Has someone ever said something to you that made you feel valued and loved? Affirmations that gave you a sense of meaning and purpose? In my Encouragement for Today devotion, Just the Right Words, I shared a story of how one woman’s words changed the course of another.
Sadly, many of us don’t have people to speak hope and encouragement into our hearts. However, all of us do have Someone who wants to speak just the right words into our lives – every day. Today I have a power-packed {very short} video message where I share how you can position your thoughts to hear and live in God’s promises – every day. Click on the arrow below and discover how to stop letting doubt and discouragement beat you up, and start letting God words build you up instead!
{Download FREE Confident Heart “AM/FM Thoughts Printable here}
Enter TODAY’s GIVEAWAY:
Click “share your thoughts” right below this post and do just that. All commenters will be entered in my “Living in God’s Promises” gift pack giveaway which includes a $10 Starbucks OR Target Gift Card{you choose}, 2 copies of A Confident Heart, and a copy of my Letting God Fill the Empty Places in Your Heart message on CD!
I have to tell you I’m behind in this study. But I’m keeping up with the videos and lesson material. I plan to continue soon. I’m a Women’s Ministry leader at my church and we’re in the middle of the Bible Study, ‘One in a Million’ by Pricilla Shirer. Great study! I do have to say this study is great also. I’ve had doubts, fears, and learning to listen. I’ve learned to slow down and give God time to speak to me. When I get so busy, I squeeze his time out! I’ve also learned Satan can crowd in and cause all kinds of emotion. Emotion I don’t like.
God Bless all! We’re all confident iin God’s grace and Love
Debbie
Today I am convinced that Satan attacks us more the closer we move towards God and stregthen our relationship with him. Praise God that he is for us and that he loves us so much he sent his son to die on the cross for our sins. I have not yet read chapter 7 It has been a crazy week. I am praying for all of you on here tonight I think we can all use the prayers always.
Renee,
I have so needed this devotional this week. My source of self-doubt has stemmed from my 9-year old son’s depression and anxiety linked to his ADHD. He has been struggling with suicidal thoughts and threatening to run away. I am a military wife with a spouse who works very long hours. Often, I am trying to be strong for both of us, enforcing our rules and teaching God’s truths, while still trying to encourage my son who sometimes calls me names and disrespects me. Satan has been attacking me in this very spiritual battle for my son. He has at times convinced me that I am not capable of being the mom my son needs. A dear friend prayed with me this week, as I went to meet with our son’s doctor about his medications and the side effects we were facing. She said to me that God had chosen ME to be Sean’s mother and encouraged me to trust my instincts in my meeting with the doctor.
Recently, I was convicted that I need to be on my knees with God each day before I deal with my son. I am learning that sitting at the master’s feet calms my heart and diving into His word strengthens me with the protection of God’s truth from any arrows the enemy wants to hurl at me. Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Renee. Your teaching really reminds me of the steps I need to take to change my thinking each day from those that are AM to those that are FM. God bless you and your ministry!
Hi Renee,
I hope your feeling better. I just want to thank-you for all your time and hard work to help keep us close to god.
I think self doubt sneaks up so easily. The walk is in telling yourself it’s a lie. The only way I can do that is to surround myself with the peace of Christ –Gods word. It doesn’t mean you don’t have to still struggle but it makes the struggle possible. All the best for speedy healing. Thanks for all that you write to help us walk in Gods word.
I agree w/ you Lindsey!! I feel that sometimes it’s so subtle that I don’t even know exactly what it is that I’m thinking. But that crappy familiar feeling is definitely there again. So I stop myself, really check what I’m thinking and now I’m learning to also ask the holy spirit to show me what I’m thinking and then claim that promise from God that shows me the thought is a lie. I find that a lot of God’s promises apply to so many negative thoughts so I don’t worry too much about remembering one that is specifically referring to that thought. So for me for ex, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made” applies to any negative thought I’m having about not having the skills to do something, feeling less liked than others, etc.
