I have a video message today based on Chapter 10 of my book, A Confident Heart. Praying it encourages your heart and leads you closer to HIS today!
{If you are reading this via email click here to return to my blog to watch the video.}
Message Notes
Download video “Message Notes” in a notes in a PDF or in a Word doc here.
Side note: If you noticed something different about me in this video, it’s because I had a migraine the day we filmed it. Or maybe you didn’t even notice and I just to give myself grace, huh? 🙂
Knowing God By Name – Printable DOWNLOAD
Download and print a list of the Names of God I shared in the video and a few more from Chapter 10.
Let’s Connect: What do you want to apply from in today’s video message? And let’s share areone or two answers to our Chapter 10 Chapter questions?
{If you are reading this via email click here to return to my blog to share your thoughts.}
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Megan says
The line “this ones mine” …..I so need to know this right now. Thankyou for this song.
TJ Ellis says
just wanted to say that discovering God is not limited by my physical limitations is freeing would you please I will allow this truth to sing into my heart thanks. it is very real struggle for me at times
Tammy L says
Thankful for this study and for all of you ladies sharing your hearts – and thankful for the peacefulness of study pace I have found in learning the truths found in this study. Don’t you wish sometimes studying the Word is all we have to do!?
Looking forward to a summer study, Renee! Count me in please!
Janet F says
Praise God I was so glad to see in my email the videos for this study will be released to purchase!!! YIPPEE!!! AWESOME is all I can say because I was just thinking yesterday I wish I had them on a DVD so I can watch them whenever I want. Summer study sounds GREAT!!!
Tiffany says
Thank you so much, Renee for this study. I have learned so much from this book. Praying for Oklahoma!
Kathleen says
Summer study would be great. I really liked doing a study this way. I was please that I mostly kept up. I always look for summer studies. Even though my mom and work time take up most of my free time.
Gwenda says
WOW…… That’s about all I can say.
This book/study is totally amazing. God is doing amazing things in my life and my families.
Thank you
Julie says
This chapter came at a good time! I have always been taught that failure is not acceptable. Other people can fail, but If I fail, I have embarrassed myself and whoever else was depending on me. If I do something, then it has to be done to the best, not mediocre, and not failure. But The Lord is showing me that perfection is not possible. The best Christians fail, including ones who part seas, bring down fire from heaven, slay giants, build arks through floods, etc etc. it was good to hear n the video the verse that says that even if we fall seven times, we can still rise. Maybe it takes seven falls to learn how to stand firmly on Christ’s promises. I will say, life is lot easier if I know that each time I attempt something new, the is a chance I may fail before I learn how to do it right. Never failing means never trying, and God wants me to keep on trying!
Shelli says
I so need this study. When I signed up to received the studies it was great. I could actually do a study for myself without going any where. then I got sick and I have not caught back up. I have saved the emails so that I can go back when I can. Thanks for sharing!
Renee Swope says
So glad you didn’t give up completely Shelli. Praying you are healthy and able to read with us this week and next and then go back and start where you stopped. I hope you’ll read the book again and again. The archives will be here too 🙂
Blessings and hugs,
Renee
Pat says
It continues to amaze me how the Lord, brings everything together in learning about Him. Little did I know that chapter 10, would go side by side with another study that I am in at our church – Lord, I Want To Know You – by Kay Authur. In learning the different names of our Lord, it has and is bringing a whole new relationship with him. It has not been the easies week as I had to return for more test on a breast exam – the Lord, was my Jehovah Jireh – provides for me and my Jehovah Rapha – who heals me. At this time, we have been told that I do not appear to have cancer – and will have to return in 6 months to retest and make a decision to have a small growth removed. I know that the studies, that the Lord had already provided for me to be apart of was preparing me to know that He was with me holding my hand.
Renee, how can we thank you so much for your time and minister to us. We are truly blessed to be apart of this study and to know you.
God bless and hope this finds you better as well as your mother. Take care!
