“If we want to live beyond the shadow of our doubts, we need to position our thoughts and our hearts to dwell in the shadow of the cross, each and every day.” A Confident Heart, Chpt 11
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
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Every time doubt threatens to cast a shadow over our hearts, let’s run back to Jesus, turn toward the Light of His Truth, and stand in the shadow of the Cross. In the shadow of the Cross – everything changes:
When you feel inadequate, God says: You are CHOSEN.
“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he’” (Isa. 43:10).
When you feel afraid, God says: You are REDEEMED.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isa. 43:1).
When you feel unloved, God says: You are LOVED.
“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4).
When you feel forgotten, God says: You are REMEMBERED.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:16).
When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).
When you feel unable or unstable, God says: You are ABLE.
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3:19).
When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED.
“Youare 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 Pet. 2:9).
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I’d love to know which of these promises speaks most to your heart today – and if you’re feeling brave – why does it resonate with you? Also, for those in my online study…what are some thoughts or verses you’ve underlined in Chapter 11? Are there certain things that you want to remember?
{ click “share your thoughts” and do just that…I love to hear from you!}
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I’m reading Ch 11 now, but am looking forward to the 23rd when she does this study again.I’m getting a fresh new journal this weekend just for My Confident heart maybe I’ll see if I can find one with hearts….
“When he spoke, she heard genteness in His voice. There was kindness and humility in His simple request for a drink. When she looked in His eyes she saw: acceptance, not judgement; love, not hate. She felt valuable in His presence, as though she had something to offer. There was something different in Him.”
Page 36….The story behind and about Sam was the most profound message in this study for me. It was December and I had just been through one of the worst storms ever in my 55 years of life. God’s timing is so perfect. I felt so alone and afraid after a month of what I now call a sort of mental breakdown. I remember drivng home with my husband from our sons after visiting for Christmas. I was reading on the trip home. I still can think about it and remember the feelings of Jesus’ love for her and compassion even in all her shame and guilt. I was feeling so broken and these words were my comfort. I was hanging on by a thread to Jesus Robe. Sam was my friend, I felt her heart in my pain. Renee, you said “Jesus knew Sam’s suffering and He knows yours”…It is still with me, the memory of the pain I was in that Jesus took from me…
Chapter 11 was great and sad at the same time…Sad it’s over, but I cherish it and thank you for all of your openness of your own heart…You are a special lady…I cherish the women I prayed for and the ones that prayed for and encouraged me…Thank you my dear sisters in Christ….
Dear peggybythesea, you have touch my heart with you comments in this blog. If you want to stay in touch I have started a blog. http://gis-butterfly.blogspot.com/ , You can catch me there, unless I have flown away to be with Jesus, but you can catch me there too.
Thank you Deena…i went on your blog, it’s beautiful…I tried to post something but nothing happened…I will keep trying…God Bless you and that undertaking…You are a beauiful woman of God…
As in all the chapters, there is much in Chapter 11 I underlined and highlighted. My copy of your book is definitely broken in : ) I’m so glad I have gone through the book twice as I’ve found and underlined more after going through a second time. In this chapter, a sentence in particular jumped out at me. It was in the section where you talked about the rosebush on your fence and your feelings of sadness at the thought of a great mentor and friend moving away. Although you phrased it differently, I came away with asking myself this question, “Am I willing to let go of what I love so deeply in order for HIM to be seen more fully in my life?” It was a WOW moment and a question that continues to swirl around and around in my mind.
God has used your words and your story to speak to my heart in powerful ways while going through this study. I really believe going through it a second time has been more than beneficial. Your book will be one I will refer to over and over and over reminding myself of HIS WORDS that can carry me through whatever I am facing with a confidence I never knew I had.
You are scheduled to come to our church in November of this year and I am looking forward to meeting you. God bless you, Renee, as you continue to walk forward confidently in what HE has destined you to be and do!
Sweet Blessings,
Pam
Pam that question has been swirling in my heart also. I need to let go of what I desire so that God,s love will be seen also. God will work and walk with us as we seek Him. Praying with you and thanking God for the message He gave Renee the confidence to share!