I am so thankful for this on-line Bible study. I have learned so much and found ‘A Confident Heart’ is so much more than having a ‘confidence’ but being confident in Christ. I love the encouraging Bible verses and have been writing them on index cards and hanging them on my bathroom mirror. Doing this helps me to start my day with right thoughts, an attitude that’s in check and a day that goes smoother. I never realized, until this study, how slyly Satan attacks with a small negative thought and how it snowballed then affected my day. I appreciate the videos, being able to have others I can relate to, and not feel like I’m the only one going through these problems.
Jan
Renee, What a great message! And just when I needed it:) I’ve been having some doubts about a new opportunity in my life and need to remember to ‘turn my thoughts to God’.
So happy to hear that Aster’s surgery went well, and praying for healing and comfort for your back.
Blessings:)
Renee, Thank you so much for the inspiring thought about AM and FM, I too go thru those things almost everyday of my life, I have not been in the study because since I ordered the book I have been doing another study thru my chruch which is called Eight stone gates,which is Taking Thoughts Captive, by Dan Manningham, I am looking forward to doing your study after I am finished with this one, I have kept all of the lessons in a folder and I am truly looking forward to them soon. Your video today was a great inspiration and a reminder that I need to alway stop and remember God is with me always. Again please get well soon, and you are in my prayers for a quick and complete recovery from your injury. Gods Blessings to you and your family. Thank you , Jeannette Black
Hi Renee,
Praying for a quick healing. I hurt my back too on Sat rowing at the gym. Sending healing prayers your way, I know what it’s like to hurt your back…I’ve done it one too many times and it’s ho-rri-ble. I found a great chiropractor even though for a long time I wasn’t very convinced by them. Hope you can find a good one and discernment with what to do next. The regimen he’s taught me as soon as injury occurs is moist heat (hot pack with moist towel for 20min, then ice for 20min, off for 40min then ice again for 20min and continue repeating the icing until you find relief) and of course ibuprofin. If your back continues w/ the spasms then repeat from the top with moist heat. Sorry I know this blog isn’t meant for this but I just know the pain of an injured back.
With love,
May
Your Encouragement for Today devotion was the perfect message for me. I really can’t afford a new book but i will try to follow and learn as much from your website. Thanks for your willingness to use your knowledge and experience to bless others.
today is overwhelming, having my oldest daughter, her husband and three grandkids living with us and being cooped up in the last doldrums of winter has us all wanting to run away.. so I am doing just that, running to words of love and encouragement.. my am/fm thoughts also work when life is just really hard and loud and noisy. God shows me the blessings, but somedays i really need to look for them. Hope you are feeling better soon, life is hard when we are laid up and life must go on… in His Care. Blessings, peace and healing.
Right now I’m soooo tired… I’ve been dealing with a delicate situation with a friend who has been battling with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts for a while… He got fired this Monday and he isn’t doing good… last idea he got was to move away to a place that I know is just an escape for him… I’m praying for God to give me wisdom to deal with this situation because it’s hard… Also, in med school things are really really hard; so I just hope I get to graduate and be able to serve the Lord through this career. I haven’t known from my friend or his family (who contacts me every day cuz the know he is always in contact with me specially when he feels bad) and that has me sort of worry (very)… i’m grabing philippians 4:6 to heart right now… plz pray for him soooo much; i really need God to do a breakthrough in his mind so he’ll be willing to look for help at the right places and not escape…. pray for me, for wisdom, so God guides me in the words to tell him when he’s not well… I know what you have is painful because of my studies, so I pray quick healing over you today! Also, I hope your daughter heals quickly too and is up and running happily! 🙂 God bless you all!
sorry, i vented through here about my problems lol but i had to do it in a site of God-looking women…
Renee,
Thanks again for this study. Hope your back improves quickly:)
This has been such an awesome study for me and such an encouragement. A few years ago I went through a really hard that and the things that I did tore my family apart. I knew what I was doing was wrong but couldn’t seem to let it go. I was living 2 different lives. One being the life that I was ‘happy’ in and the other that my family was in. I couldn’t do it anymore and let go of what was holding me back. It’s taken me awhile to fully come back to God and have a real relationship with him, not a ‘I’ll let you know when I need something God’ relationship. Since doing this study I’ve let burdens go and really been able to look at myself and see the things I need to work on. Thank you so much for doing this study!!!
