“Jesus did not die on the cross just to get us out of hell and into heaven.
He died on the cross to get Himself out of heaven and into us.
It’s what we were we made for. It’s why we long for glory.”
“The truth is, we were created to reveal glory – just not our own.”
“God created us in His image to reveal His glory by giving visibility to His invisible character within us. Christ in us is the hope of the glory. (Col 1:27)”
From Chapter 11, A Confident Heart
***
It’s Your Turn:
I want you to lead this week. Well at least partly. Besides reading chapter 11 and answering the questions, I want YOU to come up with the Word of the Week and a memory verse and post them in the comments section below this post. Then I want you to use your Word of the Week and Memory Verse for YOU for this chapter.
Haven’t read the chapter yet? No biggie. Just take a few minutes to skim the chapter and come up with one. This week, make them your focus. Please please please share with us in the comment section! Tell us what you selected and why. Everyone’s may be different, but it will be so fun and interesting to see the what and why of what you picked. And, I will be posting some of them on our Confident Heart Community Facebook page this week!
I know you can do this. I’ve seen the way many of you encourage each other and pray for one another. I love that about you! Thank you for leading the way! I can’t wait to learn from you 
Just Click “share your thoughts” below this post and do just that. {And if you are reading this via email click here to share in the comments on my website!}
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From reading chapter 11was my words were Surrender and Confidence. Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know they thoughts that’s I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. I have always struggled with confidence all my life and I’ve learned a lot from reading this vook. Surrender has been on my mind today because I need to surrender all my dreams and thoughts to the Lord. God is doing a new work in me and I just need to turn everything over time him. Please pray for me. I font have a verse for the word confidence. I am still struggling spiritually but I am coming back strong slowly but in the end everything is going to be alright. Please pray for me. Dealing with changes at church and in my job.
My word of the week is: NEVER GIVE UP!
Last Week was a hard week for me. I felt hopeless, discouraged and sad. It seemed like a wave of all these emotions came over me but as i was reading His promises I felt Him say: Don’t give up.
Even though we go through trials, hardships and brokenness we can be sure that God is always with us.
He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He stays close to the brokenhearted. He is our Rock, our Fortress,our Hope, Our Healer, our Confidence.
Romans 8:37
New King James Version (NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Reading chapter 11 was so thought provoking. Surrender and Confidence are the words that I would use for the week. In order to overcome our fears, doubts and insecurities, we need to surrender our weaknesses to Jesus and look to Him for our confidence to be who He has called us to be. When we can take our minds off our own problems and give them to Jesus we can enjoy the life He came to give us. Bible verses are 1Cor, 15:31 – I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily (KJV).
Ps. 118: 8-9 – It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes )NKJV). Sisters, I know it’s hard but if we can look to Jesus our Lord, Redeemer, Deliverer, Savior, Our Help, Our Everything we can make it. Is God enough? Yes He is.
My word is blanket.
When reading about plantings of the Lord, I think of gardens full of beautiful blooms, trees along with birds singing and butterflies fluttering around. So you ask how do I see a blanket in this? As Renee shared about as you become confident in Christ, you will become a display of God’s splendor. Just as planting seeds as they grow and bloom you can see a blanket of God’s wonder. As Renee talked about the beautiful pink blossoms, and not knowing how the wonder became with no attention, this shows me how God works in our lives each day. God uses our transformation to show His glory, just as the blooms do in His gardens. The Lord takes each of us and He allows us to grow daily just as the seeds grow in His garden, next He waters us, and when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, then He begins to give us fertilizer through good and bad times, and in His timing we become the blossom, in which we become the blanket of roses, where we connect and join others. But as the blanket begins to rejoice and give praise, God allows us to branch out to spread His word, through our love, faith an hope. With His transformation, just as the seed transforms to a beautiful pink rose blossom, we can blossom and shine as God would have for God is our blanket.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge(blanket) in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
So therefore, I pray daily for the blanket of the Lord, to plant seeds in me, to water them, to fertilize them, and to allow them to blossom so that through my words, actions and faith, I to can shine for the Lord. God Bless
The word I choose is ENOUGH. God is enough no matter the circumstances
The verse that I choose is Isaiah 61:3: They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His spelndor.
Romans 12:2 has also been a life verse of mine also, but I really like the imagery of the Isaiah verse and the strength and power it portrays as we remember that God is enough and through His strength we can be rooted in the truth.
The word I chose is also SURRENDER
The verse is : Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This scripture is one of the very first that I clung to when I first came to believe! I also find power in Luke 9:23, because it reminds me that I must surrender “daily” – not once, not occasionally – but “daily” in order to follow Jesus!
To be a part of this journey with you and all these wonderful ladies has truly been a blessing
Word: Surrender
Verse: Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8
The word ‘surrender’ has been on my mind for the last few days. I’m surrendering to something this week that I have been running from for a while because of [insert every excuse you can think of here]. I’m tired of running and confident enough now to be a “yes” kind of girl like Mary and a “wimp to warrior” like Gideon. I know it’s something God wants me to do and it’s a cause that’s close to my heart but I always manage to talk myself out of it while Jesus is trying to talk me back into it. I’m going to cling to His promises with a death grip and go on this “yes to Jesus” ride! I’m excited to know that wherever this ride leads, it’s going to be an amazing trip because God is involved. He’s with me holding my hand because He told me He wouldn’t leave me and I like to think he’ll be chanting, “Go! Yes! That’s my girl!”
