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Sometimes I wonder how I can go from being in such a good place with God … feeling peaceful, loving and patient.. but then something happens that sends me into an orbit of aggravation!!
It happened just the other day…
Things were going well. I’d had a lovely afternoon working from home. Alone. Life was peachy.
But then school got out and kids came home. Within 15 minutes of arrival, one of my boys did something and said something that wasn’t so peachy. Then he did NOT do something I’d asked him to do and let’s just say… I lost all my peace and patience right there in the middle of my kitchen.
I was not happy.at.all. And I let my precious boy know it in a not-so-nice kind of way.
Then I felt GUILTY and like the WORST MOM on the planet.
For a few minutes I was pretty sure that’s exactly how God wanted me to feel ~ so I wouldn’t act so ugly the next time.
But finally, after I’d almost convinced myself that I was the worst mom and had no business in ministry, I remembered something a pastor said about the difference between conviction and condemnation. He explained it like this:
Condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements such as, You’re such a failure, You’re so hypocritical, or You can never be counted on. That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.
But the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude and instruct us on what we need to do to right the wrong: whether it’s restoring a broken relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. He’ll give us steps we need to take to change our behavior or attitude.
• Instead of You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend], the Spirit might say, You were really critical the way you talked to _________ (your husband, child, parent, etc). You need to say you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then tell them something that will build them up instead of tearing them down.
• Instead of You’re so hypocritical, the Spirit might say, You judge others for gossiping, but you are doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Tomorrow at lunch break, apologize for what you said and share a few things that are positive about her.
• Instead of You can never be counted on, the Spirit might say, You didn’t keep your promise to go see your mom today. Call her to apologize and maybe set up a lunch date for this weekend.
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance. {tweet this?}
Jesus’ convictios draws us away from destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and with others. His goal is to bring us out of the darkness of sin and back into the Light, so we can walk with Him in the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love.
The next time we blow it or lose it, let’s ask Jesus to replace our guilt-induced doubt with HIS grace-infused confidence, as we hold onto the promise that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
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I love the explanation between conviction and condemnation. Apparently I am very condemning of myself. I know God has been trying to help me see myself in a different light and relase a lot of the hurt I’ve had over the last three decades. It’s hard, but I’m taking baby steps. Thanks for the devotion. P.S. Please enter me to win the devotional book. I know I can use it. Thanks.
I’m a little overwhelmed in a good yet heart-stretching way by your responses. Im so grateful Jesus knew and nudged my heart to share what He did – in my devotion and here in this post. And sweet friends, Im praying over each of your hearts and your words. I’ve been reading your comments and praying since 7:30 this morning when already over 150 of you had shared your thoughts and been so vulnerable and real with me and with each other…
So grateful we have this space to share. To look at each other across the screen (in a virtual kind of way) and say: You.Are.Not.Alone.
(we) are in this together, with each other and with our sweet Father who moved Heaven and earth to set us free from the chains of guilt. Through the lavish gift of His grace – in Christ -and then through His continual outpouring of LOVE through His spirit.
Honestly, I knew I struggled with this, but didn’t realize how much we (all) struggle with guilt. Thank you for taking time today to say ~ me too.
Thank you for this blog! I lived my entire life in guilt. That’s how I was brought up and it’s very difficult to change. I call myself a hypocrite daily. I have given up on being a Christian, but I feel God trying to pull me back. I have stopped going to church, and tithing, I owe God so much money over the past 7 months.
Your blog has encouraged me. Perhaps it’s not God calling me a hypocrite .
your daily posts resonate with me everyday! thank you for running this blog!
This hit the mark today. Guilt. Not living up to what I expect that God wants from me makes heavy hearted. So I go and approach the throne and find no condemnation! Just mercy and rest. Good word.
Wow, you have no idea how much u needed to hear this! Thank you!
Thank you for this devotional. I have allowed condemnation to be the loudest voice in my head and in my heart for too long. I am just realising that this is no way to live. Why have I forgotten about Gods grace? The greatest gift. Now I will make an effort daily to ask for forgiveness and the grace and embrace it.
This couldn’t have come at a better time I really need to hear this message I am going though some real trials right now and God I do believe is trying to teach me something. Please enter me to win the devotional book. I know I can use it as well. Thanks.
I love this. I am often doubting my worth or ability to do things. I want a confident heart always!!
I would love to win your devotional book, loved your message via P31 today. Dont know if I’m elegible to enter though, as I live in Australia
I would love to have your book. I am very hard on myself, feel like I fail as a Mother daily and often let my condemning inner voice rule me. I could use the encouragement. Your post was just what I needed !
I have these moments with my son almost daily. God is gracious and one of the greatest joys, sources of peace, consolations as a parent is asking forgiveness of my children when I have wronged them and letting them see, firsthand, how grace can work for me and for them.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of self-condemnation. Explaining the difference between condemnation and conviction was really helpful. Thank you for the reminder that God can use us in spite of our mistakes and shortcomings.
Thank you so much. I’ve had a awful day today and you were an answer to my prayer. There are times I think GOD must get sick and tired of me and give up on me. Thank you again for redirecting my thoughts back to the ONE who loves me . Amazing Love.
After being raised in a Church that never preached about grace, God’s love, and forgiveness I have a hard time forgiving myself and accepting His grace and forgiveness. Thank you for your articles. I am about to go to the Cancer Center for more test and I need all the love, grace, and forgiveness as well as courage each day.
I must say that I get it. As much as I WANT this book, I can hear the hearts of the ones that NEED and others that just WANT the book. I can now see why the mother in Judges said give the baby to her.
Your words are a comfort to me. I suffer from self -induced guilt all thd time. Thank goodness God sends people like you to help us on this journey!
I was just praying and asking God to help me with my mess, and asking myself if i was saved after 15 years of serving Him, thank God, his Spirit reminded me that he gives proof to my spirit that I am. Whew, and I saw a new email and read the encouragement for today and was shocked at the honesty of your post and how totally identified I am with it all. My husband after being a deacon at my church is now in care of the young adults ( ministry), im 30 and am feeling the pressure of the standards the congregation places on us which have made me a bit cranky, i feel like I need to go through my process, my marriage is only 4 years young in May and we have a 3 yr old toddler that doesn’t show his its all fine face or we got it all together posture many times. I’ve been serving on the women’s ministry for the past 6 yrs, and sometimes I think how is it that I’m here, the other day for our monthly service I was to pray and give the announcements and after an all to similar to your story chain of events i didn’t know how i was to pray, but I can honestly say God’s grace surprised me again, i was so humbled by my messy condition ( im a housewife, and I want to be up to par with what I know from the Word but I can’t seem to get it all right at the same time) (i want to be the Proverbs 31 woman sooooo much) i really just tried to pray as honestly add I could without giving away to much to those praying with me and Good met me there and was so faithful and loving, blessed us all with my particular participation in the program, specially me. So yes now the pressure is on but so is His grace. And well its like my marriage and raising my kids is on full view with a magnified glass not to mention my having to grow up and understanding we all age, we all pass, we all live in a temporary world and heavenly things are most important. but thank you so much for sharing your post, it reminded me that God understands, i do strive to do better each day but it’s His grace that I need to seek conscientiously to sustain me daily. thanks again for the uplifting words seems im going to be in need to hear them more in the near future, so if you enter me for the devotional book, i don’t mind lol, ( I’d love it actually) 🙂 again thanks and blessings. 🙂
My mind so quickly jumps to the “you’re such a terrible wife/mother/friend/whatever, instead of listening for the Holy Spirits sweet, loving conviction I stead. Thank you for the reminder to quiet the lies and listen for the truth.
The guilt part has been holding me from even facing GOD or even go to church at times but now I know GOD does not look at me as I look at myself but with love and grace.
Renee, your honesty is so encouraging! How many times I forget that it’s all about Grace. I am living through a new season of widowhood, and so many times feel like I am failing to do it “right”. What a great reminder to return to His throne of grace every time and find His help.
Totally blessed by your contribution to Proverbs 31 Woman, still trying to figure out if what happened to me today is similar. Noticed that my prayers today didn’t quite feel, right (and of course I knew why) but I still carried on in praying. It was on my way into work whilst talking to GOD that it dawned on me that i was not walking in love. I had so much as already concluded in my self-righteous manner that I was doing the right thing – it seemed right and am sure I also justified it with a few scriptures. But the uneasiness I felt didn’t disappear until I sincerely had a heart to heart with GOD on my may into work. I felt such a great peace wash over me I admitted to myself that I was not walking in love and needed to do this to be able to serve GOD better.
This devotional was for me!! Sounds EXACTLY like my life! Good to know that Im not the only one who struggles with guilt after a bad moment. AMAZING GRACE!!
I must say that the explanations of condemnation and conviction were among the best I’ve ever read. It really made sense to me this time and I could clearly see how the voice of the enemy has been permitted in my life for way too long. I think most of us (especially women) are very good at condemning ourselves and don’t even realize that we’re even doing it. Condemnation is also encouraged by our society which constantly reinforces the message that we’ll never be good enough, rich enough, smart enough, pretty enough, etc. I’m also intensely aware of the many times I’ve allowed myself to use a condemning voice/attitude towards my children and husband. I certainly need lessons myself in ministering grace to the hearer.
My guilt is killing me. God’s mercy is sufficient. Quit beating your self up Trish.
Welll, I just accidentally posted my comment on facevook with a picture of your book. Now more guilt. I am a nures and often find I am full of grace and compassion at work and by the time I get home I am tired and in shoert supply of patience, grace and compassion. I am filled with guilt and regret for my abrupt answers to my husband and children. Would love to win a copy. Now embarassed I posted on face book. Realized it was at the end to post the comment a little too late.
There is a delete post button…on the right of ur post I think…but you can always take it back off. 🙂 there’s a lesson there ha.
One of my biggest struggles have always been dealing with guilt…and where it can lead my heart. My fav line today (although there were many) was to replace “our guilt-induced doubt with HIS grace-infused confidence,”. That’s my prayer.
I belong to a ladies book club. We are a bunch of Christian sisters who are all different ages and at different stages of life. We are studying Max Lucado’s book “Grace” and your message fits perfectly to what we are studying. We are so easy to condemn others and ourselves but forget about the Lord’s perfect grace that is offered to all of us freely. May we all accept His grace daily and extend to others freely.
Thank you for your much needed wisdom. It has been an especially difficult, long season having moved two times, having a fourth babe and trying to jumpstart my at home business in the past two years. As a family we feel out of control…and I like control! Maybe my kids are just being typical kids at 9, 7, 6 and 18mos. but my reactions have not been typical or godly. I feel like I’ve been in this pattern for so long that I don’t deserve grace, forgiveness or love…because I’m not giving it. Oh, this hurts. Thank you for the reminder. I always identify with your struggles and today, I will focus on His grace thanks to your sharing and prayer. God bless you and all struggling mums.
Your devotion hit the spot, I find it so easy sometimes to lose it, and then condemnation cuts in, but it hasn’t been changing how I act; I realize I have been condemning myself so loud I haven’t been hearing the Holy Spirit. I am going to try to listen more to the Holy Spirit and less to myself/
I feel the same that sometimes I just cannot win over my weakest point that one moment I can be such like a happy and bright women, but the next moment, my sky is full of darkest clouds. I was thinking whether I have changed since I have started in believing in Jesus 18 years ago. And I still feel that He is not finished with me yet. So thank you for your sharing which is echoing in my heart and strengthening me. I know that Grace is needed everyday and I will not give up in searching God and His Grace and I know that He will not give me up neither. Chloe
This really hit home. It seems lately I have to keep reminding myself that God is in control and that I’m not perfect. I too, like Kristy, am always struggling with guilt. As a homemaker, homeschool teacher, mother of four boys I sometimes just feel so inadequate and then doubt and guilt come raging in. I love that I can go boldly to the throne of grace and receive mercy and find help in time of my need. So thankful for His mercy and lovingkindnesses each and every morning.
It feels comforting to know I am not the only woman who feels the doubt in self worth and lack of confidence that I am a good mother, wife, daughter, and friend. I definitely want to read your book as I felt today’s message was written especially for me…I really enjoyed it!
Thank you for the message today. I was just in those same shoes last week and felt so guilty. Thank you for sharing and letting women, including myself, know we aren’t the only ones who make mistakes.
I have the same issue with guilt about not living up to what I think God expects of me, and I am relieved to know that I am not the only one who has the Guilt complex.
Was just saying yesterday that I needed to soak myself deeper in the word, this would be a perfect way to get started!! Thank you for your words of wisdom.
I struggle everyday with my faith…am I really saved,if I was I wouldn’t be saying or doing etc. I know GOD is good all the time. Please enter me in sweepstakes
I really needed this today! I struggle with guilt and doubt literally every single day, as I’m sure most women do. Some days it seems like words of condemnation are stuck on repeat in my head and I’m left feeling battered and useless by the end of the day. It’s wonderful to know that I’m not alone and to have a reminder that true conviction is just God opening his arms for us to receive his mercy and grace. Thank you!
I am a new pastor’s wife. I have always dreamed of serving the Lord full time and knew it would not be easy. However, I had no idea how intense the trials would be. How difficult it is to just take every thought captive. Things that were easy for me to handle are now very difficult to see let alone deal with before they become a problem. I am battling with breaking that guilt, condemnation, and second guessing my every decision with my family and church. this article helped me see I’m not alone. I can get through this. He lives in me, He loves me and my family more than I could ever imagine, and He will carry us through! In the end, we win anyway, right!?
Love how you explained the difference in condemnation and conviction!! I will put this into action today!