Thanks for the reminder. When I was in college the concept of “what I thought would effect how I live” was first introduced to me. Through the years I have sometimes forgotten this. I know that it is true though.
I will be praying for your back. I know it is no fun to have young children and not feel well. I pray God will give you the grace you need.
Renee-
Satan is really attacking me and my mind big time ever since I began this study and reading of his LIES to me that you speak of all through A Confident Heart! This week at work especially and this is only Wednesday! Monday was the worst…I just had to stop working and pray the Holy Spirit’s calmness into my soul and mind–Satan had so many negative, evil thoughts chasing each other in my mind. Praise God, the victory was His and the calmness settled over me again.
Chapter 6 and 7 have really ministered to my soul. I really like the idea of the AM and PM thoughts….God really knew when He nudged you to write this book for us all.
I emailed that beautiful heart on the deck with Psalm 139:17 with the reminder of the Lord’s constant thoughts of us to each of my Women’s Small Group…I want them to be reminded of His thoughts of love and care to each one of them. Thank you for sending this verse…it is SO appropriate for my week!
I am going to stop right now and lift up your health needs for His Almighty healing right now…
Hugs-Karen
Hello Renee,
On page 81 in your book (yes I am a little behind in the study but staying diligent) you wrote, “Learning to live in the security of God’s promises is a daily journey of dependence. As we process the pain of our yesterdays, learn through the disappointments of our todays, and face some fears in our tomorrows, doubts will still creep up and threaten to steal our hope. But each time that happens, we can stop and seek God’s perspective in that place.”
This paragraph is so powerful and spoke directly to my heart. I have summed up this paragraph in this “one-liner” in my journal: “Process Yesterday – Learn Today – Face Tomorrow With Courage”.
I love quotes and things that deal with the past, present, and future. I have this quote posted in my classroom: “Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, Plan for the Future”.
Here is another one: “Exhale the past, inhale the present, imagine the future”.
And of course my favorite: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Just wanted to share how this chapter spoke to my heart and how nothing in my past will be wasted as I embrace Jesus today and hope for my future…Chapter 4 really spoke to me. Thank you!
~Joanna Lovato
Hope you feel better soon. Praying for you & Aster.
Blessings to you both.
Patricia
i love your thoughts here and also the devotional on proverbs31! very powerful scriptures! i just love The Word!
thanks for the encouraging words! long days make for weary hearts!
Love the bible study and the giveway. Renee, thank you for sharing your life through the ups and downs.
God is constant!
I want to have “for me” thoughts ready the next time the enemy discourages me! Thank you!!!
Learning that the words I speak to myself are powerful is what I’m learning. If I say negative things that’s the way I think but if I speak God’s truth It changes me inside and out.
Praising God that Aster’s appt went well. How is your son’s collar bone (I believe that was what he injured) doing?
Life is not always pleasant and I have days where I feel like I cannot do another thing, but my God is bigger than me and is always there to lift me up. Praying for you that your back gets better. Blessings, Elaine
Thank you Renee for the post. I am having a very hard time with my confidence. I am just a little behind in the study. I have a very hard time letting God Love me. I seem to be pushing him away from me. I try to let him in but I know how to pray for everyong around me but myself. I hope your back feels better some, my husband went through it and it is not easy. God Bless you.
I haven’t been able to keep up with the book study because I’ve had horrible morning sickness – but we are so thrilled to be expecting #3!!! Also, I read your book at a time in my life when I so desperately needed it – while I was in the midst of some hard struggles with depression and anxiety. I am SO thankful for your words!
