Welcome friends! If you hopped over from my P31 devotion to find the free download of chapter 2 from my book A Confident Heart, or to sign up for my online study, or enter my give-away – the links and details are below. First I’d love to share a little of my story and why I”m offering an online study of my book here on my website in January…
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Several years ago, I discovered a powerful truth that changed my life forever and set me on a journey to finding a lasting confidence that isn’t based on my successes or failures – but solely on God’s unfailing love and powerful promises! It’s the title of chapter 2 and today’s post – Because God’s love is perfect, I don’t have to be!
For so long, like so many women, I thought I had to be perfect to be loved. I was convinced if let anyone see my imperfections and inadequacies they would think less of me, and eventually leave me -or distance themselves from me.
It was a compelling and paralyzing belief. One that catapulted me into a tail-spin of performance-based living and constant self-doubt. A life where my value was solely measured by my possessions, positions, and people’s opinions of me.
I carefully constructed walls around my heart to project false-confidence and protect my insecure heart. On the outside everything looked liked it was going well, yet on the inside I was drowning in feelings of not ever being good enough. With each attempt to keep others impressed and distant, I stepped further into the shadows of self-doubt. Even though I was surrounded by people, my insecurities convinced me I was all alone.
By the time I was in my twenties, I couldn’t pretend anymore. I ran out of the emotional energy it took to fuel my efforts. Although I’d gone to church off and on for most of my life, I’d never really understood messages I’d heard. But this time, I started listening and really hearing what was being said.
Over time God revealed His heart to me through sermons and books I read, but more than anything He spoke to me through the Bible. Through His written Word on the page and His living Word in the person of Christ, I came to know the perfect love of a personal Savior who pursues imperfect women like me.
I read stories that echoed the struggles and desires of my heart. Tucked within those stories I discovered God’s promises and how He responds to the heart’s longings and heals the hurts of His children. I read words that gave me hope and assured me that I was not alone….
Knowing we are not alone is the first step out of the shadows of self-doubt. It sets us free from feeling like something is wrong with us because no one else seems to struggle like we do. I believe Sam (from today’s devotion) realized this truth the day she met Jesus and felt the pursuit of His perfect love. She was made complete by the power of His love and was transformed from a life of shame and isolationto a life of freedom and Christ-confidence!
Her story of life-change is a picture of what God’s love, forgiveness, pursuit, confidence and purpose can look like in our lives! Instead of just writing a book about how that has been true in my life and how it can be true in yours – I feel God leading me to walk through the book with women who want to take hold of those truths but just aren’t sure how to do it.
So, I’m offering a FREE online study of my book, A Confident Heart, right here on my website. I want us to create a safe place of community where we can talk about how we got where we are in our self-doubts and how we can get where we long to be and then take steps together to get there- through encouragement, prayer and living in the security of God’s promises! Will you join me?
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A Confident Heart Online Study
My online study will begin January 16th. I’ll post 1-2x each week and will have guest posts, video segments and more! Because we’ll meet online, you can check in at your convenience any time of the day and week. I’m so excited about the ideas God’s giving me for it, and would love for you to join me! All you need is a copy of the book, a notebook, a Bible and a ready-for-God- to-do-a-new-thing attitude! Here are a few links I’d love to share with you today:
- Click here to find out more about the book and links to online stores that carry it.
- Complete the form in my right sidebar to receive more details or to join my Confident Heart Online Study.
- Click here to read the table of contents, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2: Because God’s Love is Perfect, I Don’t have to Be (for a limited time only). *It’s s in a PDF so your computer might warn you, but it’s safe to open. If you can’t access it, let us know though my contact form.
- Subscribe to my website updates. For online study participants, I recommend signing up for both in case some thing gets lost in cyberspace or spam.
A Confident Heart Give-Away
Win a $10 Starbucks gift card, a journal, a copy of my book and conference calls that will be an option for my online study! To enter to win, do any of the above and let friends know about my online study, devotion and or this post via email, Twitter and Facebook! Be sure to click “Share Your Thoughts” below to let me know you did so I can enter you in the drawing!
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If you don’t want to do all that, I’d still love to hear from you today!