WOW! Each devotion that I read “hits the spot” for the day! Isn’t God good… all the time? When I need to be my “best”, I do something that I feel condemns me for the ugliness in my heart…. Thankfully, I DO know that God forgives us… I have to learn to forgive myself more!!
I am so thankful to read today that God can still use me in spite of my failures. I have always loved serving the Lord and tried to do so with my family, church, etc., but when you feel like you have fallen short and trials come, you feel like you can not be effective. The verse you shared that we can approach Gods throne boldly and find grace in time of need, helped me not too long ago, when I was desperately needing Gods strength and help (which has been the norm lately). I truly needed the words that He can still use me .
I was drawn to your honesty in the devotional I read morning on bible gateway.
Thank you for being real with us!
I really need a touch from the Holy Spirit. I constantly feel useless, a terrible mother, wife, daughter, servant, you name it. I know I’m God’s child and I shouldn’t feel this way but I do. Ever since I became a stay at home mom I’ve lost my identity. I know what I do is soooo important, I’m raising my son to serve God, what could be more important? But Satan constantly tells me because I’m not making money I’m useless. I know I’m valued in God’s eyes but I don’t feel it. Thank you so much for your encouragement, it gets me through my day on many days.
WOW! Thank you Jesus for using Renee’s devotional to speak to me this morning! Thank you for your gift of grace and mercy and for giving it to me when I need it! Thank you Renee for being “real” and allowing God to use you to speak to me this morning!
Great message! Reminds me if our pastor’s message of ‘crashing the chatterbox’-that voice of condemnation… Thank you for the reminder of His grace & mercy that is new each morning!
It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one who struggles with these same thoughts and feelings. Often times, I “let myself down” because of my words or actions, and then I feel guilt and shame which is hard to shake. Thank you Renee for your transparency as you apply God’s Word in such a real and positive way! I need this message to be replayed over and over in my head! God Bless you sweet sister!
This was meant for me especially after this past weekend!!
Yesterday I was upset with my daughter and said things that I should not have said. Instead of showing Gods grace and mercy I handled it in a very carnal way. Although she was wrong, I could have shown her Jesus in my speech. I will ask for forgiveness when she wakes up even if she does not forgive me. I do not want my prayers to be hindered for any unforgiveness. Thank you for reminding me this morning.
I know how it feels to be convicted, and full of God’s righteousness and then in a word, lose that feeling and end up feeling self-condemned because I failed to hold my tongue…again. I am my worst enemy and it took almost 40 years to learn that God loves me as I am. So great to read your stories and know that I am not alone here!
Thank you for sharing this. As soon as I finished reading this today, I closed my eyes and thanked the Lord for His Truth. I’m NOT too far gone in my messes. He CAN and WILL use me….in the midst of my yuck….to help and encourage others. Like you said, if you haven’t gone through something yourself, how qualified are you to help others going through those “somethings”?
Thank you for posting this. It brought me to a place of freedom in the midst of my mess, relief from the heavy chains of not feeling worthy, and a whispered “Yes Lord, use me” with surrendered hands wide open.
I really needed to hear this today!
As I reflected on the devotional and on my life, I find that at times, when I am most in need of grace and help from God is when I shy away from His outstretched hand…..yes, probably because of guilt over a failure. It is great to be reminded that God extends his grace, mercy and forgiveness to me….to us, despite of our shortcomings.
I know, I’m a guy and don’t belong here! This book would be for my struggling wife who so needs a touch of Gods grace in her life! Even though these devotionals are directed towards women I like to read them too, hope that doesn’t make me weird? God bless you all!
Setting yourself out there, leading, often benefits you as much or more than those you minister to. We serve a generous God.
This scenario happens to me quite often I have been spending time in prayer asking God to work on my heart and make my words and my tone less harsh. Thanks for the devos.
I enjoy reading your messages…they are always insightful and always give me confidence!
I’m so glad I found this site! Every day the devotionals hit home, but especially this one. I’m recently divorced and struggle with being “good enough” for a God to use. I’m slowly coming to realize that He will use me BECAUSE of what I’ve been through. I may have something to share that someone not divorced cannot understand. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you for this devotional; not only what you wrote but also for this forum allowing for all the responses after. Sometimes it is not only the guilt I/the enemy pile(s) on but then I feel like I am on the only one that struggles with such things. While I am sorry that you and others out there struggle, I am grateful for your candid writing and hearing I am not alone…it helps depersonalize the enemy’s attack and highlight Gods grace. It was exactly what I needed to read this morning.
I struggle with this daily. Thank you for sharing.
Your words give me so much hope and remind me to focus on Jesus instead of the voice of the accuser. I have the poor choice of abortion in my past so there are days that Satan really try’s or bring me down. Especially since I have been leading a post abortion bible study. Thank you so much for your book, A Confident Heart. Many blessings to you!
this sounds really good to me and just what I need to grow thankyou xx
Dear Renee,
I’m sitting here in awe of how the Spirit led me to your devotional. Every since I got engaged and married 7 years ago, I have found I have anger issues and lose it with my husband, children, and family. My husband is also a pastor, and I try to live up to that pastorial wife image the world and myself created. I am about to go on a mission trip to Haiti and have been feeling unworthy and alone, like I’m the only pastor’s wife who has cursed out her husband or her children, whether aloud or in my thoughts. Along with this came doubts of God, Jesus, and my salvation, which happened 20 years ago. Why would I be struggling with issues if I’ve been a Christian for this long? Or at least the same issues? Why would I have not learned my lesson? Am I not a Christian? Other women are better than me! Why have I lived luke-warm? Does God want to spit me out of His mouth? Shouldn’t I be nearly perfect or have my life together by now? 🙂 all questions the enemy throws at me since giving my life over to my King. I understand why He led me to your post this morning, and so many others. Truly you spoke Jesus’ words of love and forgiveness to me. Thank you, Renee, for your words, blog, books, life, and testimony. He truly shines through you! Well done my good and faithful servant….<3
Thank you for your devotional today. Very encouraging for me.
I am so grateful! I have that guilty feeling much more than I thought ; ( and that is the enemy…I wish I could see it as him and not me just being an awful Mom, Wife, or Daughter. Thank you so much for your humility and allowing your experiences for the good of God for us! My soul feels free this morning!
WOW…right between the eyes w some powerful truth. I have NEVER thought of it that way and condemnation is one of my biggest issues. Add mommy hormones and I am a mess in 10 seconds when I am 100% convinced that I am the worst screw up mom there is. I would so appreciate this devotional. Thanks for offering this and for sharing some awesome truths in this post!! 🙂
His power is made perfect in our weakness! Thank you for that reminder this morning.
Thank you for being obedient to God and writing this book. I am thankful for your courage! God bless you!
Thanks for the chance to win, you are very inspiring!
sparkle & shine *~*
Thank you for sharing your heart; you are human just like us. God is so good and know the struggles we face. I am so thankful for your honesty .
I always love to hear that other women aren’t perfect either!
I have never heard explained the difference between condemnation and conviction. How freeing to understand this!
As each devotion, this is exactly what I needed to hear today! So often I feel unworthy because I feel like I constantly fall usually by being quick tempered. Thank you!
Thank you for your devotional today! I have felt like that so many times with my children, my husband, and even my kids at school! Then, afterwards, I question whether or not I should be the one working with my kids at church. However, we are all human and are going to have those moments. Thankfully God is there to give us that grace and help us to see what happened and what should’ve happened. I would be nothing without Him! I praise Him for forgiveness and the opportunity to try again with those we love. He is so good!
This resonates so clearly for me. In the past as a younger christian I’d always feel so harried trying to do all the right things, say all the right things, and be the right person….it was exhausting and moreover it wasn’t the real me. In recent years I’ve learned to let go and just be because it’s even harder to try to be this perfect woman I envision myself being “one day” with two kids and a youth and young adult pastor husband going back to school so he can become a deacon. (Did I mention that I also try to watch kids from my home to make ends meet? Yikes!) Sometimes, even when we know the truth, condemnation becomes so easy to listen to and accept. The voice of the Spirit is such a gentle voice and it *is* so specific to what we need in each moment. Thank you for this post.
You wrote this devotion just for me, right?! Just like the sermon my pastor always preaches just for me! Wow! It would be fantastic to have this book. God has begun showing me and speaking to me about the doubts I have about myself and how they are not from Him. Loved the explanation between condemnation and conviction. I could use 60 days of similar devotions!! I’m excited and hopeful to be free from guilt-infused doubt and full of grace-infused confidence!!
I am so inspired and uplifted by the Proverbs 31 devotional each day.
Your devotion today was great. I know we all experience these things. We just need to take them to God first. This I don’t normally do. Thanks you.
I really needed to read this.
I soooo needed this this morning!!! Can’t wait to share it! Thank you !
Would love to win…thank you
Love your devotionals……hope I win!
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. Having been a part of women’s ministry on various levels for many years, I know all too well what a trap that guilt and condemnation can set for us. Your message is a reminder once again that it really is all about receiving and giving grace!
This was a great devotional. Thanks for sharing your heart.
I am always amazed at God’s timing and today was no different.I needed those reminders. I needed those reminders today after last few days. Thank you Renee and her team. Thank you God for perfect timing as always.
Sometimes I feel I am so far away from God. I feel like I am the worst Mother and wife, and such a bad example of a Christian. Then I read your devotional and realize that we all fall short. Your studies help me to focus on Gods truth and get back on track!
I can totally relate to this. Thanks for your wonderful devotions.
Thank you. Sometimes I need to be reminded. Thank you for doing that in such a way I heard the Lord smile.
I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to this! Your devotional today is so timely for me, because I feel like I mess up this way often with my kids, my mom, and sometimes my husband. This brought to mind Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ”
I condemn myself all the time. Thank you for reminding me of the Lord’s all sufficient grace.
Thank you so much for the devotional. I have struggled all my life with guilt for doing or saying the wrong thing. I have a hard time accepting that God loves and forgives me inspite of my sin. Thank you for helping me to fight those thoughts and feelings in a righteous way.
Loved the message in today’s post – hope I win!
Please enter me! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Sis. Swope, thanks for blessing my soul this morning with your devotional, No more guilt-induced doubt. It clarified the difference between conviction and condemnation, gave vivid examples of each, and instructed me on how to make wrong right. I would love to own a personal copy of your 60 day A Confident Heart devotional book! I am striving daily to work on me so that I can earn my way into heaven’s gates. I feel your book would be an essential tool that I could use to better myself and strengthen my walk with God…and once I’ve completed the 60 days, I can bless another sister along the way just as you’ve blessed me by allowing her to read the book! IT’S ALL ABOUT KINGDOM BUILDING!!!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Patricia J. Greenwood
Thank you for that message. There have been many “bad mother/wife/woman” moments in my life. Even though I know God has forgiven me, I still have doubts about the long term effects especially on my daughters. I needed this message. I need to trust God is sovereign and my mess ups are insignificant in light of his omniscient plan,
Thank you for your honesty and transparency. How refreshing this is to me. We don’t have to be perfect, and that feels great. We are all a work in progress.
Would love to win your book!
Any article/story that has the word guilt in has my full attention. I am permanently riddled with guilt. From what I have done to what I am currently doing and to what I should be doing, I have always got the heavy collar of guilt around my neck.
I don’t know why, well I can guess it’s from my past huge sinful ways which I have prayed for forgiveness and accepted that God has forgiven but yet I am still burdened with guilt. Every day I look at myself and wonder how God still stands by me.
I am old enough to learn from my mistakes but when if ever will I be bold and old enough to shake off the “guilt”
This book sounds like it has a lot of advice and help and I would love to read and share it
Thank you for the wonderful women’s ministries I receive they somehow all seem to hit the nail on the head for me
Regards Aneesa
Spoke volumes to me. God bless!
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to here. I have been in a vicious cycle of self-doubt and it is affecting all areas if my life. You’re message is timely and so very encouraging. Thank you.
Thank you for your post today! Sometimes I struggle with feeling condemned by my actions. Who doesn’t, sometimes, right? I love your devotionals on Proverbs 31. That’s what lead me here. Thank you for your honest stories. I can relate and I feel like I am not alone, reading your blog today and the comments of all these wonderful women. 🙂
God always knows! This was just the inspiration I needed this morning. Thank you.
Wonderful message. Thank you 🙂
I laughed when I read your P31 devotional on 4/2. It’s refreshing to hear someone else’s shortcomings. Thanks for the transparency. We need more of that in the Christian circles. No one is perfect!
Thank you so much for being so honest! I often feel like the worst mom and wife when I lose my patience and yell at my kids and husband! It’s nice to know I am not alone and that God’s grace is sufficient!
Thank you for sharing the difference between condemnation and conviction. So often we listen to the destroyer rather than the Redeemer.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and sharing a testimony of God’s goodness! This is exactly what I needed to begin my day today!
Your devotional on P31 resonated with me totally! How many times I blow it! How many times I hear those words of the accuser, “you are an awful mom!” Thanks for your words. I am so grateful for the Grace of God with me! May I extend the same to others.
I so appreciate what you say about guilt and where it originates. I’m a pastor’s wife and I live with guilt more than I’d like. I know that the Liar’s attempt to make me feel unworthy is just a scheme, but I get drawn into it often. I will look for God’s convicting in my circumstances, not Satan’s way of condemning. Thanks!
This is a blessing to read and comes at just the right time. As usual Gods grace isalways on time. I would love to own a copy ofthe awesome book. I’ve experienced that guilt induced doubt plenty of times and im ready to move on from those times and be filled by Gods grace infused confidence. Praise God that He freely gives and offers us Grace rime and time again even when we dont deserve it. Thank you Lord Jesus.
I grew up in a home that focused on guilt. I am trying desperately to break that chain with my own children. I realized i can’t break it with them until I have realized I can walk with freedom. God is chaging my heart to receive grace instead of guilt!