I have to tell you, I got stuck in chapter 5. Life has been tough the last couple of weeks and the whole timeline thing stopped me dead in my tracks. However, last night I started reading again. I decided to put the timeline thing on hold for a bit. I figure it’s better to at least continue reading and answering questions than to just stop completely. Maybe a little later I can get back to the timeline. I really do love this study. I don’t know how you do it, but it seems like you have read my mind almost every day. I can’t thank you enought for this book and study. It has been such an encouragement…especially the words and pictures you post on facebook. Way cool! Thank you!
Great message, Renee!
I needed to hear this message today. I am so behind in this bible study but its ok as I meditate on what i learn. Thank.-you God for changing my heart and giving more more confident every day,
Sorry to hear about your back injury. I had a ruptured disk about 10 years ago. The pain and agony I went through before having surgery are very vivid. I am praying for you as you seek God’s wisdom and comfort during this time.
…Renee praying for your body!
So glad to her about your little girl..doing well.
I am always so ‘excited’…and challenged to look for your weekly email, so I can be all that HE desires for me..His own.
BLESS YOUR HEART…you dear, dear faithful one..you instruct and encourage each one of us..so well.
I am loving this book:) I must admit chapter 4 was tough for me & I still have to go back & do some of the exercises but am excited to see what the Lord wants to show me. I’m surprisingly on track w this study cuz I was a bit behind cuz chapter 4 almost stopped me…
I don’t really post statements but felt like it today:) I enjoy reading others posts & am amazed & excited to read God working His grace & glory around the world thru this great study:)
Be blessed:)
Thank you, I needed this today. Been a hard couple of weeks filled with self doubt. I like the am/fm message. It is easy to remember. Your P31 message was great too! Please keep speaking for those of us who need to hear!
Wow this was like a refresher from the message our interim pastor gave this past Sunday on forgiveness. The one thing we, as Christians, tend to forget is that “we are once for all saved” and we are then seen thru the eye of the cross as God views Christ through the eye of the cross, we are washed in His blood of our sins and are now righteous, clean, holy just like Christ. We also must remember God sent his son for all to be viewed that way as Christ died for all the sins of the world and we in turn need to remember that point and view all people as God does. Really left me feeling guilty as I am so inclined to consider myself judge of all the others in the world, who don’t accept this free gift. My desire now is to be the woman who encourages another so they can feel they are worthy of God’s love and the forgiveness he so freely offers to everyone, whether they be Muslim or any other religious belief or no belief, murderer, robber, beggar, tax collector, unethical, whatever their source of unbelief, they are still God’s children. Perhaps not believers of Christ, but certainly worthy of God’s neverending love and willingness to forgive once they do come do believe and understand and see it thru our actions, love for them and love of each other. And to not be so quick to believe the AM, but the FM. Thank you Renee, for that reminder and the encouraging words in your Encouragement for Today devotional as well as this lesson from your book.
This is all new to me… Discovering God in an active way after years of doubt and, yes, anger. Thank you Renee for helping me to see who God really is and that the Lord is indeed on my side.
Like several who wrote already, I also needed this video today. The title, “God’s Thoughts Towards Us”, is perfect to remind me that God’s thoughts are not the thoughts I have struggled with today. Feeling fear, worry, knowing God’s thoughts toward me helps for me to find peace, strength, courage, in the midst of my difficult day and difficult thoughts. There were a couple comments about the song in the video, “God’s in control” and that also was a helpful reminder. Yes, He is, and it is so reassuring. I love what you said, Renee, that we can position our thoughts to hear and live in God’s promises every day. I am so thankful for this study, your book, all those participating and sharing your hearts and prayers. I feel blessed and so encouraged to be a part. I’m so glad God led me to “A Confident Heart”.
