.  Doesn't that sound wonderful and refreshing?

 *Sign*...sitting with the Lord.  A quiet moment of just being with Him.  No talking. Just being.  

He wraps His loving arms around you while He quiets you with His love and peace.   

Go to Him with a heart willing to be still and just listen.  

"He will quiet you with His love." Zephaniah 3:17

The other day, I was beginning to feel a little anxious about an event coming up and the Lord led me to John 14:27  

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   

His peace is with us...all we have to do is trust Him and His Word.  

If you have the book, please feel free to comment on anything from this week that stood out for you or helped  you.  

If you don't have the book, I would still love to hear from you.  Do you worry?  What do you worry about?  What is a promise from God's Word that would help you next time you are tempted to worry?   

A Confident Heart {Week 4}: A Failure and Nothing Special

I was surprised by something I heard my ten year old son say last week.  He said, "I don't want to try because if I never try that means I will never fail." 

Oh, how I cringed at that statement, that mindset!  Where did it come from?  Where did he get that losing mentality?  Not from me!  Not from my husband!

He didn't have to get it from anywhere.  That mindset is nothing more than a lie from the enemy.  A lie we quickly displaced with truth.  

This week, we read Chapter 7 and 8 in A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.
These two chapters revealed two lies doubt tries to whisper:

The two lies are:
1.  I'm such a failure.
2.  I  don't have anything special to offer.

This week, we expose those lies with God's truth!

I used to be afraid of failure.  I would run from responsibility in fear that I would fail and be exposed as a phony incapable of accomplishment. 

I have failed and I still fail, often.  Every time I fall short of the glory of God...I fail.  However, I have learned as Renee pointed out on page 121 that "I didn't have to let my failure define me." 

Who you are is not defined by what you do.  Who you are is defined by what HE DID. 

He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.  Col 1:21-22

We are free from accusation.  We are free from guilt.

I love what Renee said about condemnation versus conviction on page 127. 

She said that condemnation comes from the enemy and he uses generalized statements such as You are a failure.  You can't do that.  You never do anything right. You are so irresponsible. 

Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and is very specific.  He deals with us about a specific action and then reveals what is the right thing to do.

Conviction is done lovingly.  Condemnation brings shame and guilt. 

We learn through conviction.  God will use our failures if we let Him to show us how to be more like Him.

The second lie to expose is "I don't have anything special to offer."  This lie could be a cousin to the first.

God designed each and every one of us with natural gifts, talents, and abilities.  Then, when we become saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts.  God gave us these gifts to use for His glory! 

If you don't know what your natural and spiritual gifts are, I want to encourage you to pray and ask God to show you.  He will.  Do a spiritual gift test and personality test to find out your strengths. 

Praise the Lord for how you are unique and wonderfully made (Ps.  139:14).  He gave you your personality to fulfill the specific assignment He has for you!  You do have something special to offer! 

For Discussion and Reflection:  (pg 134, 154)
Ch. 7
1.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being "very little" and 10 being "a whole lot"), how often do you hear doubt whisper, You're such a failure?  Do you ever hear accusing internal dialogue saying things like, You always do that; You keep saying your sorry, but you'll never change; or You're constantly disappointing someone?

3.  Jesus knew Peter would fail Him, yet He still saw beyond who Peter was to who he could become.  How does it make you feel to know that same is true in your life?  Write down an area where you are feeling like a failure or are afraid you might fail and ask Jesus to help you fail forward if you have a setback. 

4.  Have you ever felt like you fell into Satan's traps?  How will you let his accusations lead you to Jesus in the future?

Ch 8:

3.  "Just as a target is designed to narrow the aim of an arrow, God uses the desires of our hearts to narrow the focus of where He wants our lives to make a mark for eternity" (pg. 144).  Do you believe God created you with unique desires and dreams?  If you know what they are, list them.