Wonderful devotion topic. I know I struggle with this same issue often and you naiked it perfectly. Thank you.
Oh, what would we do without grace? Very inspiring. God never calls the qualified. He qualifies those He calls through His grace.
Hi Renee! I want to live out Proverbs 31 to the fullest. I try to take every verse from 10-31 and make it practical for today and for my situation. Yes, I admit, I am very legalistic sometimes. My hubby had to lead me into the principle that just because It says, “She rises while it is yet night” did not mean that GOD wanted me to hurt myself in the long run if I had not gotten enough sleep the night before. She also “keeps her arms strong for her tasks.” He reminded me that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for a wise husband. 🙂 I’ve struggled with guilt when it comes to the verse, “she looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” So many times I have seen something that should be done NOW, and I have to admit I have neglected those things. “I’m just too tired to do this. I’ll come back to it later.” Sometimes (most of the time in my situation), it is a ploy of the devil. It reminds me of the verse in Proverbs where it talks about this man going past someone’s house and seeing how the weeds had grown up and everything. That reminds me of my domestic downfalls sometimes. You know, I saw in the fridge back some time ago how a good bit of something had gone to waste, and I felt so awful. My husband works so hard, and now look at the “waste of the fruits of his hands.” Oh, how I want the precious heart of my husband to trust me that there will be no “food spoil”, either. GOD spoke to me and said, “Better some wasted food than a wasted life”, and just encouraged me to keep trying to improve. I must admit, I have a tendency to forget about left-overs, even when I am looking directly into the fridge. 🙁 Praise the LORD for infinite mercy and grace! Thank you so much for your devotional this morning. Much Love, Angie
His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness…. This statement right here is absolutely amazing and sums up everything that I needed to hear. I have been trying so hard to focus my girls lives on being happy, leaning on God and letting go of guilt in bad situations. Its not easy when you were raised in a home where I was constantly being pressured with guilt over big or little things. Please enter me to be in the drawing for the devotional! Thank you, have a blessed day 🙂
This is so true! I just recently experienced God’s amazing grace in this manner. I’ve been a Christian for over 35 years, but I’m still learning how to conduct myself in ways that please my Father. I’m so glad that He does send His Spirit of condemnation when we stray, it’s so much better than having the non-specific guilt. And it’s great knowing the difference between the two. I’m still learning how to not let the world or other Christians guilt me into things, but now I recognize more when God is bringing something to my attention that needs to be changed.
This message spoke to me! I have struggled with this my whole life! Thank you for clearing this up for me. It is so freeing to realize that God has been speaking to me as to what to do and the condemnation can finally stop! I pray that this message blesses everyone that reads it!
I love your honest and heartfelt blogs! We are all a work in progress and in need of God’s grace and mercy. I too feel the guilt when I realize my thoughts, words, or actions haven’t measured up to God’s standards. It is comforting to know that when I confess my sins, I know God is faithful and will forgive me.
What an amazing message today, as I am getting married in 3 days and have been finding myself wondering if I can be the Godly wife my future husband deserves. This message was so freeing and inspiring, just what I needed. It’s amazing how in the throws of life, distractions can shift our thinking from truth to lies without our awareness! Thank God for special women and devotionals to refocus our minds and our hearts.
It never fails that when I need to hear “Him” something always jumps off the page of one of your stories. I love what you all do at Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s always refreshing when I get into work and realize I am not alone in this world. Thank you for all you do…
Thank you so much for your devotion today. Your story with your son and husband could have been my own story. I have so many of those moments and when they happen I feel terrible and guilty and like I have no business having the blessing of my family. I appreciate your words about the difference of conviction by the Holy Spirit vs. condemnation. I fear that the guilt and condemnation I have for myself will be passed down to my kids. I’d ask for prayer to help recognize those times I’m condemning so that God’s grace can fill me up. Again, thank you for your honesty and encouragement!
Thank you for this post. I needed to read and hear this today!
I had a come to Jesus moment with my three kids this morning as I had to be at work early! I did repent out loud and felt as if 400lbs has been lifted! Thank you for sharing this today! #blessed
Thank you so much for allowing the Lord to use you to deliver that message to me. I have prayed a lot recently for me to hear God’s voice and be able to determine if it was doubt being used by the liar or a message from God. I so needed to hear that explanation. Thanks again. I would absolutely love to be blessed with a copy of your devotional:) God bless!
Thank you so much for sharing your very human normal experiences! The words of grace spoken to you are powerful for me to hear!
Its amazing how God speaks to me every single day through psalm 31 ministries. every single day i battle with self doubt and fear. i am surrounded by highly intelligent people (siblings, work colleagues, etc ) and then there’s me..always been called slow and never seem to be able achieve anything. this made me feel like i’m the victim of some sick joke. for as long as i can remember, i have felt worthless and unworthy and have made a lot of wrong choices based on these feelings. I am usually defensive and snap easily at people, and then i feel so guilty for doing so, etc. Its a battle but i know God is in control and wont give up.
God bless!!
Sometimes I feel like such a failure, that I promise God to do better then I stumble and fall again. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy. I always feel like I’m the only one that continuously fails him, obviously I am not. I’m so blessed to have friends to pray for me and continue to believe in me.
This is my very 1st time on your page. Thank you for being obedient and ‘putting things out there’. I believe we all have those moments of guilt and shame (I know I sure have!)… but the more we know ‘who’s’ we are.. the quicker those thoughts (and yes.. that’s all they are.. stupid, unfounded thoughts!) are replaced with HIS grace and mercy.
Thank you for being ‘real’. I am looking forward to browsing the rest of your site and keeping plugged in.
May God continue to bless you and your family.. as you step, know that HE is the light unto your feet.
Great message! I’m a pro about feeling guilty, dwelling on it and bringing myself down. My word this year is “trust”. Learning to believe God and to trust Him. It’s hard! As I am trying to change, Satan is doing his best to keep me feeling guilty. Thanks Renae for this message!
I can so relate, and so appreciate your honesty in your book “A Confident Heart.”
For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. None of us is perfect..
sometimes i feel like giving up but i know i can’t i pray every day, i know i can’t do this on my own i need his help.
Thank you Renee, this was amazing. Blanket statements are easy to make because it’s easier to color over someone with a broad stroke than to get to know all of someone’s true colors. God never created us to be one dimensional and doesn’t deal with us in a “all or nothing” way. I’m thankful for this reminder and that the Spirit does not condemn, but rather convict with love and guidance. Amen!
Self-condemnation is something I have lived with for years since the death of my son. Unfortunately, my other two children have had to live with this as well. I have learned through staying in His word that His graciousness is our salvation. All of the heavy burdens and guilt, He takes from us and reconstructs us daily. P31 is a part of my daily devotions and this one spoke volumes to my heart this morning. Thank you for sharing.
Thank You for such an inspiring message. Everyday I realize Again that I’m only human and I am a child of God!
I have recently purchased your book and would love the devotion to go along with it. As a mom, working full-time in the local church I constantly feel the pain of not being good enough and insecurity runs deep. So looking forward to getting into your book!
First timer here. Thank you for being transparent, because your struggles are also mine. Though not in the ministry, I hope to minister to those I’m in contact with on a daily basis.
I have just signed up to go on my first missions trip ever at 65 and I am so relying on HIS grace to be with and use me for HIS perfect will in Honduras. I know I am inadequate but that his strength will sustain me in each situation. Yes, I have doubts, but TRUSTing in Him will give me the confidence I need. Now if I can just do it?
I love the explanation between conviction and condemnation. It is so easy to put ourselves down but not to realize that it is not what God wants to do. Thank you for sharing today. I really liked your message.
This was Perfect timing.
Wonderful reminder that those teaching and those being taught are not that different. May we always share the same mercy and grace for others that our Savior shows each of us!
Wow – that really resonated with me today. I have a 15 year old special needs daughter who is full of joy outside of my house and I can see God’s work in her when I see her interact with others. At home however, she is a four year old with the hormones and defiance you might expect from a normal teenager. I am not always graceful when I respond to negative behaviors and that always comes with guilt when I loose it. I like the definition of conviction verses condemnation – God continues to give me grace and mercy every day.
Ive struggled with self condemnation for years. Reading about your struggles with your own shortcomings helps me to know Im not alone. Thank you.
How often have I fallen short and allowed my internal voice to beat me up over it & then probably miss God’s blessing? Thank you Renee for this reminder- we aren’t perfect & yet God can use our imperfections to reach others- that we are right there with them. Instead of being on a stage or pedestal you become one of the girls sitting & having coffee- someone they can relate to because they’ve been there too. Sometimes I strive so hard to be perfect that I miss the point- I so needed this reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Distinguishing between condemnation and conviction is key to living a joyful and grace-filled Christian life, I think. Thanks for your post. This is my first time here, but I’ll be back. 🙂
I literally just wrote in my journal about not being godly enough or cut out for ministry…I quit. then I open up my encouragement for the day to find the title, ‘no more guilt induced doubt’. thanks, may I accept His a Grace with confidence in my time of need.
Oh, how God has used you this morning! Your words on grace-infused confidence have touched my heart deeply. I deperately needed to hear your words! God has used your “realness” to speak to me and tell me just what I needed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! May God bless you and continue to use you!!
Knowing the difference between condemnation & conviction is very enlightening. Now I can identify what my actions & thoughts should be when faced with feeling guilty.
Hi Renee,
I do enjoy that you allow us into your reality. Many times, people assume because you are in ministry that you don’t have those moments where a (beep) comes out. 🙂 Transparency coupled with God’s grace yields a freedom in knowing that He still loves us in our imperfections. Blessings.
I once told my pastor, I’m not good enough to teach. I’ll never forget, he said when you think you’re good enough, that’s when we have a problem. We are never good enough, but Jesus is. So grateful for His grace. Your experience is a great reminder of this. His power, not ours!
What an eye opener today’s devotional is!! Thankful God is using you to speak to women.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I can’t tell you how timely it is! I am in a support group/bible study at my church for women going through infertility. Recently, I was asked by our Director of Women’s Ministry if I would be interested and willing to step in to lead or co-lead the group starting this summer or fall. Well I told her I would pray about it, but inside I thought there was no way I could lead this group when I was in the thick of it, battling my way through some pretty tough times. Then last night after the group was over, the leader asked me if I would consider co-leading. Another prompting! I told her I would pray about it, but still wasn’t sure. And then this morning there is this story in my devotional time. Boy, when God nudges us, sometimes He whispers and sometimes He resorts to a swift kick in the rear! I suppose it’s time to step out in faith 🙂
I needed this today. I am so guilty of saying things to my children that I later regret!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Your message today was timely in my life. So often we feel as women that we have to be perfect in order to be models for our children, and show the world that we have it all together. I am a home visitor working with families and babies, and recently “fell apart” at a reflective supervision time. It is group supervision, so I was laying myself open for ridicule and or judgement, but I have many difficult cases and one just tore at my heart and I could not hold all the feelings inside anymore. I felt some relief and support afterwards, but something I said during this made me realize just how tightly wrapped I have been…”I usually don’t cry at things like this in front of others”…Crying actually opens doors for God to enter…one of many places that He does without our knowing until afterwards…I have found this past year talking with God more each and every day…I started the “Stressed Less Living” series, but had difficulties with the computer blogging, so have the book and will go back to it again one day. But the one Bible verse I will always hold near and dear is Isaiah 41:10….Trusting God is what we all need to do, in spite of the place we find ourselves sitting. Thanks for your message and to others who share theirs each and every day.
Thank you for the message God gave you for me today. You said exactly what my counselor said about guilt is not from God. I struggle immensely with guilt and my thought patterns from the effects of abuse.
Thank you for sharing this. Knowing the difference between conviction and condemnation is very important. God’s voice is loving and perfect. His grace and mercy neverending.
Thanks! What an AWESOME devotional to read first thing this morning! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing.
I needed to hear that this morning as I am bringing my heart closer to God and to be more Godly each day. Each of us needs reminding that we are not perfect but we are still loved and will make mistakes along this jouney! This book would be sure to help me with my journey to get me through each day!
Thank you for sharing your weak moment. It is refreshing to know that others have experienced situations similar to our own. Your post was a great way to start a fresh new day.
Thanking God for the REMINDER & WAKE UP CALL that I am under construction…and not headed for destruction by the enemy. “Although guilt can make us give up on ourselves, God won’t. Instead, He offers to take what feels like destruction and use it for reconstruction in our journey with Him.” Today I am blessed by you! What a way to start my day…You have been my morning coffee !! Amen.
Thank you for being so real in your blog and in the devotions you share. One of my biggest struggles is self-doubt, which leads to so much more. Your transparency makes me realize I’m not the only one and that it is OK.
Loved the book, would really enjoy the devotional! Thank you for sharing and for encouraging me!
I am always guilty in my mind. Anything that happens to my children, grandchildren or husband….I am the one to blame. In my own head. I am going through one of the hardest times in my life and reading your stories and devotionals have really helped.
I think when a leader is “real”, makes a bigger impact on people that they can relate to you & therefore will be more open to your teachings. Thank you for your open, honest struggles showing us all we are not alone. I’ve learned so much from P 31 ministries & am applying to my life, making imperfect progress.
Thank you for this encouraging word. It definitely hit home. Thank God for His amazing grace!