Thank you for sharing God’s Word…it was an encouragement:)
Renee, you have taught me how to redefine myself according to His Word. A big change in my life ! This change has allowed me to accept His Love. And even bigger change in my life !
Thank you for this message. I know that thoughts are so important. What I’m wondering is, what do you do when you are so exhausted for a long period of time, due to life circumstances, that even trying to adjust your thoughts feels overwhelming? How do you get from feeling overwhelmed to embracing that God is for you? When times get really though, that concept can be hard to hold on to.
Mandy I can understand how you feel, seek God’s word, there are so many positive scriptures you could turn to in order to renew your confidence thru his confidece in you. Psalms are particularly good that way. I have several noted down at home, I am not good at memory but I know where to find my notes. I will get back and make note of them for you. Meditate daily on these as they will give you strength to face the next day and the next. Plaster them all over the house, your office, in your purse anywhere you know they are easily accessible so you can repeat them.
Thank you, Kay!
Thank you, Renee, for writing “A Confident Heart”, sharing video messages, and for this amazing Bible Study! It is such a blessing to so many! The video messages are so helpful for putting everything into focus. Thank you for sharing your gift of encouragement!
I am a first time visitor to your site. I was very encouraged and will visit again for more thank you! 🙂
All I know is that JESUS IS LORD , God IS IN Control, I am a single mom and I totally depend on HIM !!
that is so great Bobbie, way to go girl, I was that way once, single mom and I never gave up on God! And I still don’t! Keep it up, I am retiring on the 12th of March and so want to be an encouragement to others with that firm belief in Christ and knowing I am forgiven and God love’s me no matter what because he loves me just like he loves Jesus and the whole world!
Renee,
I enjoy your devo’s so very much. Thank you for the encouragement. I am in a place now where it is much needed. Thanks again. God Bless You.
I needed to hear this today. I need to be reminded (daily) that “God Is In Control” and that “He is For Us”. Somedays I get all confused with all of these thoughts that run through my mind. Sometimes I feel like I am completley loosing it! LOL! Thank you for this video. It helped calm all of the thoughts that are screaming through my mind.
Thank you all of my P31 sisters! You all are in my prayers!
Steph
I need to be praying more on the spot like you said when the feelings come, ask God what I’m thinking that is causing this. I also like to be prepared by having a FM thought already prepared for the AM thought. Thanks for sharing. Would love to win the books and a copy of the CD message. Would love a Target gift card also. It would really come in handy about now.
Blessings,
Thank you Renne for your encouragement. I just want to share something that my psychologist shared with me because I have a tendency to listen to the inner critic (acusser) in my mind.
She said “I want you when you hear your inner critic find what the evidence is to what the critic is saying.” Even though she is not a christian she totally gets the concept that we have an enemy that torments our minds. Now I can deal with that critic and say this is what God’s word says and what He says about me. The TRUTH will always triumph.
And so now I can say Thank you for the encouraging words that you’ve shared. Just last night a lady in our church was going through a crisis in her family and she reached to me. I gave her what encouragment I had in me all the while self doubt says you’re not good enough to tell her that. I gave anyway, hoping that it helped. We had a storm pass through last night and she was also facing one in her life as a Parent/Grandma. Lots of times when we are in the eye of the storm we can’t see daylight that’s coming. Praise the Lord, he can send someone to remind us that the darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I have days, maybe months, no probably a year on and off, where I have been feeling very down about myself. I don’t know why lately it seems I feel even more inadequate, and like I have failed in all areas of my life, as a wife, mother, sister in Christ and co-worker. Seeking God for guidance, but not seeing a change. I would love to develop a Confident Heart so that I can help my daughters to also have a Confident Heart for Christ. Thank you and God Bless You for helping us.
Thank you, Renee for your encouraging words and for empowering each of us as we do this study to proclaim the Word of God over our lives and to proclaim God’s truth when Satan comes against us with lies of doubt and unworthiness. It is through His word that we will overcome and be confident in Him 🙂