Renee Swope says
Thank you Pat. Your note really blessed me. I’ve felt wiped out this week {think Im catching up after such a stressful week with my mom – who is now better!}. So I haven’t been online as much as I wanted to be, but I love being able to come to my blog tonight and read ALL of you our different comments and feel like we’re all in a room together. I love doing this online study with all of you!!
caren says
First I would like to pray for Jehovah Rapha(My Healer) to heal all of the people in Oklahoma. Jehovah Shalom give them peace, let them know that you will never leave them or forsake them Lord. Help all of your
Children to come together, and help do whatever it takes to comfort them. (Donation, food, water, and personal supplies) this prayer I pray in Jesus name Amen. I first felt like wimp when it was time to get job to support my family. I had no confidence at all, (failing test, shaking all over on job interviews) I felt like Moses nerves, and not sure how to get God messages to P King. I prayed to Jehovah JIreh my provider to help me get job I needed to take care of my children. He made me a warrior, I went on interview head up, and spoke with confidence. God spoke through me just like he did with Moses. We all know what happened with Moses. Hi worked on that job for 18 years. I was a wimp being mom for first time, God made me strong mom of three & blessed me with four grandkids. Thanks Abba my father for making me a warrior & child of wisdom in my life. Your daughter forever Caren.
Renee Swope says
Amen, amen, amen!!
Jamie says
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers! I was finally able to finish the chapter today and I just hope and pray that as I continue my walk and grow in Christ that I am able to turn to GOD when satan begins to speak doubt and fear to me. I know that I have limited myself so much in my life because I have been afraid of failing, rejection and even looking foolish. I know God is not finished with me yet and I pray that the next time He calls upon me, I will faithfully follow Him.
Cindy says
I’m not sure where to begin with this post but here goes. Not too long ago I read one of your Encouragements which I receive daily. It dealt with prayer, being patient etc.
I’m dealing with a whole lot right now and sadly questioning if God really is even listening to me! Last year I reached the point where I gave the Lord the wheel of my life (after being saved a couple years ago) but I really gave in. I can’t understand why since then my life has gone drastically down hill! I’m in constant prayer, I’ve been praying, asking, knocking and seeking for years and nothing has gotten better. In fact things have gotten so bad that I’m totally against a wall in a dark tunnel with no sign of light at the end. I do not know where to turn. Ever felt like God has totally abandoned you? I’ve confessed to Him, asked for forgiveness, been thankful and grateful, but at 55 yrs old I’m at the LOWEST point in my life and financially I am at the bottom. Every time I see a little light, it’s dimmed and while I’ve always been an extremely positive upbeat person, I’m fearing I’m slipping into depression over this. The stress is killing me, I have anxiety and recently developed high blood pressure.
I find myself truly questioning the Lord lately and I don’t want to do this. I know this is why many turn away from God and believe me, I’m really fighting this. I don’t want to. But lately even in church I feel like why go, why read His word, and I hate these feelings. I just don’t know what to do. I have no way out of my situation. I just can’t understand why the Lord isn’t answering my prayers. Yes I understand I need trials and sufferings just as Jesus did for us, but this has been for YEARS ….5 years and I cannot be patient, there’s no more patience. The time and the money are gone waiting. Any suggestions for when you just can’t get your prayers answered?
Julie says
My prayers are with you, Cindy. It is hard to know why God will or will not answer prayer in the time that we need. All I can say is, don’t give up. He knows where You are and He hears. Sometimes, His timing has more to do with His plans and the lives of others than with us directly. May you continue to grow in faith and may He provide you with other believers who can pray with you through this difficult time. You are not alone, dear sister!
Bonnie says
Thank you Renee for this study. I have gotten a little behind but am trying to catch up. I have loved your book but having your videos has been such a blessing. I can tell God is helping me to train my mind to think more on HIS words than mine and it is awsome. Some days are good others when I am tired not so good 🙂 but He knows and forgives.
I have heard Matthew West song “Hello My Name Is” before but I heard it yesterday and thought about our study. Its so true how satan will put lies in our head but we are all a child of the King. I hope its ok to post the words to his song and hope it blesses someone today.
Hello My Name Is by Matthew West
Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief
These are the voices, these are the lies
And I have believed them, for the very last time
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed,
And I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life
What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King
FOR Jamie thank you for your testimony. So thankful you and your family are ok. How sweet your children singing to Jesus. Praying for everyone in OK.