4.  What are some of your abilities?  If that is hard to answer, list things others have said you do well. 

5.  How did the servant with the least amount of talents perceive his master?  Have you ever felt like God didn't give you as much talent or ability as He's given to others?   Have you ever buried your abilities because you didn't think you mattered?  Has not using your God-given abilities impacted your sense of purpose or your relationship with God?  If so, how?

I hope you are enjoying this study on having A Confident Heart.  Join us back here next Thursday.  We will be discussing Chapter 9:  When Doubt Whispers:  "I Can't Stop Worrying."

A Confident Heart {Week 3}

Well Ladies!  We are half way done with the book A Confident Heart by Renee Swope! 

This last week we read-

Chapter 5: Living Beyond the Shadow of My Doubts and
Chapter 6: When Doubt Whispers "I'm Not Good Enough"

I thought I would share a couple of thoughts that stood out for me from Chapter 5: 

Renee wrote:

"We were created to live in the light in such a way that our life stories tell about the light and our confidence in Christ draws others to the light."

"Jesus said, ' I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)

"We find ourselves in the shadow of doubt many times because our thoughts are mostly about ourselves: how we're performing and what others are thinking about us." 

"When we focus our attention on ourselves, we turn our attention away from God."  (Pg 86, 87)

I wanted to string all these quotes together because it is great truth that when we keep our focus on ourselves, it causes us to live in the shadow of our doubts.  Our eyes need to be upward and outward, not inward. 

At the end of Chapter 5, Renee writes about comparison, which also is addressed in Chapter 6. 

"In the face of comparison, conflict, and criticism, I took my eyes off God's strength and focuses on my weaknesses." (pg 91)

"Comparison will always leave us feeling like we're lacking something.  We try to do more and be more, but it's never enough."  (pg 105)

The more we understand who we are in Christ, the more we will understand about our true identity.  It is not based on our past.  It is not based on our family or friends.  It is not based in our accomplishments or lack of accomplishments.  It is based on only one truth--You are His.  You are worthy.  You are accepted.  You are approved.  You are loved. 

Renee mentions on page 107, Dr. Neil Anderson's "Who I am in Christ" scriptures.  I am very familiar with these scriptures.  There was a time when I read them everyday. Everyday. For. Years.  Let's just say I had issues.  

I want to encourage you to read these scriptures over and over out loud everyday until they are rooted deep into our mind.  These scriptures will change the way you see yourself and if you change your thoughts you will change your life. 

Renee also talked about AM (against me) thoughts vs FM (For me ) thoughts.  We need to make sure our thoughts line up with God's Word.  When we are thinking negative thoughts (AM) about ourselves, those thoughts are NOT from God.  He is for us. 

We need to counteract those AM thoughts with the truth from God's Word to produce (FM) thoughts.  We have to tear down the lies and replace the lies with truth.  This, my friends, is the way to freedom.  Changing your thoughts will change your life. 

For discussion and reflection questions, let's talk about Question 4 and 6 from Chapter 5 and Questions 1 and 7 from Chapter 6. 
Chapter 5:
Question 4:  The angel of the Lord told Gideon, "Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?...I will be with you" (Judges 6:14-16).  With that promise in mind, what doubts are you currently facing that you sense God wants you to conquer with Him and depend on His strength to overcome?

Question 6:  What are some triggers that cause you to doubt yourself (e.g., failure, fear, conflict, discouragement, comparison, worry, criticism, tiredness)?  

Chapter 6:
Question 1:  What area of your life--as a woman, mom, wife, friend, daughter, housekeeper, professional, leader, etc.--do you currently struggle with most in believing you are good enough?  

Question 7:  What are one or two AM (against me) thoughts you are currently dealing with?  What FM (for me) thoughts from God's promises will you replace them with? 

For this upcoming week, we are going to take a little break.  {smile}  My family and I are going to Disney for the week.  However, even though we have a break, I still want to give you a homework assignment. 

Part of the homework assignment is Question #3.  I want you to go back to page 107 (for those of you who have the book) and review the "Who I Am in Christ" chart.  Highlight verses that speak to your heart and choose seven of the verses and write them down on note cards.  Read and pray out loud a different verse everyday. 