Renee … you have no idea how much I needed to ‘hear’ this on this particular morning! I love that God speaks through women such as yourself and we receive these messages in our “inboxes” … ‘for such a time as this’ …….. and I agree … you can’t teach what you don’t ‘know’ 🙂
Reading your post on Proverbs 31 this morning was the absolute best way to start my “second” morning. With being up all night with my 4 year old up crying all night for a reason we still do not know, to trying to console my 9 year old boy who is frustrated with the actions of a classmate, I am w-e-a-r-y. My husband left without a sweet “good-bye” and kiss from me, and all I could think about is how I am just failing in helping each of my ‘boys’ to start their day feeling loved. I sat down at my computer to look for an inspiring word from my daily emailed devotions, and Voila! your message was delivered in God’s perfect timing as I needed it this am in particular. I try to remember that the Holy Spirit convicts and the enemy condemns. Your message with how to determine this is priceless for me. I just printed it off so I have the reference with me. Joy is on the way!
Thank you for reminding me that I am not the only one who reacts…asks forgiveness and then despite best intentions, does it again. I will keep striving in God’s grace. Thanks again.
I loved your devotional today!!! I am a pastor’s wife and sometimes it is a struggle to remember that I don’t have to be “perfect”, just ready to live and love others as Christ would have me do!
I read this before I even grabbed my coffe, and I’m so glad I did. Strange/crazy day yesterday. God bless and thank you for sharing!
Needed this today 🙂
Ha… I was hired to teach a parenting seminar this week at our church and I can not tell you how many times the thoughts have entered my head – doubt, fear, “you’re a fake”, you don’t know anything. Yet God just keeps showing up and showering me with great information to share. I love the part – that the ministry coordinator said to you- I need it just as much as the people I am teaching… I know I am a better parent every time I teach a class. Thanks for sharing this. I would love your devotional!
God is amazing. The grace and love shown over the past several months has been life changing. I’m not perfect and God loves me anyway. Oooo that could be a song!
Thank you for your encouragement and being so open. God spoke to me through this devotion.
Thanks for the reminder that God is not done with me yet.
A new devotional would be perfect for a fresh start every morning…
Thank you for sharing your gift of putting into words what so many of us need to hear.
You bless me daily.
Thank you so much for this devotional, this morning…it was exactly what I needed to hear! So grateful for the compassion and conviction brought by our Lord… while at the same time removing the condemnation we can be so quickly entrapped by! Blessings to you!
This is one of my biggest problem areas…as a wife and mother of two young kids I have lost my cool so many times. Each time I am riddled with guilt and feel like I should just go to bed, pull up the covers and never leave…I needed to hear this today and would love to read this book!
This devotional hit the spot this morning. God is good and knows exactly what we need to hear! You are a blessing.
Thanks for sharing the story about losing with your kids. All too often my failure is in the same arena. It’s good to remember that these failures do not condemn me!!!
God is merciful.
Fellow believers be merciful also.
We all have stuff we’re dealing with.
Smile because you never know who’s day you just may touch.
In HIM, Jacki 🙂
I love how the Lord is always teaching me something new. God is Worthy of all of our praises!!!
Thank you for being real and being honest! It’s so wonderful to know we are not alone in our struggles.
Thank You for sharing this devotions with me, as a christian I struggle with guilt of not studying like I am suppose too especially since its NCAA season. But I have been making major progress and understanding that we must seek God First. I thank you and I look forward to reading more devotions and books from you. Blessings
I am trying to overcome 3 decades of verbal and emotional abuse from my husband and more recently, his emotional affair with the same woman with whom he had an EA 18 years ago. I have had such low self esteem for so long. I allowed myself to be treated like a doormat and took every fault he accused me of to heart, where they took root. I lashed back out at him for what he did instead of handing my lost confidence and respect and his infidelity and abuse over to God, and I said and did many things that I now regret. I have judged my husband on his anger, but yet justified my own. I lost my temper with my kids many times when they were younger, sometimes over the same things that I had done myself. I have done so many things that are ungodly — gossiped, judged, did not keep promises–I could go on and on. God’s grace, especially during this time of trying to reconnect with my husband after his last affair and the abuse I endured, has revealed to me my weaknesses and I am trying hard to work on ME and quit trying to fix everyone else. Your message was so helpful and comforting for me today. Thank you so much!
I will pray for you today Karen, keep your focus on God and his Word. Your not alone. God Bless you and have a Beautiful day. Suzan
Karen, I am also praying for you! I pray that you you can your pain and guilt and exchange them for love, mercy, and forgiveness!
I felt like I was ” eating” your words today!
Thank you for sharing your heart.
I feel as though God is bringing to me exactly what I need right now to grow in him.
Loved this devotion today! Most of all, I love the example of Grace the Women’s ministry director showed you. On both sides of the coin it resonates with me. 1) To show grace to people even when I don’t understand because God has shown grace to me. 2) That I am NOT perfect but God can use me anyway. Blessings!
Thank you for sharing that devotional, the Lord truly wanted me to read it today. I am not alone, another weakness I must ask the Lord to help me work on. Thank you for being you Renee. If I don’t win, I’ll make sure I purchase . Thank You,Suzan
I had a lot of darkness in my life and still do at times. It is good to know that other people have similar problems. For years I felt alone. Thank you for reaching out to other people and showing them God’s love.
WOW! Such a great example. Thank you for reminding all of us that we are not perfect. Thank you for you daily inspiration.
It is reassuring to think that no matter what our walk in life, we all have similar shortcomings, and thankfully, God has grace enough to cover each of us. Please enter me in your book give a way.
Thank you for your words today. As mothers I think that we are the hardest people on ourselves. Nobody is perfect and we forget that sometimes. God is using you for good things. Bless you!
One of the best things I’ve learned as a believer in Christ has been the difference between ‘conviction’ and ‘condemnation’. It has helped me to be able to minister ‘from love’ and not ‘for love’. Thank You Father that there is now no condemnation because I am in Christ and also for Your gentle conviction when I am not in line with what You want for me. Amen
Renee, honestly, I do not read every Proverbs 31 devotional that comes into my inbox. Today, the title drew me in. After a nasty church split, I’ve found myself riddled with doubts and fears. Although my husband and I have found a new church home, I’ve held back from ministry because of those doubts and fears. After reading your devotional, God spoke. He revealed that I’ve fallen back on my perfectionism, rather than putting my confidence in Him to guide me into ministry. I’ve put on armor that is not God’s armor. Shielding myself in making sure everything is perfect…I am perfect, (insert rueful laugh), before being used again has left me on the shelf. Thank you for your clear examples of the difference between condemnation and conviction. I’ve been walking in that condemnation too long. It’s time to turn my ear to what God is saying. Thank you.
What a wonderful word! I would love to read more?
Great words…I needed that…sometimes the condemnation I place on myself is overwhelming and I don’t think I can recover so your words touched a cord with me.
Renee, your devotionals always hit home. Would love to study from your new book.
Thank God for godly women who are for real. Condemnation and doubt have been my two best friends for the last 27 years. After having two failed marraiges and a life of bad decisions I have finally given God back the steering wheel of my life. Your words encouraged me to the upmost today. I’d been living every day always thinking that others were talking about me. I realize that this was only Satan’s way of keeping the guilt inside me. I’ve have decided there will be no more guilt and no more condemnation. I have approached that “throne of grace”, and God has spoken back to me. I feel His love and grace enveloping me today like never before and today I able to smile a genuine smile again. Thank you so much for being you!
Dear fellow followers : Each morning I read devotionals knowing it is a positive way to start my day. When I read ones such as Rene’s message today, it helps me to understand the depth of Christ’s love for me. It helps keep me buoyant when I think I may be going under, it helps remind me of my humanness. Thanking you, Renee, for sharing your humanness that I know I am not alone in my journey to walk closely with our Lord.
I am blessed with three little grandsons, Liam, Aiden, and Collin and because of them, I understand even more the importance of love, empathy, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, and humility. They are among my most inspirational teachers.
Thanking you, and thanking our Lord, for all my many blessings amongst which are woman like yourself who inspire and support me through the good times, and the challenging times.
Most grateful,
Diane
Thank you for your words this morning. I constantly question my words that I use with my husband and kids (especially during certain times of the month)! Thank you for reminding me that I’m not perfect & that I can ask for their forgiveness and build them up.
I am new to God’s word the more I read all of I can get my hands on. I feel that I really needs God’s grace in my live also. Your book would be a great help to me in finding and understanding His grace. Thanks for all your words and great help.
As right now in my life there is so much guilt and anger in my life I need God’s grace with me right now. Kellie
Thank you for your message this morning. It truly spoke to me!!
There is a lot of pressure to be the wife and mother I need to be. I carried the mentality that I Can Not Fail for years which would really lead to a sharp tongue followed by regret. I have been working on allowing His grace in for at least 4 years. However your message hit like a ton of bricks. The I Can Not Fail suddenly looks like With Him I Will Not Fail.
Whoa! Do I ever get the “self-induced doubt” concept…I’m mothering 3 teenagers!!! Somehow I managed to go from a loving and attentive mother and wife to “pathetic” and a “loser” (this is what they say to me) in a span of a few years! It’s crushing!!! And, in our interactions, I often find myself acting or speaking in ways that seem “foreign” to me; so my self -doubt is soaring! But you said two things that really gave me focus: (1) God doesn’t condemn; He uses conviction to show us where we erred. (2) God uses people with great faults for His even greater purposes and good!!! So, today I’m gonna breathe deeply and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide me through the rough patches! Thank You!
Love this book – I have it on my kindle and I try to read it daily! I would love to win a book for my friend who still likes to feel the pages of a book in her hands! Thanks for all you do for God’s glory – you inspire me!
Thank you so much for actually sharing from your heart and soul. We all know that God loves us so very much – HE gave his life for us – yet there are moments when we all struggle with something or someone or some assignment and feel so unworthy of what HE has done for us.
So often I struggle to decipher what’s the Holy Spirit and what’s the enemy speaking to me. Today I got out of your blog that it’s so necessary to really listen to what is being said. You said is it generalities or specifics…which I love! But then I also got to thinking…is it truth or lies? Am I running by what’s said in my head with the word to check it’s accuracy? Does it go against what God teaches me as truth? Thank you so much for sharing your life so honestly!! It was a joy to read this morning. 🙂
I know your devotionals are for women and I DO get alot from them. But often there are things that can help my son….such as this one about Condemnation and Conviction…..and I will share with him as well! Thanks!
What a great explanation of conviction vs. condemnation! And I find that when things are really happening in the ministry I facilitate, that’s when the Accuser begins to work overtime! Amazing how quickly we accept his condemnation. Thanks for the clarification.
Thank you so much for this good word of truth. I find it so easy to go right into the self-pity zone of wallowing when I realize that I’ve sinned. That somehow makes me feel better about my sinfulness. Thank you for this truth that I am set free from guilt and able to walk in the truth of conviction by the Spirit. Amen!
I cannot put into words, how much your life has spoken to mines in regards to guilt – induced doubt. Of all days, I needed to hear this message. Even as Christians, we never feel good enough to serve GOD, but HE takes our brokeness and does something miraculas in ourselves and others. Thank you Renee, for reminding us that we do not have to perfect to serve GOD. We just have to be a willing vessel, no matter how broken.
Awesome Word this morning and explanation of God’s grace and His loving conviction and not condemnation! I also loved reading others testimonies. It’s so great to see God work.
I love the explanation of condemnation vs. conviction! It is just what I needed to hear! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I can identify with your devotion today. I’ve been feeling the same thoughts when dealing with my daughters. Trying to teach them about the love of the Lord, but struggling to live it out daily, when messes and attitudes and fussing toddlers abound. But His grace is there! To pick us all back up and place on the rock Christ Jesus. Thank you for your thoughts today.
This was a much needed devotional for me. I often deal with self condemnation, always very critical of myself and thoses closest to me. Many people have told me I expect perfection from myself and often my children. When I feel as though I have missed the mark I am very quick to condemn myself, on being a good friend, mother, person, daughter, girlfriend, employee, etc.
Thanks
I feel so lucky to have started my day reading both your Encouragement for Today and Blog post. It was perfect timing. I lost my patience with my small kiddos yesterday, they had been misbehaving so badly at my doctor appointment, that it was cut short and I was asked to leave the building! I was mortified, embarrassed and angry. I said something to them that I wish I hadn’t – and have been feeling like the Worst Mom in the World. I feel so guilty. Your post made me feel a lot better and gave me some tools to work through this. Thank you! I’d love to read your book!
I really enjoyed this message – as a wife and mom I feel I make many mistakes each day and end up feeling discouraged and guilty. Wonderful reminder that I need to ask God for help and forgiveness throughout my day and he will never let me down.
Ladies really need one another despite our proud independent ways. Sharing honestly, praying heartfelt, and seeking forgiveness will always mend hearts together for the journey of life.
My mother passed away early in my life and it’s always amazed me how God has placed many wonderful Christian ladies in my path to help lead the Godly way.
I pray often for compassion because I’ll never know of any circumstance where sweet compassion doesn’t make a difference.
Created to Serve.
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. For me, learning of other people’s struggles helps me in my walk. Definitely words I needed to hear. God know who needs them and always sends them at the time we need them.
I struggle with getting out of the condemnation and focusing instead on the conviction from the Holy Spirit and fixing my actions. Often times, I will believe Satan’s lies and continue to punish myself. Thank you for being so honest and open with your own struggles, as they are truly helping me to identify and work through mine! I would love to win this book but will definitely purchase a copy if I don’t win 🙂
This is my first time to your sight….
I was raised by a perfectionist, to be a perfectionist. I’m so thankful that God is moving me from
‘perfectionist’ to ‘growing in Christ’. Perfectionism is all-or-nothing, Growth is little-by-little.
Perfectionism is all about the goal, where Growth is all about the journey. I’m a better person since
God has introduced growth to me. I am getting better and better at relying on Christ
and His grace, instead of on myself and my own weak abilities.There is so much freedom there!