When I read Chapter 11, the following sentence really stood out for me: ” . . . our most important ministry will be within our home.” I’ve thought about that for days. I knew my “work” was a ministry, but something about that sentence in Chapter 11 made me realize that it’s more than the tasks I perform. It’s my presence. My presence and everything about me should be my ministry, especially at home. I’m going to keep pondering this because I think it all goes much deeper than I ever knew.
VERY touching video! Reminder of how very blessed we are! Holy, Sanctified, Redeemed, Forgiven….Thank you our lovely Savior!
Wow! What a powerful video! As I was watching I asked God “why would you go through that for me” and He replied “because I love you” . What an awesome God we serve! Hard to understand the depth of His love but this study has helped me become more confident in whom I am in Christ. Thank you Renee for your book and study. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by God to minister to so many people. You truly are a blessing!
God has taken my heart and turned it upside down to shake all the junk out of it and then turned it right side up again. To see the video and hear the music of God’s love for us, it is so amazing. He died for you and for me because He loves me that much, but He also lives in us. It is hard to take it all in and understand the depth of that love. He has restored my confidence and I know who I am in Him, a daughter of the King.
I do know that He is preparing me for something big. He has a wonderful plan for me and I cannot wait to see what it is.
That is a great way of describing God,s work in our hearts. The cross is what will help us–we can position
It,s power between Satan,s Wiley darts and the truth we are learning. It is our place of safety. Thank you Jesus!
This chapter is showing my true heart. I am a stay at home mom (another answered prayer!). I do have worries about money. I have started to do some side work, which hasnt really paid us anything. So, I decided to try something else thi week. One day I seriously couldn’t find God. I couldn’t feel Him there. It was the WORST feeling of my life. I never want to experience that again. Now I know it was a test. He already has been telling me “do not worry, you will be fine.” And, “I have something bigger planned for you”. I guess I thought I could do it better. HA! No way. One night I read in Chapter 11 p207: ” ..it would be worth it if others would see Him more fully in my life and eventually in my ministry.” MINISTRY! My minitry! I haven’t even thought of that. I have been rattling on about finances, children, my marriage…I haven’t even thought about my ministry. Do I have one? I now know God is going to reveal that to me one day. And, I need to be patient and trust Him in everything.
Thank you Renee. And God bless you all!
Oh Stephani, He is writing your message right now. Right where you are. I encourage you to journal what you are struggling with and praying for. Write down scriptures and the things you see God doing and lessons you are learning. Each day is part of the message and ministry He has for you! And He will use all of it for the next steps when it’s time to take them. I started right where you are and did all these things — and some of those lessons are in the book now or woven into the radio shows or messages I share at events. He does’t waste a thing!
Powerful video. Wonderful chapter. This book is so amazing. Thank you Renee for the book and the encouragement. I have been so very blessed. My question is, can I go through it again? Still have some things I need to surrender and I’m afraid if I just put the book down, I will not finish what I need to accomplish. The postings from you and your readers help so much. Thank you again, it has been the most amazing journey.
Praying God’s Blessings On You! 🙂
Denise – yes!! I would love for you to go through it again with us in late April! I ve been told by countless women that they’ve read it 2-3 times. Come on girlfriend. let’s keep on seeking Him and experiencing all He has for us!! Excited to have you along!
I am sad to come to the end of this study but I know this book will be one that I go back to often. Right now we are facing some real uncertain situations. The country that borders Guinea where I serve is very unstable and the borders might close. We were to travel to Senegal via Mali. The rest of our SIM team are already in Senegal but 2 of us were to travel on Tuesday and now it looks like we might not get out of Guinea. We were going for a Spiritual Life Retreat and some vacation days at the beach which we really need after a busy time of moving several missionaries as well as life in Guinea. Please be praying that God will be ALL WE NEED FOR THESE DAYS
Praying for you Beth and for your ministry team. Praying God will make a way where there is no way right now. For renewal and refreshment and for this retreat to still take place. I know how much you each must need it now. May HE go before you, walk beside you and come behind you each and every step of the way. Amen!