Also, identify lies that you find yourself believing and look up scripture to diffuse the lies.  If you have a concordance in the back of your Bible, look up key words to help you find scriptures.  Write those scriptures on note cards and say them out loud and pray them out loud daily similar to above. 

That is your homework assignment for next week.  We will read Chapters 7 and 8 and discuss on the following Thursday, September 13th.  Have a great week friends! Thank you for joining me here.  It is a joy and honor to study God's Word and His truth with you! 







 

A Confident Heart {Week 2, Ch 4}

In Chapter 4 of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope is best described by its title:

"God Promises Hope for My Future Despite the Pain of My Past"

At some point God will lead you gently on a journey of healing the heartache of your past.  When He does this, do not run from it or shy away from it.  Yes, it may be painful at first, but the eternal result is worth any amount of temporary discomfort.

Renee writes on page 75, "He walked me through a season of looking back so I could move forward.  God used that time to "rebuild [my] ancient ruins and restore the [broken] places [in my heart that had been] long devastated. (Isaiah 61:4)

The Lord will often open up an old wound in order to bring a deeper healing.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, 
Because the Lord has annointed Me,
To preach good news to the poor;
He has sent me to bind the broken hearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, 
And the day of vengeance of our God; 
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair;
That they may be called Oaks of Righteousness,
The planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-3

God specializes in binding up the brokenhearted and setting the captives free.

Not only will He bind up the wounds and bring healing, He will also restore the broken places to wholeness.

The Lord will surely comfort [you] and will look with compassion on all [your] ruins; he will make [your] deserts like Eden, [your] wastelands like the garden of the Lord.  Isaiah 51: 3 (pg  76).


I love this verse.  The Lord will make your deserts like Eden.  He will take the old, dry, empty and dead places of our lives and transform them into beautiful green fruitful gardens springing with new life!  

When the Lord frees us, it is not enough for Him to simply free us.  He wants to completely restore our lives.  Then, when we are free, we can show others the way to freedom.

God frees us so we can lead others to freedom.

With these truths in mind, lets reflect and discuss a couple of the questions on page 82 and 83:

1. Has the pain of your past ever made it hard for you to believe God's promises and plans for your future? What do you sense He wants to change in your perspective?

2. Have past hurts robbed you of hope and affected your relationships today?

3. After reading Isaiah 61:1-3, What are some things God promises in these verses that you are asking Him to fulfill in your life?  (He will do it.)  

Next we will be reading Chapters 5 and 6 and will be discussing them next Thursday. 




 

A Confident Heart {Week 2}

We finished week 2 of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  This week we read the following chapters:

Chapter 3: Finding Love That Won't Fail Even When I Do

Chapter 4: God Promises Hope for My Future Despite the Pain of My Past

In Chapter 3, Renee revealed how she once searched for significance in the approval of people, relationships, places and things.

Renee writes:

"Those of us who struggle with insecurity and find ourselves in the shadow of doubt often get there because we are seeking our validation in people's opinions, our worth in accomplishments, and our identity in excessive commitments."  

We seek validation trying to fill the empty places of our hearts.  God revealed to me about two years ago that I had a tendency to idolize certain people in my life.  I held their relationship on a pedestal that was reserved for God alone.  I was hoping they would fill the empty places only God can fill.   

At some point we have to ask ourselves a question--"Is God's Love Enough?"  (pg. 54)

Just recently, I stepped down from a leadership position at my church.  It was a tough decision because I loved serving with the people in that ministry.  It also was tough because I was afraid of losing the "title" and "position" in leadership.  I had to ask myself some hard questions about why I was afraid of losing a "position".  The Lord helped me to see I didn't need the position to be used by Him.

My position does not determine my purpose or my identity.  My identity and purpose come from Him.  

What about you?

In the Reflection and Discussion Questions in Chapter 3, Renee asks:

Think about your desire to find a relationship, a job, a calling, or something else that would stisfy the longings of your heart.  Have you every looked to something or someone to fill or fulfill you?  Describe how that might have shaped the pattern of your thoughts, decision, and pursuits. 