Your devotion resonated with me this morning. Satan loves to use my old perfectionistic tendencies
to condemn me, but God is helping my ears hear more of His Spirit these days, and I’m so thankful for
that. I believe your devotional book would be another blessing to me from God. Thank you for what you
do. It made a difference to me today, and I know it makes a difference for many others.
Trying to be all things to all people is impossible, I feel I fall short and therefore I must be guilty for trying to do this all on my own. I know I can’t. This story is encouraging and forgiving! God is Good all the time!
Thanks for being open & honest & reminding us about grace.
Dearest Renee,
What can I say, you have said it all, I am not perfect myself, then again none of us are. I would love to read your book and dealt deeper into your wisdom that you have been bless with.
Lorraine
God certainly used you to hit me with that 2×4 this morning. Thank you.
This message really spoke to my heart. Thank you for your openness and sharing how God is working in you. It is such an encouragement!
Thank you so much for being the inspiration and having the words I needed this morning! I have so much going on and conflict occurring within my self at this moment, it is challenging and your words are a great source of inspiration and guidance!! Thank you Renee and God Bless!!
This spoke to my heart! At bible study two nights ago, this came up and I confess, I wallowed in my guilt and shame. Thank you for this!
As a mom of two young kids, I often struggle with my response to them when they have done wrong. I will try so hard to respond to them with patience and speak words of Life over them, but by the late afternoon my patience is gone and I will be snappy towards them when they misbehave. It always makes me feel horrible! I find myself crying at night to my husband about feeling defeated. This devotional really hit home for me. What great motivation to know that God uses our weak moments to teach us so that we can teach others who are struggling with the same issues! Now that’s a great way to defeat the enemy!
As always God uses your ministry to speak to me the words I need to hear at just the right time. Gods timg is always perfect!
I would love to add this book to my newly formed bible book club. Two close girlfriends and I started this book club in hopes to hear God’s work and words through fellowship. We’re all young and married and that seems to go hand and hand with comparison and self-doubt at times so I can assure you your lessons would not be lost on us. I’m looking forward to reading your book with my girlfriends if we’re selected!
What a wonderful devotion of encouragement and the difference in hearing God’s word and the enemies.
Thank you for your devotional today. I serve on staff at a church and work with many wonderful volunteers each week. Sometimes it is hard not to judge and write stories in my head as to why people do some of the things they do. I have to constantly extend grace, but sometimes I don’t extend that same grace to myself. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us .
Thank you so much for making me feel normal! I am far from perfect but yet Christ still showers myself and family with grace and love! You have reminded me to try and stay on the Christian path! For example I shouldn’t have doubted my husband he made the correct decisions for us regarding how our money was spent. God gave him the direction in were to go.
I wake up every morning to read these wonderful uplifting devotionals. I thank God that He made you the way you are so I could learn from your experiences ! They are just how I feel at times.
Sometimes Satan’s condemnation can be louder than the Spirit’s conviction. It can be hard to squelch his noise so that we can hear what we really need to hear. Sometimes, a lot of times, I need that daily reminder to listen to His still small voice and block out the noise of the deceiver.
Thank you for your devotion. It really hit home. Many times I am filled with doubt and that leads to insecurities and feelings of discouragement. I know God loves me just as I am, but sometimes it’s hard to believe that he can love this sinner woman. Your devotion is exactly what I needed to remember how much God loves me and how much he wants me to trust Him, just as I am. Thanks again and God bless you!!!!
Thanks so much for this and for Confident Heart. The LORD has used it to encourage me so that I can encourage others. And He used numbers 21 and 22 to settle me concerning a leadership decision with which I was struggling. Praise His Name.
Today’s devotion is spot-on! When I blow it (every day, it seems), I feel as if I’ll never be perfect in God’s eyes, or mine. I believe that I’ll never get there, that I keep going around the same mountain, struggling with the same thing, never seeing progress or victory. I can be my worst enemy. But then I hear God’s voice inviting me to come to Him in confession and repentance, and He’ll forgive me, help me to overcome this struggle and continue to love me unconditionally! Renee, thank you for this…I sure need to be reminded of God’s grace every day!
I loved the explanation between what Satan says vs, what the Holy Spirit says. It’s so easy to believe the words of Satan, but we know that God’s grace and mercy is sufficient for us, regardless of the things we may do wrong!
God knew this was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for following his calling and sharing your talents with us!
I am trying so hard to “let go and let God”. I keep letting go but I keep taking back also. I feel like a failure somewhere at some time each day it seems. I let stress come in and I lose my attitude of gratitude at work or with my family. Instead of relying on God to carry me through, I try to take control and usually make a bigger mess of things.
Yep,just had a fail about 5 min ago, needed this. Thanks for posting!
Hi. There, reading your email today has inspired me to get moving! It has been very stressful here. My husband got a job transfer and he has been very stressed and taking it out on our family. We need to live in forgiveness and Gods grace everyday and remember we are all human and we all need a savior! God bless you for giving us this message today. I really needed it and I sent it to my husband and friends who need it to. If I win the book I plan to share it with others who need it right now.
Thank you for all you do!
Patty picinich
Thank you for sharing and your honesty! I needed to hear this today.
WOW! What a great word. I understand exactly how the enemy can use our emotions against us for self-doubt. How beautiful it is when a child of God can stand before everyone and be totally transparent, like Adam and Eve before the fall. When someone does that, it gives room for the Holy Spirit to move and that is when lives and hearts are truly changed! What a beautiful place to be – almost like back in The Garden with Him, without shame!
Your devotion today made me cry (well, not ‘sob sob’ cry, but tears fell from my eyes just the same.) It is SO amazing how women deal with the same issues in daily living. Your story could have been written by ME, because I have frequent days like yours. You look forward to a particular situation/event, have everything planned down to the minute, just to have total chaos interfere from almost the beginning. (And I KNOW very well that tightening in the stomach…the blood pressure building..plus perspiration starting to come from my forehead…lol) Anyway, the verse you shared today was quite soothing to my heart! The response of your women’s ministry leader was PERFECT. I will never forget it. I’m glad it all worked out, and I thank you for writing devotions/books that relate to so many women just striving to live a godly life in this tough world today. Bless you!
Thanks for the reminder that we are all a work in progress! It can be easy to hear the words of others and absorb them as final truth. PTL there is grace and that our God is Truth.
Wow! what a real and “easy to relate to” kind of story. Many times before I sing at my church, I think God why did you ask me to do this and am I really qualified to share your message in song to these people? All of the incidents from the recent past come rushing to my mind of how I did not respond with a giving or a compassionate heart…. and that voice in my head says… “See, these are the reasons why you shouldn’t be in front of all these folks you love..you’re not godly enough.” Thank you for sharing that story of your frustration; it reminded me we all have to take each day, each situation and each moment to “renew our mind” with what God says in His Word. Romans 12:2
This devotional hit very close to home! God knew it was just what I needed!
I very much needed this today! Thank you for the explanation between conviction and condemnation. I snapped at my husband last night during a conversation about swimming lessons for our daughter. We didn’t see eye to eye and instead of listening when he was making valid points, I snapped and went to bed angry which is wrong. Thankfully His mercies are new each morning! And my sweet husband kissed me goodbye this morning like nothing had happened.
I needed this!!! Thank you
Great message and a good way to begin my day. Because of the realization of your wrong, you were absolutely the one to deliver a message. It is very much like having a shared experience with others. You understand because you have been there, done that. Others may be more open to the message when you are where they are, sharing together. thank you for not giving up on your message. God uses us where we are.
So very thankful that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness. Love reading your work – it always ministers to me. Thanks so much for being real.
It is wonderful to know I am not the only one that gets frustrated. I have a daughter with Autism and a teenage son. So needless to say, my patience gets stretched pretty tight. Thank you for being so open and honest about your person experiences. It makes me feel better! God Bless~
Hi. Decided to share with you in hopes of gaining wisdom from others. I love the lord. The word says, “If you love the Lord, you will keep his commandments”. I desire to to know the Lord and to love others as I love myself. But, some days it is not so easy to love. My confidence in my abilities are at an all time low. I feel like a failure most days. I miss the mark most days.
Although I am not a mother, I definitely see this in how I confront my two younger brothers when they misbehave. Most the time I am the condemning type, and I usually end up feeling negative or guilty afterwards but it is hopeful to learn that there is a better way!
So many times we beat ourselves up with guilt instead of going to the Father; asking for his forgiveness; accepting His grace and then moving on to fulfill His will in us.
Thank you so much, Renee, for the lovely reminder that God can indeed use me in my mess. I needed to hear that right now!
Blessings to you,
Lori Lynn
So many times I will let my patience fly out the window and forget to be focused on speaking words of life and having mercy for others. Christ had mercy on us, but we so easily forget to share that mercy with others. It’s just like the parable of the servant who was forgiven his debt but immediately went out and demanded payment from a fellow servant that owed much less to him. We’ve been forgiven it all, but we can’t let the chatter of the enemy hold us in guilt and shame, telling us we aren’t good enough. Thank you for your honest post and devotional today. It gives us all that sigh of relief that we all make mistakes and all have grace through Christ! God Bless!
I did the online Bible study of your Confident Heart book last year and it was such a blessing. I remember this excerpt from one of the chapters. Through reading the book and the Scripture included throughout the study, I’ve learned that I can be confident in the grace God gives me daily to overcome self-doubt, fear, and anxiety. I would love to have a copy of the devotional to go along with the book. Thanks so much for following God’s calling to write this and help so many women who struggle with self-doubt and helping them realize that they are God’s masterpiece.
Good thoughts to ponder. Thank you for sharing.
Would love to win the book too!
Boy this sure hit home with me. Not only a great reminder of God’s grace but that we are a work in progress, always being refined. Thank you.
Thanks for the reminder of God’s grace. I need to apologize to someone right now so I can quit feeling guilty and get on with what God has planned for me.
Hi Renee’! I would love to win the devotional book. As women we can be so hard on ourselves, and others, and so quick to condemn. Thank you for giving us tools to help us and also pointing out that this is another scheme of our enemy, Satan, to throw us off track and live guilt-ridden lives. Learning to live confident and free from doubt is a daily process and only God’s Word can combat the lies of the enemy! Thank you! Many blessings to you and your family!
Love it, need to hear, keep them coming Renee
I am struggling with an addict husband and have been very negative with him when he relapses. I need to stop
I will pray for you today, Kerri. Sweet woman of God…you’re being lifted up.
Thanks for the wonderful devotion today! I had a very trying evening with my 11 year old yesterday. We both ended up with hurt feelings. I asked God to help me be a better mother who doesn’t yell and scream at her children to get them to understand their wrong doings. I ended up feeling very guilty and not confident as a mom or a christian.
Thanks, Renee for the reminder that in the midst of the journey, no matter how difficult or how messy, we can know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28
As a young woman about to graduate college, this is something I struggle with regularly. No, I do not have children just yet, but every day I struggle with the guilt of my mistakes. In turn, I question myself and my worthiness. It’s a battle that I think many young women face. This message really hit home for me, as I constantly need to be reminded that He is gracious; even though I may stumble, I cannot let me guilt stand in the way of my relationship with Him. This was exactly what I needed today.
Thanks for this! I often find myself thinking how bad I am for the way I reacted when in all actuality, God is reminding me to do better next time!
So many times I have felt so overwhelmed with guilt of how can I lead others when I feel I haven’t lived up to the word that I was to deliver. I never looked at it in the way of realizing that the same mercy and grace of God that I would be encouraging the women with would be the same mercy and grace that God would give to me. Who much better to do this than the one who had first been a partaker of the same downfalls and mishaps? This certainly blessed me and helped even the more to realize that when I encourage others, I encourage myself. Thank you so much for sharing this devotional. I really needed to hear this.
Wonderful words to hear. Sometimes women worry to step up in ministry because they are not perfect. We can speak to others through our messiness. Thank you for sharing your words.
I love this devotion today. I am struggling with trying to get my prayer life back in order and dealing with self-condemnation because of my daily thoughts and struggles. Then I feel like God is mad at me or punishing me because I am such a mess. Instead of trusting God more, I end up feeling defeated, negative and short-fused.
This was a good devotion. Thank you for sharing your struggles. We are to encourage one another. Thanks!
I loved and needed this reminder! I have learned that the things I tried to hide and cover up, are exactly the things God wants me to share when I speak, and when I write. The things that embarrass me and I do not want anyone to know; are the things God has used in my life, to touch and help others. Sometimes I laugh, and think, ‘how could God use me and this awful mess of a situation for His glory?’ and then God shows me how He uses that mess and makes it a miracle! I’m real, and that’s all people need to see from each of us … we are real. We make mistakes and messes. But through Christ, we can turn them around!
I really needed to hear your P31 devotion today, I’m also in ministry and often feel unqualified to lead the beautiful women who attend my small group and your message reminds me that I’m ministering to my own spirit as well and how much we need the Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank you.
This sure hit home with me today! Hard as I try to keep calm and always look on the positive side of things, there always seems to be that ONE day where it all seems to go to the wayside and I snap. Then I feel so guilty afterward because I know that is not how God wants me to act or feel. Then I wind up asking for His forgiveness (AGAIN) and wonder just how many times is He going to grant me His grace! I am so grateful that He loves me and continues to listen even though I call on Him quite regularly. He is my rock and salvation, forever!
God has repeatedly brought before me this week the difference between convictiòn and condemnation. Thank you for reiterating this truth.
Thanks for being human, as we all are.
This is the kind of advice I need everyday! So often all I hear is the deceiver instead if the forgiving voice of my Lord.
Thank you for this. I let myself be led off track in my purpose of bringing value and encouraging women. I’m the one that leads me off track with self doubt & insecurity, thinking I must be crazy to think I can help women feel good about themselves when I don’t always feel good about myself. Remembering that God’s strength is made great in my weakness helps, knowing that He can use it all. Thank you!