Beth:
I pray that God will indeed cover you and your team. That He will go before you, make the rough places smooth and the crooked paths straight.
Renee thank you so much for taking the time to prepare this awesome study and take this journey with us, your book will remain for us all something we refer back to and never finish reading. Thank you for your honesty and humility and for letting us into your life. You will never know the blessings and the help you have provided by being obedient to God and sharing your heart with us. I just want to encourage and thank you today, you have become one of my mentors and you have inspired my walk with the Lord, thank you
thank you Tammy!! Your words mean so much to me. I can’t deny that what God asked me to share in writing the book was scary and vulnerable. But I kept sensing Him promise it was what women needed – although I thought I’d just look like a mess from it all.I am a mess but not every one knew just how much of a mess I was til now. 🙂
My mess became His message and because of Jesus – my brokeness became something HE could bring beauty from. Your lives are the beauty in my ashes. What an honor it truly is to walk beside so many women as they seek JEsus and His healing power in their hearts the way you all have. I am blessed by each of you so much!!
From Melissa’s comments, “Is GOD enough?” came to mind the letters, “I C E,” Is CHRIST Enough???
So from that thought occurred to me “CHILL OUT” when things happen; Is CHRIST Enough?? Thanks for the study, Renee! : )
That is really good Carol!!
Wow, what a video. Although a Hollywood depiction, it is so powerful to have a visual reference into a glimpse of Christ’s life and death. On KLove yesterday, they were saying that of those polled, adults feel the best age is 33. Watching this video, I think to myself what Christ did at 33. He died for our sins, He wrose again and defeated death. Although the reasons for the age choice were, “you know what you want, but you are still young enough to try new things; I cannot allow the irony to escape me. One could say that theses days just abbout any age as we are on average living longer, but no the choice of the “best age to be” is the same age as Christ died and wrose again to be our Savior…
Blessing you all today.
His sacrifice became even more personal as I read what you have shared here Kim. Thank you!!
Timothy 1:7-10 These are my favorite verses. I went through a time in my life that I lived in constant fear. I did not just fear failure, I was emotionally abused daily into thinking I was the biggest failure on earth. I was brainwashed into thinking that my Christianity was “stupid” I was no good. God kept a small light in my hear through those dark years and fear and situational depression. Now I live by Love, Power and a Sound Mind. He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power love and self control… one version says. I spent 4 hours on Monday writing out all the promises from Chapter 12 for my two teenager daughters.
I have had a lot of sleepless nights with them lately. They are really good girls, but sometimes it takes most of the night to work out life. As I wrote verses and the promises it spoke to my heart.
I got the Proverbs 31 magazine yesterday. I am going to get Lysa book: ” What Happen’s when women say Yes to God”. I shared the blog I have started…I believe we will see in coming months what happens now that this woman has said, “Yes” to God. Pray for me. I have a lot of obstacles around me, but my God is bigger than the obstacles. He is helping me to overcome fear, dyslexia and He has a purpose and plan for me.
Thanks you Jesus and thank you Renee, I know this online study has been a sacrifice for you.
Wow, this is a powerful post to me. Thanks for posting it.
I love that you invested so much time – 2 hours! – writing down God’s promises for your daughters. I’ve got a download I”m going to share soon for those who have read the book and it will include chapter 12 so don’t scream when you see that and know you wrote it down by hand 🙂 I know that writing it down was powerful and God will seal those promises in your heart through your sacrifice. What a beautiful heart you have!!
Praying for you and your daughters and for what GOD is going to do in and through and for you as you keep seeking HIM with such sweet surrender and passion. All that I have poured into the study is worth so much to me because of lives like yours and the stories of each woman who has shared how much she’s falling in love with Jesus through it. That is all I want!! Blessings to you and hope to se you here some times still. Will miss you if I don’t!
Powerful stuff! The truth speaks such freedom as lies are called out and truth can be grabbed as a replacement plan. Through your obedience, I have been so encouraged by the many, many stories of women who can speak of their confident hearts through the unconditional love of our personal Savior. May you have a sense of His rich blessings as He is so proud of you my sister!