How did God speak to your heart today through my devotion or today’s blog post.
Just click on “Share Your Thoughts” below to let me know and I’ll be praying for you today!
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Have signed up for study, read chapters 1 and 2, and get email updates. Thank you for the opportunity – I love coffee 🙂 Please still remember me and my 5 children in prayer. Husband who left 3 years ago is now making things very difficult. Had a very emotional and disturbing weekend. Thank you.
Praying for you Michelle and your kids! So glad you are going to join the study with us!! <>
I start my day everyday with a devotion from P31. There are too many words and yet not enough to say how it blesses my life. Renee your devotion today calmed me in the midst of the swirl that is going on in my life right now. I am amazed at how much courage you have to be so transparent and pray that I can some day do the same. I will continue to pray that God’s will be manifested in your life. BLESSINGS
Wow Patricia, thank you for your prayers. I’m so honored that God would love on you so personally today through my devotion. It’s my offering to Him and my prayer that women will know HE is crazy in love with them. He’s all we long for and so much more!! I’m praying for you write now – to find yourself in the center of His comforting calm- although life is a whirlwind around you. <>
I had already started reading your book and had read this chapter last week. But, this morning was when I needed it the most. I’m feeling overwhelmed with life’s duties and this spoke to me so much! It’s amazing how God works so well in our lives and we aren’t always aware.
I signed up for your online study in January and am anxiously waiting to learn even more!
So glad you’re reading the book now and will be joining our online study in January! I think it’s a book I’ll need to read once a year – at least :-). The things God has taught me over the past 20 years and then engraved deep into my soul for the past 5 are promises and transforming truths I want to live in again and again! Thank you for sharing how He spoke to you through them today – just when you needed it!
I woke up this morning with tears and fear that I would never be the person I use to be. I truly believe that God let me read your devotion today. I am currently out of work and facing medical issues.I wake up to a feeling of defeat and I feel like no one cares. I know that God has a purpose for all I am going through and He allowed this to happen and knows the outcome. I feel closer to Him after reading about (Sam). I want to thank you for allowing God to use you to reach many women who may feel lonley, worthless and unloved. You made me realize that God loves me enough to die for me and will take care of my situation. I intend on sending this out to many of my friends. Thanks so much!
He is right there with you – holding out His hands wanting to take yours. Wrapping His arms around, whispering “You are Loved.” You are so much more than the circumstances and trials you are facing. You are not alone and you are not defeated.Praying for you right now sweet friend!
Renee it always amazes me when I read His word, or read a devotional, or testimony of someone and they feel the same way I do. How encourging that no matter what we go through, God can use it to witness to others. Praise God for you sharing your heart to help others heal.
Thank you,
Lou
Thank you Lou. Your words blessed me today!
Thank you for being such a “calming force” in my life!! Love to read what you have written!! Blessings and I am signed up!! Barb
Aww, that is so sweet of you to call me a “calming force” – what an honor to be part of your day. thanks for stopping by and for signing up for the study. Can’t wait to see and hear all that He has planned for us as we seek Him together!
Thank you Renee for your words. I been feeling very discouraged at my workplace, feeling that I have no support and that my workers have no respect for my authority. Thank you for reminding me that God is there and wants me to succeed. I need to meet with Jesus in time of self doubt. I am signing up for you study. Aloha
Aloha!! So glad you are here today Laurie and that you know HE is THERE with you wherever you are – whatever you are feeling. He honors you with His presence and His love. Praying you will know how highly He thinks of you and that you’ll feel His grace as you humble yourself before Him. Honor Him in all you do, and He will lift you up. Can’t wait to learn more from Him together in January!
I tried to share thru FB tab, but it kept closing. I think that to share in this online study, then FB with my local friends about it would be great. I encourage all to ask for it for Christmas in time for the January study. Renee, your Prov 31 devotion today blessed me, especially just the initial verse. I am getting ready to go on a mission trip to AZ and orphanage in Mexico. What struck me about today’s verse was that “tired as he was, he sat down”… then asked for water. His conversation with woman at the well was just part of the course of his everyday living; a “divine” appoinment for sure, but simply an opportunity seized. He took an everyday conversation and made it into a spiritual revelation. Awareness through the Spirit, who resides in you, stirring you to share, to reveal God’s truth, to set the captives free, to give sight to the blind, aren’t we all called to such as ambassodors of Christ. Surely there will be an “everyday” opportunity today for me to share my faith, if I am listening and being aware in the Spirit. Thanks for your time to compose devotions that lead us to the Throne. I did tearfully read the rest of the devotion, and found myself confessing my weaknesses, fears, and shortcomings, and seeking his strength, and wisdom, and filling.