It is so easy jump from allowing Grace to work to me trying to do all I can to earn it, as if I could! But, then I do feel guilty and doubtful and unworthy and think I do not deserve His Grace at all.Thanks for the reminder that it is not about me or my feelings or my “doing” or “undoing”. I have to learn everyday to just take Him at His word, trust Him and lean on Him. Thanks for the reminder that no matter our status in the world, we still are in need of the Holy Spirit and Grace every single minute of our human lives. And, yes please enter my name in the drawing today..
Oh I can so relate to your comments as both a Christian woman and mom, and that makes your wisdom all the more appealing to my imperfect heart. Thank you for your encouragement. I especially want to soak in the truth of the difference between condemnation and conviction–I’ll be re-reading that several times!
I love reading your words of wisdom! As I read these I realize I’m not alone. We are all so guilty of this. The devil sure tries to take hold of our failures! God bless you and keep up the great great work God has chosen you to do!
Wonderful post! Just what I needed to be reminded of today.
Thank you!
Thank you for today’s email devotional. Even though I feel certain of the calling God has made on my life, I sometimes feel as though I am not good enough, strong enough, Godly enough to manage it. However, I don’t have to be good enough, it is God’s ministry that He has entrusted me with and I am just a vessel. Thank you for the encouragement this morning 🙂 Sometimes we need to be reminded of our worth in Christ!
Dear Renee, I so relate to the dilemma of peace filled moments when all is going well and then one instant can have all that we thought and learned come crashing down. I am praying that we are all one step closer each time that happens to experience more and more of His grace as we grow and become more like Jesus!
Blessings to you the ministry God has called you to,
Lynelle
I have struggled with God’s calling on my life because of some things that happened in my past and my feelings of unworthiness. The devotional today really opened my heart to the fact that my confidence is not in my ability, it in my Savior, who is gracious and has forgiven me of my sins. Like the Samaratin woman at the well, God has given me living water and I can walk confidently in Him. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you to encourage women across the world.
Wow, I really needed to hear this today. I have been feeling so much guilt over what I consider “bad parenting” lately. Being under a lot of stress through life transition right now, I haven’t been leaning on His mercy, grace, and love to sustain me. Thank you for sharing.
I was just telling (in a moment of frustration) my husband the other day how I lose it so easily and I hate it. I want to be calm and happy and not have little things set me off. I have been hoping to find a devotional to help me with this very thing.
Thank you so much!
I read your devotional from Proverbs 31 today and it really touched my heart to know that I am not the only one who struggles with that. I have had days like that too and it’s good to know that I shouldn’t beat myself up for not being perfect. And then your devotional on your blog hit that home even more. We aren’t perfect and sometimes we lose it with our family or our husbands and I will try to remember to apologize and ask forgiveness when I blow up again. I’m not perfect and it’s bound to happen. Thanks for the encouraging words.
This was just what I needed to hear this morning. Every single time I think I’m all alone and deserve nothing good, I get a message from God that he hears me and is with me always. Still trying to learn that I am deserving of mercy and grace. But messages like these help so much. I am so grateful and thankful. Thank you for sharing this. L~
Thank You!
Would love to win your book!
Oh my Goodness, I have just read your devotional on Proverbs 31 and have tears flowing!!!! I am felt that guilt a number of times and am truly thankful for God’s mercy and GRACE each and every time. There has been many times that I have not felt worthy to be a leader at Kings Kid’s or start teaching Jr. Church for the first time this month with my husband. We are not worthy of that great role, but with God’s Grace and Mercy we are!!! Praise God for that! I totally need A Confident Heart Devotional 🙂 to guide me thought the new challenges I am facing in my church ministries!
Reading with tears in my eyes-what a comforting message-grace and forgiveness! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your devotion, it really hit home with me. I love the part of your prayer which asks Jesus to “replace our guilt-induced doubts to grace-infused confidence.” I will be praying that prayer as much as I can, I need to replace the anger and doubts with the confidence and grace that only Jesus can give.
This devotional helped to reassure me of Gods Grace!! The church I was raised up in did not teach me about all of His forgiving attributes. I truly felt the Holy Spirit come into my life when I was 23 and I am 47 now so I have had to “re-learn” things and sometime its hard for me. I find myself not taking an opportunity because I feel like I am not worthy to speak on His behalf. Even though people will tell me and show me in scripture it is so uplifting so see people share their individual experiences, makes me feel more confident to do the things He has called me to do. Thank You!!
Thanks Renee for such a great reminder of the wonderful ways that God “parents” and loves on us as His children, even when we fail. God Bless you and your family. : )
I subscribed to your facebook posts a while back & they have really helped me in many ways. I just subscribed to your devotion email and todays email was exactly what I needed to hear. It always amazes me how God puts just what I need to hear in front of me!!
Since I work for Hospice you can imagine that my days are often so full of stressful situations that I tend to get caught up in that and don’t take the time to read the Proverbs 31 devotionals for that day. I guess God knew I needed to read what you wrote today because I was prompted to read it before starting my normal daily routine. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you. It was a much needed message for me. May God continue to richly bless your ministry.
I struggle with this daily! I have been pregnant or nursing for the past eight years and counting. With all of these beautiful, noisy, smart, strong-willed children around it is common for me to go from doting mother to screaming banshee several times a day. One thing that has helped me exercise more patience with my husband and children is to think of the Lord as a parent. I think of how much He loves me and how patient He continues to be with me.
Thank you for this word of encouragement! It’s good to know that I am not alone.
This was a great devotion and touched my heart this morning. As i sat a read these words, tears came to my eyes just realizing how God’s loving grace is sufficient and he loves me despite the messed up package that I am. I too often find myself doubting him when i should have the confidence that his grace should give. It is so difficult to let go of the things we always thought was right and start living a life guided by our heavenly Father–his way, not our way. I pray for this confidence and peace from him to control my life in every situation and stop beating myself up when i do mess up– I need to realize all of this struggle is a result of “Me” being a work in progress.
What beautiful words Renee, Thank you for being so real with each of us. We as wives, mothers, friends, sister, etc can always look and see our faults and weakness but God’s grace is always there in every situation. When we can look at our weakness that’s acutally a blessing because when we are weak He is made strong! Amen!
HAve a blessed day sweet friend, thank you again for your kind encouraging words. They were just what I needed today!
I love this devotional. I so see myself in it. I let all those things get to me, then get so overwhelmed and start snapping on everyone. And now I see myself in my kids. I need to change ME so I can help change THEM with God’s help!
Thank you for all your inspirational messages. It helps to know others struggle with the same things I do at times. Thankfully God sees past our flaws and loves us despite our shortcomings. Have a blessed day!
God has spoke this message to me over and over again this week. On my own, I am not good enough, but because of his grace, I can do what he has called me to do.
I really enjoy reading your devotionals I get so much from them.they really do give me the encouragement that I need.thank you
We can all use such a devotional to help with the everyday attacks of satan.
The devotion today really hit home because I have done the same thing this week and then felt like I needed to be put in a hole somewhere. This reminds me that God can use me because of the experiences and failures I have done for His glory.
Thank you so much for your words here and on the P31 devo. I am like so many other mom’s and we all slip up and then seems to beat ourselves up. Peace is something I feel like I am constantly chasing…. and that is anything but peaceful. I am so grateful for the wonderful resources you offer that provide insight into a better way to do things…. God’s way.
I confuse those two often. I will start to be down on myself after one mistake, instead of accepting it for what it was and learning from it. Thank for this message. I needed it.
What a wonderful reminder today that Gid doesn’t call us to be perfect! He calls us to let His forgiveness be revealed through us and His wonderful, amazing grace be perfected in us! Thank you for your ministry!
God bless you today. I pray you continue to reach the thousands!
I really enjoyed the devotion today. It spoke directly to me and gives me the encouragement that I need as a wife and mom. God’s grace is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Just yesterday I said I was a failure of a mom after I had yelled at my son and totally lost my patience-I did “get up” and I repented and apologized to my son and he also apologized to me-point is Satan played on my sin and caused guilt to take hold and thoughts to run wild. This devo helped me see the forgiveness of God is there even tho I really messed up. I need to hold on to the Spirits voice especially during rough times when i sin b/c that’s when Satan will try to pour on the condemnation. I really liked your pastors example of the difference between guilt and condemnation-so thankful for a devo that meets me where I’m at-God is good and I pray for a better day today b/c this is a new day-made by God who is here with me as I do my ministry as wife and mom.
Found your blog via P31. I can’t wait to read more of what you have to say.
I’m finishing up my Master’s at the age of 46. This week is hitting me as to exactly what I will do with it. I don’t feel equipped enough to speak even though I have been a worship leader for nearly 10 years. I see God pulling me in a direction that I would love to go, but lack the confidence to ‘pull it off’. All my night time dreams involve me doing what I believe He is calling me to do, however. I read the email devotional and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that I need to press toward the mark of His goals for my life and even though I do not feel the confidence to be what he’s calling me to be, He will give me what I need. Thank you Renee for your words today.
I do this to myself over and over. I am like Paul– a chief of sinners! Thank you so much for posting this. I am plagued with self-doubt every time I start to do something for God. There’s the enemy right there shutting me down, making me think I’m not good enough. And I’m not. But God’s grace is. “My grace is sufficient for you.” God has given us all we need to succeed in our ministry for him. Wow. Thanks for being real, Renee.
I just wanted to thank you for this devotional today. It really registered with me. Especially the whole confidence building. When you ask the Lord to help build confidence in you really have to watch out for him to send a challenge and a lesson builder too. That’s what I feel he is teaching me this week. Thank you for reminding me that he is there to give grace along the way.
Thank you so much for today’s devotion. I have been in these spots more often than I care to count. You are a blessing to me and I am thankful that God uses you like He does. So often, we hate to admit that we are very much human and in the flesh and that even through these times, He can and will still use us. We must praise Him in the storms as well as the good times. He can call on a rock to cry in our place. His grace is unlike anything that any of us have ever experienced except through Him, or at least it is to me. May my life glorify Him every day.
Thank you so much for the reminder that Satan wants to condemn us and hold us in the pit of guilty shame. But the Holy Spirit will convict us and provide us with a way to repent and turn our wrong choices around for good.
This reminds me of when I have not been keeping in touch with someone. I start to feel guilty for not calling them, the shame of the guilt keeps me from making the phone call, then with out realizing it another week or two has passed and I still haven’t reached out to them. When I finally get over my guilt and make the phone call, apologize for not calling, then everything is okay. Instead of feeling guilty and being stuck in a mirey pit, i will choose to see this as conviction and take ACTION to repent and make things right!!!
Putting some “to dos” aside and making some phone calls THIS MORNING!!!
God is so good. I really needed this today!
I have done the same thing this past week with both of my boys. I am so glad you shared this as I was feeling Satan attack and God convict. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your heart. I love your book The Confident Heart as well as your devotional. My husband and I have been reading them together. I would love to share them with the ladies in my ministry. God bless all that you do.
This was just what I needed to hear this morning. I am very critical of myself and don’t always feel worthy of God or his love. Thank You for this devotional on this day.
I’ve never been the speaker for a women’s retreat, but I was the speaker last night at our monthly ladies ministry get-together. I could very much relate to your feelings about not being qualified and not living up to what I was sharing… I so appreciate your honesty in what you shared, along with a scripture that covers this (and gives us peace and joy) so well…. Well done!!!
Thankyou for all your encouraging devotions! I esp needed today’s. That’s me exactly. I struggle with guilt so often, feeling like I can’t possibly be good enough to raise these kids that God gave me. But I’m so grateful for Gods grace.
Love your messages!
This post really resonated with me. I so often can go from feeling “peachy” to an “orbit of aggravation” in a split second and then the feelings of guilt and unworthiness take over. Thank you for this post!
I enjoyed this today! I sometimes forget that i am still loved by God as messy as i can be sometimes. I am my own worst critic. Sharing our humanness and mistakes helps us to relate to one another, and know we are not alone or unique in our being human!
I so needed to hear this today. Thank you for being real with us!
This speaks so strongly to my heart. It’s one of those “hit me in the face” moments. For the past 45 days, I’ve been doubting the work I’ve been doing within a 19 year ministry. Your “No More Guilt Induced Doubt” devotional is exactly what I have needed to hear. Thank you for sharing. I would love to receive the book to continue the healing and guidence.
Thanks for this reminder. I have been living in guilt and doubt over the past week and desparately needed to hear and be reminded of God’s grace and the tactics Satan uses to discourage us. This was like shining a light in the darkness, a place to start, a ray of hope!
It is so easy to recognize your own faults and feel so unworthy of the saviors love. It takes courage, strenght and faith to believe that even in our “imperfectness” we can be an instrument for good. I struggle with this on a daily basis. I need the constant reminders and encouragement. As I pray and read scruptures each day it helps, but I have a long way to go. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This really relates to how I feel somedays. I feel like I am not good enough or worthy enough for God’s grace. I have in fact questioned/doubted my self and had to do some deep soul searching. I really feel like God Himself sent this message to me today. It really spoke volumes. Thanks and God bless you.
Sometimes the negative, condemning words come from those around us and it is hard not to believe them. Thank you for reminding me that God does not condemn but convict…
This meditation spoke to me words of God’s grace and mercy. Thank ou. I’m saving it to read again.
I find that doubt in my ability to be used by Christ can really trip me up at times. I so appreciate knowing that I am not alone in this. When my head knows the truth but my heart response is in the flesh, the outcome is messy. The Holy Spirit keeps me humble and graciously allows me to be a part of the things that He is doing. I wonder if I did not struggle in this way if I would be less aware of what God is up to in this world. Would I be prone to focus on my own effort and strength? So, I strive to praise God for my weaknesses, for it is there that His glory shines brightest in my life.