"The origin of the word worship comes from blending tow words to form 'worth-ship'. When we worship something or someone, we give them great worth in our lives and oftentimes we find our worth in them" (p. 58).  Where are you most tempted to find your worth? In what area is it hardest to let God define you and not the world's standards (i.e. career, financial success, motherhood, marriage, or ministry)?



Ladies, I think I will break up Chapter 3 and 4 and write about Chapter 4 on Friday.  Come back on Friday and we will discuss Chapter 4.  I would love to hear what the Lord is revealing to you this week from the discussion questions. 

A Confident Heart {Week 1}

This week was the first week of the my Proverbs 31 online "Gather and Grow" study of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.

If you are not reading along with us, you are still welcome to just read the commentaries every Thursday here and comment.  You are also welcome to start reading the book and jump in at any time!  It is a great book! 

We read the following Chapters this week:

Chapter 1:  Discovering the Shadow of My Doubts

Chapter 2:  Because God's Love is Perfect, I Don't Have to Be

In Chapter 1, Renee describes how one day while she was getting ready for a speaking engagement, her self-doubt caused her to second guess her calling. Then, she noticed her enormous nine foot shadow on the wall!

"Just like my shadow on the wall was distorting my shape, my doubt was distorting my thoughts and overpowering my emotions with confusion and questions.  The shadow of doubt had become bigger than what I doubted --myself. " pg. 21

God then spoke to her and said, "You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light.  Turn back toward the light." pg. 22

Just like her distorted shadow lied about her image, doubt lies to us.  It creates an image of ourselves in our heads that is contrary to what God says about us.

Doubt says, "You can't do it."
God says, "You can do all things through Christ." Phil 4:13

Doubt says, "You are alone."
God says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Heb 13:5

Doubt says, "You will fail."
God says, "You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus." Romans 8:37

Don't listen to doubt.  It will lie every time.

Isaiah 49:23 reminds us, "Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  

God will not disappoint us. Hope in the Lord.  Choose hope instead of doubt.

Sometimes people will say, "I doubt that" about a good thing that may happen.  Instead we need to say, "I believe that!"  Choose hope. 

Another lie the enemy tries to defeat us with is:  My worth is related to my performance.

In Chapter Two, Renee explained how she grew up on a performance-based value system.  She felt like she could never measure up.  Her value was based on how well she performed.

Renee writes, "Oh how I longed for someone to see past the exterior facade and look into the secret places of my heart.  I wanted to be known and loved for who I was." pg 33

Renee discussed the Samaritan woman at the well  (John 4).  Jesus saw past her exterior facade.  Jesus saw past her past and saw her.  He offered to meet her deepest need and longing...to fill her empty places, to give her "Living Water" so she would never thirst again.

She had nothing to offer Jesus.  She couldn't earn acceptance from Him.  He freely gave it.

Jesus went out of His way that day to meet that woman.  He knew she would be there. He knew her needs.  He knew her heart.  I love this line from Renee's book, 

"Let this truth sink in, my friend: wherever you are, He wants to meet you there." pg 37

Jesus, the One who knows us completely, wants us to trust Him with our failures.  Will you let yourself be real with Him?  Give Him your deepest hurts.  Give Him your deepest longings.  Let Him meet you where you are and let Him fill our empty places with His Living Water. 

Reflection and Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think hinders you most from living with God-confidence on a consistent basis?  Which of the following promises speaks to your greatest need right now?

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." Is 49:23
"See, I am doing a new thing!" Is 43:19
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Rom. 8:28)
"All things are possible to [her] who believes." (Mark 9:23)

2. Jeremiah 17:7 says, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord."  What does this verse promise and encourage you to do ?  Think of one situation where you could live in the power of this promise and describe what that would look like this week.  

3.  Is there one lesson learned this week that you will walk away with and hold on to so that you can live in the security of God's approval and acceptance?  




Next week, we will read Chapters 3 and 4.  We will meet back here on Thursday again!