Kourt says
Just yesterday, I was doubtful of my ability to coordinate an open house event for my work. After several communication attempts with a business, in hopes they would come and speak at the open house, I received an email telling me they were not interested. I came before the Lord, in pure panic, fear, and doubt because the event is just over a week away. I was broken, I cried out, asking for wisdom, strength, and help. I was defeated. That was until I got to work, where a coworker prayed for me. Through the Lord’s strength, and my coworkers prayer…. The Lord answered my plea by providing not one but TWO speakers within a matter of a couple of hours. In my moment of despair, defeat, and doubt, the Lord intervened, and renewed my confidence in Him….. just like He did with Gideon. The Lord reminded me yesterday that He is my Jehovah Jireh….The Lord Who Will Provide for Me
PILLAR says
Thank you Renee for speaking so eloquently (knowing now that you had a migraine too, it reinforces the fact God is strong when we depend on Him.) I LOVE what you said about God USING the DOUBTS to build our confidence to face our fears. And that when we depend on Him we will experience victory!!! God truly loves to use our weakness to tap into His strength and reveal His power, especially as we call on His promise names to bring ourselves closer to His Heart.
#7 Where I feel like a “wimp” and where I want Him to make me a warrior; what would it look like for me to be “more than a conqueror” through Him who loves me, in that area/role:
I feel like a wimp when I face the unknown…and guess what…everything is the unknown. I’ve claimed the promises of God being with me, and God guiding and protecting and yet I want to always peek over God’s loving shoulder and just KNOW that it will be ok. In fact, I REALLY have identified with Gideon since I ever learned of the story. Another story I identify with is how God lead the Israelites through the desert with a PILLAR of fire and PILLAR of cloud by day/night. They didn’t know where they were going or how they would get there, but God’s PRESENCE was always there.
And when I tremble with fear He promises: “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I WHO HOLD its pillars firm.” Psalm 75:3
He is our foundation and structure and holds us FIRM. Though the circumstances may quake around us, He always remains IN CONTROL and asks us to remain still as He carries us through it all. So for me to look like a conqueror is to reflect my God as a PILLAR, who moves when He leads me, who stays still when He tells me and holds firm as He holds me firm, rather than being tossed and turned by the winds of doubt and my own understanding.
As you can tell, names mean a lot to me 😉 He becomes to us what we call Him and associate with Him, and likewise, what we call ourselves as we identify ourselves in Him.
Tammy Haymon says
My favorite part of the reading in chapter 10 today was the first full paragraph on page 197 that talked about to be free from fear we have to hold on to what God is teaching us, replacing our ways with his. So easy to read and say, but SO HARD to do. It is so easy to just continue doing what I’ve been doing. Changing my thought patterns from fear and defeat to confidence and victory is a DAILY struggle. So thankful for Renee writing this book and laying it all out so clearly. When I finish this book, I’ll start right back at the beginning and read again because this is something I need to be reminded of daily. This book has even encouraged me to start a Bible study of my own again.
Tammy Haymon says
Answering a question from the book: #5-God surprises me often when he answers my prayers because I have allowed people and circumstances to cause me to be cynical. I really do not trust God as I should. Faith was definitely NOT my spiritual gift, but one of my lowest scores. Something I struggle with daily.
Tammy Haymon says
Always loved Gideon’s story because it is so ME!!
Jaime says
I have been on a journey since last December (thanks to paralyzing fear) really getting on my knees and seeking God out. Have been a Christian since I was six, grew up in church, even went to Christian school. I had Bible class daily, and didn’t KNOW God. I love the msg today, needed the msg today, but am having such a hard time leaving my fears at the cross. I want to, try daily, trust God in my heart, believe His word is tru, and pray His promises but I cannot seem to overcome. I am so titir
Jaime says
Oops, so tired of being in this place and want to move forward!!!!!!! I need to know the things I know to be true in my head, in my heart, in my gut. I just don’t know HOW. I cry out to God daily. I have been sleeping in my prayer closet literally at night praying myself to sleep. It feels pitiful to admit, but it’s true. I’m desperate. Can anyone who has overcome this please keep me in prayer since you know the terror in which I live.
Maureen says
I can’t say that I have overcome it, but I can relate to how you feel. Keep praying! I have some days when I can do it and feel peace, other days are harder. Let’s not ever give up! Praying for you:)
nancy kimball says
I have always wanted to know God and to have him in my life. He has become the center of my being and has helped me very much when I am down and troubled. I am not afraid when I fall and I am always able to get up with his help. He has blessed me with the power to heal and help others and he has given me the strength to go forward when I need to rise above. I love the names of God and I have printed them out to have as a list to look at — We are not perfect and we have a tendency to blow things but the Lord forgives us. I have felt closer to the Lord than ever before and have faith that he will continue to guide me and protect me as I go along on my journey. Thanks for the names of God and thanks for a wonderful video.