Wow Beth, I love what God showed you about how you can be Jesus – sitting at the well with another someone who needs His love today – and on your missions trip. Beautiful insights friend!! Praying for you as you rest in HIS loving pursuit of you today! He is there!!
I have recently returned to my commitment to Jesus. This is a tough year for me. I left my marriage after 33 years because the emotional abuse continued to get harder to deal with. Last summer I had some medical issues that have added more financial strain. I am retired. I thank God every day that I have a retirement income and medical insurance. However, my self confidence and self worth continue to burden me. The daily devotions from you and Proverbs 31 help me to grow each day. Thank you
Pat, I’m praying for you right now. I’m so sorry for all that you’ve been through. I’m so glad you came by and shared your burden so we could pray for you. I pray that the scars of emotional abuse for 33 years will be healed in time and that you can feel God’s mercy, grace and love wrapped around your heart today – whispering “Im there” – He’s loves you so!!
Dear Renee:
Your story about being perfect is very interesting. That’s the way I was for so many years, too. Sometimes, I still struggle with that, too. I had an awesome mentor when I was born again and she really helped me through a lot of that when she was mentoring. I was hit by an 18 wheeler a year ago and I believe I am ministering to more people than I ever have before. Oh, there are some very lonely and very painful days, but I seek the Lord and ask Him what He wants me to do for Him. I really get to minister to people when I go the the many doctor appointments. One thing the Lord has done for my family and in-laws is to give everyone a new perspective on life and to seek the Lord and those who were not going to church are now going. (without me saying one word) :-D. I am continually hearing how it has changed people’s lives that are not even my family members. I am banned from driving, but the Lord has still given me a great outlook on life. I turned 47 on Nov 3rd and had many people come celebrate for four days/evenings. I was very thankful for all of the love and visits. Thank you for what you do. I really enjoy all of Proverbs 31 daily emails. They have truly helped me through some very tough days this year.
Sincerely,
Michelle Stroud
Michelle, it’s so good to have you here today and to read about God’s faithfulness in your life. I’m so glad you are ok and love hearing how God is giving you such sweet purpose and peace in the midst of your pain and suffering. Your joy is so evident and you outlook is amazing. Praying that God will continue to show you His heart and how He’s working in your life and those around you!!
Thanks for this devotion Renee! I’m signed up for your emails & would love to win
the prize pack.
Blessings,
Janet W.
Hi Janet, thank you for stopping by today and taking time to let me know you are signed up for the emails, too. I’m so glad you’re part of my online community. Praying for you today and will enter you into the drawing too!
Thank you for today’s devotional. I’ve signed up for the January study, but was wondering if your book is/will be available in Kindle format. Chapter 2 will make good train reading for tonight, but it’s SOOO much easier to carry a kindle than a couple books. God Bless!
Hi Carrie, SO glad you stopped by today after reading my devotion! It’s great to have you here. My book is available in the Kindle format, although I don’t have a way to make chapter 2 available on Kindle- other than the PDF you can download here on my site. Sorry about that 🙂
Good Morning Renee:
Thank you for your devotional today. God loves me no matter what, I do not have to be perfect just surrender to him. I actually ordered your book, Kindle edition. I have been thinking about introducing it to our Women’s Minstry for us to read and study.
Thank you and have a great day.
Kimberly
Hi Kimberly, I’m so glad you dropped by after reading my devotion today. Yes, HE loves you no matter what!! Amazing isn’t it? Oh that we would live in the assurance of that promise and surrender our hearts to His acceptance each day. Hope you’ll join us in our study in January as you read the book via Kindle and it would be so neat to have a group going through it together face-to-face too. In January I’ll also have free teaching video segments to download from my website that go with the book. Can’t wait to to not only write but also speak into the hearts of each woman God brings here to be encouraged via my online home!
thank you Renee for today’s devotional. It really touched my heart and encouraged me.