This is also my word for the week, SURRENDER. I know I’m a little late in posting! This word has also been on my mind as well the last few days. I have felt the Lord telling me to jump in, all the way, both feet, no looking back and no regrets. My heart says “Yes!”, but it will not be an easy process, as I am sure that I will want take back all that I am surrendering. My verse is Joshua 1:6-9.
Word:: Endurance
1 Corinthians 10:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
I’ve been through a challenging 3 years and I’ve grown more in the last 3 years than I have my entire life. Through the difficulties and the mind set to give up God has been there and has provided relief numerous times.! I’m a better person, mom, wife, daughter, friend etc.
I know He has something great in store for me and will use my challenges to His glory.
I love what you say here Julie. I too have been through a very rough 4 years but, like you, I have grown more in those 4 years than any other time in my life. I love the hope & anticipation in your last sentence
My word of the week is TRANSFORMED. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Renee, this journey through your bible study has been amazing for me! I have been filled with hope, changed by His word, and challenged to continue to push myself past my comfort zone and rely on GOD’s promises as doubts and fears arise in my daily life. However, chapter 11 reminded me so clearly that God’s plan to bring us to a place of surrender of our lives to HIM so that we can be transformed into His image is not meant only to make us more confident in our own lives, but so that the transformation in our lives can be seen by others and His glory revealed to others through us.
A different translation of 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 beautifully explains this truth. “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” (The Message)
I love that! We become brighter and more beautiful. Our inner transformation is revealed so that others may see God in us and reveal His glory.
Thank you for the many blessings!
Dian
My word is DISPLAY for I want nothing more than to be a display of God’s splendor. My verse is Isaiah 49:3, NIV: He said to me”You are My servant Israel, in whom I will display My splendor.
NASB: He said to me, “You are My servant Israel, in whom I will show My glory”. I pray God will be able to use my transformed life to show off His glory so I can be a reflection of who who He is.
My word is: True. God’s promises are true…it may sound silly, but even though it was in chpt 10, I happened to read the part of the chpt with Isaiah 43:1-2 the day I was getting on a plane, something I would rather not have to do, and it is like a light went on that He is not going to leave me! God will be there when I call on Him in the midst of an oncoming panic and He will replace it with His peace. I experienced His amazing peace, patience, and love throughout my entire 4 hour plane ride. Now that fear has less power than it did b/c I faced it with God’s strength. I have “known” that God’s promises are true and I can trust Him my entire life, but it was like I made the “connection” and the ” light came on” when I read that verse the other day! So thankful for what God is doing in the lives of this online community though your book, Renee. God has used your words and experiences to touch my life and change my heart.
I wrote earlier that my word was DREAM and my verse was Heb10:35-36. I said my dream was to paint my house. normally, this need not be a huge dream for anyone but it is for me due to the fact that I struggle with a ton of fear. I am afraid of going to the grocery store, participate in my children’s school activities, and pretty much step outside of my house. it did not used to be like this. till 2008 i was happy, healthy stay at home mom, active in my community and my church. one day in sept 2008 God told me to do something and I did the complete opposite thing. i am still recovering from that sin. first, i felt condemnation, and then fear which I still struggle with. during these past 4 years God showed so many bondages in my life. God has helped me change a lot. But I still need help in setting up healthy boundaries in my life, and to stand up for myself. pretty much every one in my life walks over me and I allow them due to fear. i don’t want to be a doormat anymore coz i am doing my best to obey God and honor all the people in my life. I am scared to go to the paint store but I will anyway. I was not planning to write this at all but I read rachel W’s blog and it said there to expose your brokenness. then I went to the kitchen and the dj said face your fears. I thought everyone would think I am definitely bizzare to be afraid to go to the grocery store and paint store. but that is the truth about me. why am I afraid? That is a long story. but I am afraid I am going to do something stupid or dress inappropriately (fashion was a bondage in my life among other things) that I will displease God etc.
This study has helped me a lot.
Blessings,
Anna
Good for you girl, to share so openly. I believe that is when we find true freedom from our bondages, when we are willing to expose ourselves in confidence that God will heal us. The enemy wants us to hide in shame, but God calls us to allow the light to shine. Bless you, Anna! I know that God has great dreams for your life. And as far as your doing the opposite of what God told you to do, we’ve all done that in some way or another. But just like Renee says in the next video – Even though we do fall down, He enables us to get back up. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!!! You are strong sister! He loves you and the enemy has nothing on you!
Anna,
You are not alone.
You are redeemed.
You are forgiven.
You are a child of God.
Go with confidence.
Just go.
One step at a time.
Just go with God.
Praying~
Anna,
I do not think your situation strange for I have dealt with the same kind of fear! God loves you and I love you and will pray for you! Stay strong and confident, you can not only dream but accomplish with God’s strength.