I needed to read this today!
I just read your devotional that came as part of my daily readings from Bible Gateway. I appreciated your message and the thought “You were appointed and anointed for this…” has lingered with me. I needed to hear that today as my failures and setbacks try to assail me and keep me from the ministries that God has given to me. Thank you.
I really related to the article of the day starting off well and all of a sudden a tailspin. Then the words that are spoken out of frustration makes a mountain out of a mole hill. #powerfullesson
Your devotion today was so real. Thank you.
This is such a beautiful reminder of God’s grace. I am soooo in need of this today. Thank you for being obedient to the call of sharing your witness with us. You bring Him glory!!!
Thank you so much for this! I needed to read this. today. Guilt about my past has held me back for too long! I have got to stop listening to the accuser and listen to the Spirit. God bless
Love reading the daily devotions on Proverbs 31! It is mind easing to know other women are striving through the same obstacles.
Thank you I really needed to hear this!
Bless you for your humility to share with us this powerful lesson on conviction vs. condemnation as guilt-induced doubt. Having enjoyed your Confident Heart study last fall with P31’s OBS, it offers tremendous hope to me that even someone who so passionately wrote a study on confidence, has moments that she stumbles and crashes allowing the flaming arrows of the enemy to penetrate your mind. Wonderful to have your study’s biblical reminders and other tools from the awesome teachers at P31 ministries as weapons to allow Jesus to draw us back to the light and not stay where the world would have us stuck in the dark. Thanks for sharing & God Bless!
I have this same problem. I’m a planner, and get extra frustrated when my plans are drastically changed when it could have been easily avoided. I find myself snapping and missing the mark Jesus set for us with patience and forgiveness. This part of my sanctification process is especially painful for me.
I sólo need es to read something like this today. Thank you for letrina yourself be used. God bless you!
This was exactly what I needed today!!! Being in the ministry has its ups and downs!! So thankful God daily equips us because I could not do this without him.
Thank you for sharing your stories and I truly related to this specific one. I am constantly condemning others but I guess what is really happening is me not being able to forgive myself for things I’ve said and done in my past so I’d love for more inspiration and guidance along with scripture 🙂
I can relate today, and many days to your post. Because of a great co-worker, friend, I have been able to enjoy daily inspirations. Some confidence has started, but to have the book by my bed every morning to get my day started would be Fantastic! You and all the Proverbs 31 staff are truly an inspiration!
I related to this post because I always want things to go my way. I have to constantly remind myself I don’t have control over many things and it does not pay to get upset. I pinch myself to stop the anger, repent, and ask for forgiveness.
God has been speaking to me lately telling me to come to him with a confident spirit rather than weak and to CLAIM my place as His beloved child . . and I’m working on it!
I am in ministry as well and many times feel so “not right” for this ministry, so hypocritical. Thank you for the devotion.
Thanks for sharing your word.
Enter me to win.
Wow! I don’t realize how much this devotion truly open my eyes,indeed! Thank you so much for such phenomenal encouragement that surely needed in the middle of storm season.!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words today. Guilt can be a daily struggle sometimes and it is nice to be reminded that God’s grace is always with me.
Thanks for this message it was much needed. I’m encouraged just by reading this. I know God does use me in the midst of my mess.
I am in a study of Fierce Women by Kimberly Wagner and this excerpt went along with some of the thoughts we have been considering this week. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made but sometimes we ARE fearful and do not act so wonderfully. Our husbands feel the brunt of our reactions too often. Mine is the sweetest man in the entire world and I am trying to become the wife God intends for me to be. He is teaching me.
Renee–I so much need your devotional. I believe it would help me put me crazy life in some sort of order and put it all in our Dear Lord ‘s hands!! Thank you and God Bless–Barb
I needed today’s devotion. I am currently in school following what I believe to be God’s leading, but it seems as if I’m being crushed by this new responsibility along with all of the other factors that are in my life. I am so quick to doubt that what God has shone me can’t be for me. I understood exactly how you felt, because I often wonder if I’m able to be the wife, mother, daughter, christian, professional, ministry leader, etc. that God has called me to be. I’m barely holding on. Thank you for today. I needed to remember that it’s not through my strength and through my perfection but through His. He doesn’t need me to be perfect for Him to be able to use me for His glory. Thanks for the great reminder!
I love the explanation of the two differences. Now I am sure I’ve recently heard from the Holy Spirit.
What’ a great reminder today! Would love to win this devotional!
I feel very alone right now. I am a mother, wife, and I work a full time job. My husband lost his job almost a year ago. unemployment was cut in dec 2013. we are struggling financially and I am very stressed. I try to think for better or for worse, I try to think, God has a plan. I just got licensed as a professional counselor and am trying to get things going in my career. But I am so stressed and overwhelmed and think how can I help others when I myself am so stressed, hurt, broken, overwhelmed and just fed up!!! My mind is filled with worry on a daily basis. And I know that God does not want that but I cant help it. this was an inspiration to read but I still cant get rid of the doubt, fear, worry, not when mortgage, car note and other bills are behind. we have four children and I try to set an example for them. But I have but so much to give.
So needed this today!!!
I sometimes lose my patience and not respond to things in a peaceful way, even when I intend to. Thank you for reaffirming that the enemy will condemn me, but the Spirit will lovingly convict me to change my behavior, attitude, etc. What a blessing!
God bless!
I am so glad to have stopped by your site this morning. I was in a rush trying to get my devotional done so I could hurry and get the kids out the door on time. Of course, with love and care. I wanted to share that The Lord is so amazing and I am thankful to grow in these areas. I struggle with condemnation and hypocracy and guilt. I needed to read this at this very moment to actually grasp what I needed to to move forward in my walk with Christ. To be able to set these down at the feet of The Lord through His grace… just, is a beautiful gift. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your honesty. I try to teach my child about grace but rarely if ever give it to myself. The reminders of the difference between condemnation and conviction were l timed. God is using you to touch so many people as evidenced by all of the comments.Continue to walk in God’s grace.
I loved this devotion & I have enjoyed your books so much. I would love to have this devotional. Your words hit my heart always! God is great..!!
I needed to hear that God’s grace is sufficient for me today. Thank you for speaking words of truth today.
I loved your P31 message today as well as this one. I really needed a “reminder” of this today. I’m so hard on myself. I need to remind myself often to fail forward, give myself a break, and go forward in grace! I read Confident Heart. It was amazingly helpful to me. I’m sure the devotional will be just as good!
I was so encouraged by your message and would love to read the rest of the story in your devotional.
I am a 67 year young woman who has two grown sons who are men of God.
For the past two years I have retired and live with my youngest son, his wife, and two teen aged grandsons.
Grace and gratitude are necessary to be living this life, thank you for reminding me of this.
So many of your daily devotions touch my heart. It always amazes me how God uses others to say exactly what I need to hear at that exact moment. Knowing that others have experienced the same things I have is such a blessing as I realize it really is alright and that God REALLY does have it all under control and that I am never alone as he is with me always just as he is with others. Thank you so much for your honesty and wisdom.
I sure appreciated the definitions for condemnation vs conviction this morning. I definitely see myself on the condemnation side of things! Thanks Renee.
This resonated with me so much today and I am so grateful. After a failed marriage, dealing with ailing parents and three children I feel like I’m doing it all wrong. I think God must be disappointed in me. This reminded me today that I am worthy of his grace, AND I need to pay that grace forward with my friends, family and college students I teach.
I appreciate your uplifting words that spoke directly to ME today!
I love you devotion on Proverbs 31 today. Regardless of how many times we mess up, God’s mercy remains and His grace is greater still. He always turns our mess into something beautiful.
thank you… i needed this message today.
I love the scripture with this , His grace is always sufficient!! He is a loving and sovereign God. The second part is so powerful, in our weakness he is made perfect!! There are days that I repeat this over and over as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect ; I am loved and accepted as is and further than that God redeems my imperfections for his glory!!
This post was very enlightening to me. I guess I never really realized or understood the difference between condemnation and conviction. I have been letting condemnation drag me down and my guilt destroy me. I will be praying for the discernment to listen for God’s voice and his directions on how to turn the situation around and live with confidence!
I’m actually still struggling between knowing the difference between God’s voice and my own guilt voice…I grew up in a Catholic home and since I was very young I always heard “be good or God will punish you” I didn’t grow up with an image of a loving Father desiring a relationship with me. When I realized who God really is I felt cheated and manipulated bc I spent so many years doing what’s right out of fear or doing wrong feeling miserable afterwards and never really knowing what grace was…I was never good enough, just ok thinking Illescas be lucky to go to heaven…sadly, many ppl still live this way and it is heartbreaking. ..I struggle still like I said but I’m getting better at forgiving myself and running to God instead of hiding in shame when I do wrong.
This is very good to realize that you don’t have to feel guilty when you know you do wrong but to do what needs to be done to make it right. When you know better, you can do better!!!
Thank you for this morning’s devotional. I start each morning enjoying Encouragement for Today and am inspired by the words each of you ladies share. Please enter me in the book draw.
I LOVE IT WHEN A DEVOTION TOUCHES ON EXACTLY WHAT I AM FEELING. I AM THE DIRECTOR OF A CHIRSTIAN DAYCARE…SOMETIMES I FEEL I AM ROCKING IT AND OTHERS I FEEL WHAT WAS GOD THINKING TO PUT ME IN CHARGE…..THATS WHEN I KNOW SATAN IS AROUND. I AM EXACTLY DOING WHAT GOD WANTS ME TOO. THANKS FOR THE REMINDER!
Sadly I do this more often than not, then I feel guilty for the rest of the day, and usually end up giving in when I shouldn’t.
God has been showing me this very thing. For years I didn’t understand the difference. It is freeing to understand that when God brings conviction, it is for our good. Only Satan keeps bringing up the past sins that have already been forgiven. Only Satan tells us the lies that God can’t love us. God’s conviction proves His love for us. He loves us too much to let us continue down the wrong path.
I believe when we mess up and feel badly about it that’s just Gods way of letting us know we have hearts for him and only him.
He made us human. We fail, we succeed. We mess up, we make up.
If we are listening we hear his voice leading along the path we need to follow but there will be times when we take another path. One that looks better at the moment. That’s when his love and conviction step in and guide us back to his heart.
Thank God for a shepherd who loves his wayward sheep a bit more than the ones who never stray.
This was what I needed to read today!
Your devotional was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
Read your devotional from P31. Loved it! Definitely something I need to hear. Thank you! !
Renee, what an amazing and soul filling blog today. Your writing is always amazing but of course as God would have it, this is exactly what I needed today. I am wrecked with guilt in areas of my life and this sheds a whole new light on God’s love and grace for me, for everyone. Thank you so much!! I’d love to work through the Confident Heart devotional.
I have felt God’s prompting to lead a women’s Bible study at our church but felt inadequate. Your post is the confirmation that it’s okay if I don’t know the scriptures end to end, but that I have a willing heart to serve. Thanks!
Wow! Today’s “Encouragement for Today” resonates with me as I always feels like I am not doing the things I should be doing that would make God proud of me. I have had several days like “no more guilt-induced doubts” then I beat myself after its all done.
We are usually quick to judge ourselves more harshly than we wrongly judge others….. Blessed to know God extends His grace!!
Wow, could I ever relate to your entry today! I sometimes share with God that He is using one of his weakest, sinful persons, who needs Him continuously, desperately. And because He chooses to use me, I am overwhelmed constantly by His great love! I certainly don’t deserve this love of HIS and am reminded of His grace, mercy, and love every time I get to breathe, live, and try to put others first. As a full time caregiver of my sister in the LORD, and mother of adult step and adopted children, who are not always receptive or even around, I am forever reminded that God is intentional in whom He chooses to serve. He chooses those who need Him the most! Otherwise, we could not possibly be sensitive to Him and to others’ needs! I am continually reminded when I mess up daily on many things, despite my best efforts NOT to mess up, that God loves me and everybody else unconditionally. WOW! That fact that He loves me every second and no matter what just comforts me so much! I just want to learn to love others the way He does. I know I cannot ever do that as well as He does, but I am encouraged to do all I can, the best I can for Him, no matter how much I mess up. I am learning to forgive myself as well as others. The enemy just wants to shovel guilt in our lives. But sisters, we just get the HOLY SPIRIT to blow that bad stuff right out and the LORD floods us with Living Water to refresh us all over again! Oh, how precious it is to share His love with all of you today! Praise the LORD now and forever!
Your devotional today was just what I needed. I suffer from self doubt all r he time. This week I was trying to help a friend and was not successful and rhe doubt set in and them I started to think wrong things about our friendship.
Please enter me in the sweepstakes as I could definitely use the help!
May GOD bless you all today!
My middle daughter could really use a confidence booster. Sixteen, new school, new living arrangements, not many friends, family health issues–that’s a lot to deal with. And those poor middle children–they’re always the last ones to get any attention.
I was just talking about this on Monday night with my best friend. She is doubting if she is still a Christian and even questioning if God can use others including me because we have not yet overcome every issue in our lives. But I tell myself that regardless of her questioning or my own doubts, God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness…and I keep going!!
Thanks for sharing especially the differences between condemnation & conviction.
Wow, you have no idea how timely this is. If I hit a season in my life where it seems that condemnation is finding me from every angle- within my mind, from the mouths of strangers, even my husband ….. It’s torturous. And hard to find the soft voice if God and the Holy Spirit among all the noise. Thank you for your post! You have no idea how helpful it is! In His love, Patty
I’ve been there so many times, thinking there’s no way I can be a good woman of God because I struggle with anger, jealousy, addiction, etc. Thank you for the reminder that that’s why we NEED the Savior. God bless you.