God’s word is power!! Love seeing your face and beautiful smile friend. Thank you for your constant encouragement and blessing. He’s so good to me!
thank you, Renee! These are such common, nagging, fears/insecurities & it’s wonderful how you shared the WORD (which cannot lie & cannot change!) to address each lie and fear!! Yey!!! Such GOOD News! 🙂
His Word is alive and active – He wants us to let it be activated in our thoughts and minds each day. Jesus promises that when we know the Truth – the truth will set us free!!!
I am two chapters away from the end, I am almost there. I am so slow it seems but I am sad to see that this is ending so soon. Ya, I know we started a way back but it feels like yesterday. I am excited to be doing this study again with you in April and praying that my husband will be along for the ride as well. He is considering it and I haven’t told him about the videos that you mentioned with you and your hubby that you maybe doing as well. Can you pray for him as well that we can do this together, to help us grow together, and to draw us closer to the heart of God. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing God to use you to minister to someone like me, someone in need of a good friend, with sound advice and a shoulder to cry on. Your a real sweetheart and it has been a pleasure to get to know you through this study. Praying God’s continued blessings over you. Hugs.
Absolutely Andi!! I
would love for you to read through the book again with us in April. There will be many reading it again and then others who are jointing us for the first time. I have no doubt God will speak to us in new ways each week. Hope you will be there too!
I am finding the same – I am very slowly reading the last chapters as I don’t want it to end – so I have signed up for the next study – Glad you like “Frequent Fliers” Bless your heart for letting God work thru you! You are a huge blessing to all of us!! hugs – Kathy
I am so very sorry to see this Bible Study end. Through this study I have learned to seek and to find the strength that God desires me to have. I can also be confident that when I do fall short God still loves me anyway. What a blessing and a gift. Thank you Renee for your book and this study. I will miss this a great deal.
Im not going anywhere and would love for you to stay around!! Be sure you’re signed up for email updates (in the sidebar) I’ll still be writing and sharing my heart and God’s word here and then I”ll be starting another study April 23rd of the book again. I will have a guest writer each week so there will be some new things and then things we’ve covered this time but God always speaks in new ways.
Hugs,
Renee
“God will use our lives to touch others, but our most important ministry will be within our homes.” That touched me….for years I was never sure where my husband stood on his relationship with God. Since our son passed away almost 7 years ago I have begun to see a change in him. Our other son was addicted to drugs and was sentenced to rehab….they found a faith based one for him to go to. He graduated that rehab in September, and seeing a drastic change in our son, really got my husband to thinking. For years I have tried to tell him, but found out living the ways that God calls us to live, has been a more effective tool in our home. I always minister to my family when they need me to, and they know that I will have a word for them from God. Now I realize how vital that has been, and I have been doing some of the work God has called me to do. I believe there is much more in store. And this study is giving me the confidence to carry that beyond the walls of my home….it is ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND FOR HIS PURPOSE FOR WHICH I HAVE BEEN CALLED. Thank you again Renee for this book, and your time and love to stand beside all of us who have been in this study. God bless you!!!
Thank you Sherri B!! I have loved having you in the online study and enjoyed reading your comments every time you posted. I have prayed for you and your husband and just love how you are seeing God move – in your home and as you sense Him preparing and calling you to keep stretching and growing as you allow HIm to minister through you – inside and outside of your home!!
I have loved walking this journey with you. Stay in touch and hope to see you here whenever you have time to pop over!
You bless me!
Sherri
These words from the chapter resonated with me as well, reminding me of how important my ministry in my home is. It helps me to keep focussed and to rebound after bouts of discouragement when I do not see the fruit I am looking for or when I feel the need to be ministered to as well. I truly want to live out the declaration :’ As for me and my house , we will serve the Lord. The study has really helped to strengthen me and helped me to grow in areas that I need to. I do appreciate the addtional resources God bless you Renee.
For every challenge, God has an answer. He is the answer!
Amen!