My word is POWER, GOD’S EXTRAORDINARY POWER, especially when we surrender our plans to Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” –Grace
Hi Renee.. my word is CLAIM I have always tumbled and can not get God’s Promises to sink in and stay there. The worldly issues always come to the surface and take away my joy and confidence! I NEED to KNOW and CLAIM God’s promises daily, really minute by minute. Heb 10:35-36 is my verse for this week.. I will not throw away my confidence, I will perserve so that when I have done the will of God I will receive His promises, I will not shrink back but will have faith! Very appropriate for that is what my parents named me 64 yrs ago! God Bless you Renee for all work in the effort! It has been a reward and commitment fulfilled for me! Hugs and Blessings, always, faithD
My word of the week is being Humble….it happened last night I was trying to explain a position that my Mom wanted me to apply for but it wasn’t for me. It was a laundry position at a retirement center and with my injuries in the past this is not the job for want me and I truly believed it’s not in God’s plans. However, I knew my Mom wouldn’t understand so I got off the phone and asked the Lord “I know I’m right but please let my Mom see it. I can’t explain please let her understand. Than my mom talked to Dad and he said oh no that’s not a good job for her. Than she wrote her first e-mail to me and said this is your humble mom…
Being humble is not easy or asking for help but I am
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10) KJV
I had 3 verses that jumped out of me: When you feel forgotten, God says “You are REMEMBERED
“See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body of Christ, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Gal. 2:20)
“You are a chosen (woman), a royal (priest), a holy (daughter), God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9)
Here are some thing that I’m working on…
Harmony
Here is our family tree
Where our feelings can be expressed.
Since sharing our faith is the key
to our success
and friends here will be guaranteed
for this community is very blessed.
Shannon Steckel
Copyright ©2008 Shannon M. Steckel
God’s Way
For with Christ we are never alone
God will never drift apart
And no matter if we feel torn
For His love is in your heart.
I am with Rachel, it is hard to believe we are coming to a close of the book for a 2nd time. I have learned so much and recommend to all, to repeat the study and Renee to lead us again.
My words are Contentment and Freedom. It was hard to choose one in the pahs I ahve walked this past month with my mother being hospitalized, changing work conditions for both my husband and myself. My son’s continued growth as a teenager about to drive and the feelings I am losing myself.
It is hard to be content with so much change and boing pulled in directions I am unsure of, don’t want to go-but need to and to realize I don’t have to do it all and don’e ahve to do it perfectly (that is a big release for me)
I am walked closer with God many weeks through the study, but otehrs needed the help of the study to be pulled back as I was pulling away.
My verses are old favorites and Renee uses them so well:
Phil. 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hingry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
2 Cor. 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Thank you again Renee for a wonderful journey, I look forward to continued growth.
Hugs to all, j
My word is redeem. Feeling like trash most of my life or never measuring up or ever good enough…….I have clung to Isaiah 43:1. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…….” I love the word redeem. Although I personally cannot go back and change any of the hurt or damage of my past, God can. Rev. 1:8 states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who IS, who WAS and who IS TO COME, the Almighty.” He is God in my today (is) but also in my…..was. I have experienced many times when an old wound has been healed because God led me through a new set of circumstances today, that brought restoration for the past. Because He has redeemed what was lost, my confidence grows which equips me to carry on to my…..is to come.
I hope to meet you Renee at She Speaks…
Word of the Week – Ask
Memory Verse – But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
I have confidence that the answer to all that I may ask will be in the fruit of the spirit.
Thank you for the blessings.
Amen Katy – love your word and verse! Ask and you shall receive. I love the fruits of the Spirit.
Blessings to you today as you ask, seek and receive!!
My word for the week is “DREAM”> I chose it from the first sentence in chapter 11, where Renee writes, ” I used to DREAM about the woman I wanted to be.” I can relate a lot to this sentence because I dream a lot. when I was younger my dreams were not not necessarily part of God’s will for my life. but as I grow closer to God and obey Him, God Himself gives me dreams. Dreams I know I cannot accomplish on my own. but I can can accomplish with God’s help. My biggest dream is that I can be a woman who can obey God promptly. All else that is beautiful in my life flows from that obedience.
my verse for the week is So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36.
I chose this verse because yesterday I needed guidance from God about a decision. So I first read chapter 11 of confident heart and then I read the prayer in chapter 1. The prayer includes this verse and answered my question for God. God wanted me to be confident and move forward with what I am dreaming. My current dream is to paint my house.
This verse is also given in chapter 11, pg 204 where Renee says she went ahead and promised Jesus on our behalf that we will not throw away our confidence.
I love your word and your verse Anna and the “why” behind your choosing of them!! I’m praying for your dream to paint your house to be fulfilled!!
I can’t believe we are already on chapter 11, for the second time for me! Incredible. Today’s verse for me: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18 My WORD for the week: heart. Wrote about it today. So blessed by The Confident Heart book and this online study!
Love that you have been part of the study girl! Praying for you Rachel!!! I’m going to try to hop on over to your blog and read more later today. Love you friend!