Thank you for stopping by Ronnie and leaving a note. Hearing from women like you really touches my heart and makes me smile as I read your comments and pray for each of you.
Renee, Thank you for thoughts today. I really needed them more than I knew! To be reminded that Christ pursues imperfect women like me really brought me out of my “woe is me” attitude! Not a day goes by that I don’t do something that makes some angry and I’m so grateful to God that He loves me anyway!
Oh how He loves you Annette – no matter what He’s crazy about you and loves being with you. May you feel the pursuit of His love today!
Hi Renee,
I love your P31 devotionals. Whenever I need a reminder of God’s grace it seems that you are the P31 author of the day.
I would really love to read your book. It seems that I can never get enough reminders of God’s love.
Thank you for all the encouragement!
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement today! I love how He loves us and knows just what we need. What an honor to be a reminder of His love and grace for you today!
HI,
I think I will join your study in January, I am already signed up for your emails & I get them regularly so I don’t think I I have to sign up again. I downloaded chp. 2 of your book & can’t wait to read it-I have to get my children up right now but later when I have time I intend to read it. I have not bought your book yet, I have to talk to my husband first about that but if I join your study of course I will get a copy. I will tell my sister (s) about the Bible study & book via e-mail. Ok, I think I have fulfilled all your requirements:)
~Blessings~
Hi Linda, I would love for you to join my online study in January. What a blessing it will be to have you with us. My book is on sale this week at BarnesandNobles.com and on CBD and I know it will soon be 25% at Proverbs31.org so hopefully a discounted price will make buying it that much easier :-)! Also, thanks for telling your sisters about it all, too!
Renee, what beautiful, calming and encouraging words you wrote today. I have been struggling this week with the pain of failures and hurts and loneliness, but the Lord has been gently reminding me that all I really need is Him, and your devotion today was yet another way He spoke to me. Thank you, dear Sister in Christ, for all you do to spread His wisdom and love.
Peace!
Thank you Michelle for your sweet words of blessing. I love how Jesus timed the devotion to remind you of His love and that He knows just what you need! Praying His promise will wrap around your heart like a blanket of comfort today reminding you that you are not a failure and that you are not alone. He is there, and so am I – here praying for you in NC!!
Renee,
Thank you so much for your devotion and your words here on your blog. Oh how I love that Christ speaks personally to each one of us! He is a God of compassion and knows the hurts each one of us feels.
I have been reading your book and following Melissa Taylor’s study of your book but have been so busy I have fallen behind. Thank you so much for following God’s leading to lead a study here on your blog. I look forward to having more time in January to dig deeper into what God has to say to me through your book.
Thank you also for the giveaway. I have signed up for your emails & your study. I have also shared this post on my facebook page.
In His Calm,
Mary
Im so glad you are going to join the study with me Mary! I am eagerly praying for and anticipating all God has planned to reveal His love and infuse His confidence in each of you!!
Renee ~ Your devotion today splashed God’s love on my heart today. The passage from John 4 is one of my favorites in the entire Bible. God is faithful.
I LOVE that The Way, Jesus, made His way of ministry and to His ultimate destination to the Cross by going seemingly out of His way to find Sam. He comes to find us. How merciful. He wanted to hear her story, though He knew it well. I LOVE that the NKJV says “He needed to go” to her. He wanted to give her new life. This is just so beautiful and so humbling. Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you Renee for this beautiful devotion. Today, it is God’s whispers of love to me and I know to many women.
May He refresh you today as your heart as refreshed us.
Love,
Sharon
Thank you for your sweet encouragement Sharon!! I just love you friend!
Sorry that im only typing right now a little but if you only knew knew how on time this was, wow!
Sincerily,
Lillian Rose Hewitt
(next time I will write more)!
I just signed up for the online study and your website updates. Looking forward to a bright start in January!
Signed up for your Bible study and invited my sister and a friend to join me. God bless you for doing this.