I loved your devotion today. I use condemning statements to myself but I am going to try (with God’s help) to recognize them and turn to the Lord instead, who loves me no matter what. I need to learn how to recognize convicting words from Him instead. Thanks for your encouraging words today.
Wow! Thank you so much, i really needed that today! I am always so hard on myself when I slip up or have a bad day. I am in constant need of being reminded that I God is not as hard on me as I am, that He loves me regardless and wants to still use me for His glory!
Thank you for that reminder.
I have been struggling lately with frustration and knowing if I was still able to be used. This post really touched me today. Thank you for sharing.
GUILTY!!! Thank you for your transparency!!! Wow!!! I can totally relate….
GODS timing is so perfect. TODAY was the day-feeling like this was just for ME.
God Bless!!!
Your devotional today really resonated with me. It seems that when I am preparing for leading a conference or Bible Study, that’s when life starts crashing around me. Such is the case this week as I plan to lead a conference at a ministers wives retreat. I don’t know what God has planned to do through me & in me at the retreat this weekend, but it must be something big!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. May The Lord continue to bless you.
I felt like I was reading a memory from my own life! Thank you for sharing.
I read both this devotion, plus the one on Proverbs 31 today. They are both excellent, but I have to confess that reading the one about your ruined day of writing, stressed me out and I began to feel angry. I think it touched a nerve for sure. Haha! Thank you for your transparency.
I really needed that. I’ve been really struggling lately with many things going on in my life. My boyfriend of 7 years, with a severe addiction problem (he is going to get help) has not been easy to deal with and I definitely haven’t handled things the right way. My temper has really taken over because I’m having trouble cooping with the problem. I felt everything was my fault, no matter what I did right.
Things got pretty bad and I almost completely lost faith in God while wondering why I could feel so hurt and lost . Until I read this and the Proverbs 31 Devo. Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed to hear today.
I am praying that I will extend mercy as God has extended mercy. I want to extend mercy to people (parents who lie incessantly!). It is so hard to be obedient to God’s commandment to “honor your mother and your father”. His commandment to “Not Lie” holds some weight too. Urgh … only God knows how my spirit is grieving.
Loved this devotion and also reading the responses of my sister’s in Christ. This goes along with the theme of the year the Lord has been sweetly whispering in my ear that His grace is sufficient. It also left me with a bit of conviction about the way I respond to my family at times. I myself need to offer more grace. Thanks again.
I enjoy reading your devotions and I realize that they are always timely. Must be a God Thing!
Thank you and Bless you!
I feel like I blow it often with my children. I end up feeling like I am not cut out to be a mom. I apologize and we hug and kiss and things are good, until the next time I blow it. I’m really trying to work on reacting with a positive attitude.
Wow. This was exactly what I needed to hear today. I struggle so much with self-doubt and am always trying to be “good enough” on my own. It’s like a constant battle in my mind to rely on God and walk in His freedom instead of trying to be in control, which leads to feeling like a failure and doubting whether or not I can even do this whole “walking with God” thing. I would love to win a copy of this devotional book. I am so in need of a fresh perspective and a new outlook. For too long I have continued to stay trapped in the cycle of self- doubt, and for too long I’ve been relying on myself and other people to take that doubt away and fill me with confidence. I really feel like I would benefit from reading this book, and since we are on a tight budget with no room for extra spending, it would be a wonderful blessing and treat if I were to win a copy.
Thank you Renee and P31 ministries for caring about women enough to share your struggles and your encouragement with us! So blessed by this ministry!
Wow, I could so relate. Especially the beginning story. I have had many days where I have struggled with that.
Good stuff needed this today
I loved today’s devotion. My daughter is dealing with a recent breakup and was having a bad evening last night. As the evening went on she seemed to be getting short with her 3 year old daughter and me. I pulled her aside and explained to her that I understand she’s going through a rough time but that she shouldn’t take it out on the people that love and care for her especially her daughter who is too small to comprehend whats going on but realizes that things have changed. I encourage her to open up to me any time she feels the need to talk. A little while later, she came into my room and apologized. It seemed that when she sat down and reflected on the evening she realized what happened and asked for forgiveness and patience. The holy spirits conviction was obvious. I know we could all benefit emotionally and spiritually from a copy of your book , please enter us in the drawing.
Thank you for today’s devotional. I sometimes do have moments when I feel guilty. I think maybe I wasn’t patient enough with my daughter or my husband. And I hate that nagging feeling that I did something horrible. But when we live by grace everything is a teaching moment from God. Please include me in the drawing for your devotional book. I do believe that it could help me not onlygrow my devotional time with God, but also grow to know God’s perfect purpose for not so perfect me! Thank you!
After all that God has bought me through, I still have fear of not being able to handle some things with His help & I would truly appreciate prayer & direction on having a more intimate relationship with Hin
What a great lesson for me today. I’ve often stood in my kitchen & not reflected the light of Christ to my children, then consequentially burdened myself with shame.
God, help me to rise up and be the woman of peace you’ve made me to be.
I still have trouble putting my faith in God. But I know that if I trust Him, He will help ease all fear that I have.
Thank you for today’s devotional. I sometimes do have moments when I feel guilty. I think maybe I wasn’t patient enough with my daughter or my husband. And I hate that nagging feeling that I did something horrible. But when we live by grace everything is a teaching moment from God. Please include me in the drawing for your devotional book. I do believe that it could help me not onlygrow my devotional time with God, but also grow to know God’s perfect purpose for not so perfect me! Thank you! and God Bless!
My lack of confidence and self doubt continue to plague me… although I know that God loves me and His Grace takes care of my downfalls. Thank you for your insight!
I read the Proverbs 31 today, which led me to your blog. Both were things I needed to hear today. Our son and 5-year old grandson have been living with us for the past 4 1/2 years which has presented many challenges for me and my husband in many different ways. This morning was an especially difficult situation, and part of me wanted to say what I felt and in a manner that would have destroyed fragile feelings. I had prayed about the situation since about 4am, and although the outcome wasn’t as I had hoped at the time, I felt better about the way I handled the issue. I have definitely been in the ‘guilt’ frame of mind many times and hope that I continue to seek God’s grace and guidance first, because it will be through Him that things will rise and become better. Thank you for sharing your experience, it will help me in the future to remember to let God use me to His glory.
I truly am blessed by your devotionals online. Thank you so much, and GOD’S Blessing on and through you always.
Esther
Thank you so much for the devotional. I have been blessed to know that I am not the only one and have sisters in Christ who have my feelings. Thank you everyone for sharing and being a blessing to me. The devotional was great and I am trying to put it to work in my life.
Guilt and doubt are two of the enemy’s favorite weapons against me. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you so much for sharing Renee! I often feel I am not up to the tasks that God has put before me. Thank you for making me feel that I am not alone in this 🙂 Elizabeth M
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance. Love, Love, Love this!! Thank you for the reminder and for sharing your own struggles it is an encouragement to all Moms!
Thanks for sharing. Such a good reminder.
So good to be reminded of difference between conviction & condemnation.
This devotion was right on time for me today! Thank you so much for just being transparent and allowing God to speak through you. I realize it isn’t easy to share ourselves. I have been struggling with God calling me to lead. To just step up and be obedient. The main struggle is just what you have written here. I am not perfect and have areas that I need to allow God to give me complete freedom from. However, I know He wants to use me and not let those failures continue to be failures but stepping stones. Victories to use for others’. Thank you again. A much needed word!
Thanks for all the uplifting and real thoughts!
God is so good!!
Great lesson and makes total sense. The Lord puts it on our hearts to right the wrongs, not judge ourselves or others for our wrongs. Need to remember this lesson daily!
It is easy to allow satan to bring us down and make us feel guilty and defeated. That is his plan, because when we feel defeated we surrender and defer from God’s plan. But inthe Lord’s great mercy He reminds us that is we fall, He picks us up. Thanks for sharing your encouraging message and reminding us we are in this struggle together.
I often have mommy guilt and doubt. Thanks for this reminder!
Thank you for your devotion it spoke volumes to me today. if I am honest. I listen more to the accuser & his condemnation.I buy the lie because of lack of intimacy there is something wrong with me.I struggle with co dependency,co sex addiction,social anxiety & self hatred..I struggle with clearly hearing the voice of God. & doubt myself & what God is doing in my life & marriage daily..Thank you for your reminder of how God speaks.
I lack confidence in most areas of my life. I am a peace maker! I try to sooth everyone else’s problems and not focus on my own. I am probably contributing to their problems more than helping by trying to “fix it”. I was able to gain some confidence in Oct when I asked my husband to leave after 20 years of him abusing alcohol and drugs. Now I see that he wasn’t the only problem, it was I as well. My kids have suffered greatly from the disease. I need to gain control of my household. I ask for God’s strength and Confidence to set boundaries and rules and routines so there isn’t so much chaosis. My husband is doing much better working the 12 step program at AA. I too am in a program, but it is so hard to break bad habits. Thank you for listening…..I am not even sure what point I am trying to make. Thank you God for always loving and forgiving me daily! Anna
Needed this today! I know I am harder on my mothering abilities than others are. A good reminder.
Thank you so much for your devotion and sharing your moments! “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerned of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). When we study the Bible, it requires that we have a personal relationship with the Author. When I have come apart moments like you have described, and I open my devotions to find the message you had to share today, I come face to face with God showing me what I need to hear at just the right time!! His timing!! To be confronted with Gods prerecord end answers in the Bible is to be confronted with God Himself!!!WOW!! I would love to win a copy of your daily devotion book!!
Thanks for sharing! VERY helpful!
All my life I have struggled with what you have written. I want to get past this feeling of guilt. Thank you for describing the difference between what Satan wants me to hear and the grace that God wants me to receive. May God continue to keep growing you just as He keeps growing me.
What a wonderful reminder of God’s grace and mercy. Thank you for reminding me that I can confidently approach God and he will gladly replace my guilt with his grace. Always.
I will remember this next time Satan tries to trip me up..Thank you for this awesome devotional.
REALLY struggling with my ill husband and the issues that has created. I am weary and am struggling to find the words to pray. Asking God to give me strength and wisdom. Would love to hear His words through yours. Thank you.
Loved your Encouragement for Today devotion. It’s so much better to know that you are human! I have read devotions and books before by authors who make you feel that they are perfect and while of course I know that no one is, when an author shares their less than stellar moments, a connection is made with the reader (as opposed to the reader feeling that they can never measure up).
Love the condemnation vs conviction post as well.. Sometimes the condemnation comes from others spoken in anger and we need to turn to God to see if there is a grain of truth (conviction) in the words spoken but not to internalize the condemnation. Thank you!
Thank you for the wonderful encouragement and reminder that we have a great inheritance in our Lord. May we all know today that we have great confidence and strength as we walk along with God each day.
Thank you for sharing what the Lord taught you about condemnation and conviction. It is good to know we can relate and are not alone, we are all daughters of the King and His grace is sufficient for all of us.
Bless you, Renee
Loved the devotion. Look forward to being lifted daily by your book.
I am always guilty! Guilty that I am not super woman and can’t be everywhere and do everything. Somedays the more I try the more I fail. I allow the condemnation to take hold and then I become the monster I don’t want to be. Thank you for your encouragement! It is amazing how knowing we are all not perfect helps!
This devotional could not come at a better time. I switched jobs about 8 months ago and feel that I do nothing right. This morning I decided maybe the problem is me and I am not perfect. I started to look for a new job. Nothing grabs me and I know this is where GOD put me, but at the same time I feel that he has made a grievous mistake and I should not be here, or have any employment as I am not good enough.
Thank you,
Karin
I’m looking to connect daily…and find peace consistently.
Especially challenging at times with a three year old and 10 month old twins.
What a great message! I needed to read that today. 😉
Oh thank God for His grace! Nothing quite convicts like my kids. In a not-so-glorious moment this morning, I completely freaked out when my 8 year old had a spot of chocolate from his granola bar on his shirt and with the bus pulling up, no time to change. I told him that other people will think his mom doesn’t care anything about him when he goes to school with stains on his shirt. He actually apologized while walking out. (Jesus forgive me for my mommy fail moments!) I sat in my car about to rush off to work in a huff and thought, how can I teach my son that Jesus only cares about what’s in our heart, not our outward appearance when I’m freaking out about a spot! Oh, Jesus, pour your grace on me. I wanted to somehow chase the bus down and pull him off so we could talk about this and get it resolved. How it doesn’t matter one bit what others think about what we wear. God is so pleased with my Braden’s inside heart, and so am I. A little spot on a t-shirt means nothing. I can’t wait to see him this afternoon. We have something to get straight before anything else is done. Thanks for sharing, Renee!
Oh my goodness…I could have written today’s excerpt. Thank you for your wonderful transparency and God’s grace which covers all our “Dad said you would be mad…” experiences! Thank you, Jesus, you love us and care for us and forgive us no matter what!! I am worthy in the eyes of my Beloved!!
Very encouraging and uplifting. Excellent message. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I feel as though I have those days quite often, and I wonder how can God use me when I mess up. We all need that confidence to do what God has called us to do! Thanks again!
Thank you for the encouragement.
I was reading one of the Proverbs 31 Devotional books and I really related to your entries. Your honesty about yourself and your marriage was refreshing for me to read. Thank you.
Thank you so much. This devotional is just what I needed today.
Wow! I really needed this today. The Grace that I’ve been shown has not exactly been flowing from my lips and life lately. Subsequently, the guilt sets in and Satan has been hitting me hard…to the point of damaging relationships. Thank you for the reminder that God takes my face in His hands and lovingly convicts me of the things I need t