Rachel S says
I am really wanting to KNOW God. Some scripture that I am reading say to fear the Lord. Does anyone have some verses they can share to help me know how to fear the Lord. I am also praying about this, but I want to understand what this means.
Gloria C says
Forgot to answer a question from the book:
#7 . There are so many areas of my life where I have either felt like a wimp or a failure that I can’t count them. I still feel that way in some areas. The latest area I’m struggling with is leadership. I have never wanted to be in a leadership role, but people keep putting me there! For example, I agreed to co-lead a Bible study because the leader did everything. She would organize the entire study, write out the questions or discussion topics, etc. It was easy to assist her and she was seldom gone, so basically, all I had to do was make comments here and there, or do some reading. Then SHE MOVED AWAY!!!!! So guess who was left as the leader of the group with no one else to step in? I don’t even have a co-leader to help me–it’s just me! I panicked at first, as I often do. I’m also very emotional so I cried. God has been so faithful to help me! I think I look like a warrior to everyone else, but inside I know I’m a wimp. What would it look like to be the warrior instead of the wimp? I guess I would have a peace about leading, knowing that God is there beside me–Emmanuel, and He is my strength– El Sali. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! So I intend to take one step at a time and trust Him to help me be the leader He wants me to be. Since He put me there, He will see me through!
Sheila says
Gloria,
So proud of you for hanging in there and choosing to continue to lead your Bible study group. If you would like to read and study more about leadership, John C. Maxwell writes fantastic books on the subject. He is a former minister and inspirational speaker.
Blessings In Christ,
Sheila
Courtney says
Gloria, I think it’s awesome that you accepted the role, and challenge of leading your Bible study group. That act alone please God and shows him that you yearn for Him, and excited about teaching His word. My grandmother always told me God gives his greatest task to His greatest warriors. And my OBS sister, this is your task! As you stated, take it day by day. He knows your strengths and limitations. Do the part you can and do it well. I promise you, sweet Gloria, if you do your part, HE WILL do the rest! 🙂
Julie says
Yes He will, so keep praying, dear sister!
Gloria C says
This chapter really spoke to me. I want to be like Gideon and go from” wimp to warrior” as Donna B put it! I want to know God more and learn to be more like Him! I love the names of God and printed out a copy to keep with me and one to keep in my journal. What a great idea! It’s so hard for me to fall and fail. I can really get down on myself when I fall short. Thankfully, God doesn’t see my falls as failures. He sees them as teaching opportunities. May I also learn to look at them that way and view them as learning opportunities instead of failures. Thank you so much for this chapter! I learned a lot!
Anna says
The video was amazing, no hint of a migraine, done very gracefully… thank you. I’ve printed out all the messages notes from this study, I go over them often, and love the scriptures and know that I can go back over them when ever I want. Thank you for providing those for us. Also thank you for the list of the Names of God. I’m keeping that in my purse. I really love all of them, the one that jumped out at me right away was El Sali: God of My strength.
I love it that I can depend on God and know Him in such a personal way, that He will “hold my hand when I fall” beautiful…I have found myself praying more, talking to Him more….I want to be transformed like Gideon “from wimp to warrior” to have confidence, to lose the doubt, the fear and the worry. Although I know all that will never go away, I want to become a stronger woman and much more dependent on God. I love your prayer on the study notes..”Lord, I want to know You for who You really are so that I learn to trust You and follow You more and more each day!!!!
I want to share my answers to question 4. When I sustained the injury to my back, and I became unable to continue working, I had several surgeries, and my whole life changed. I lost my income and 4 months later, my husband lost his job because the company went under. I totally wanted to know “Why God”, and I prayed for God to change our circumstances. We were lost at first, asking ourselves, why, what are we going to do?. Well, we held on to God’s promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. Although my husband was unemployed for three years, he found work here and there, we had neighbors who helped us, our older children helped us. We had yard sales and sold whatever we didnt need, or use. We came close to losing our home twice..but in all of that we saw God’s hand in so much.. Blessed we never went without food, and we still had our home…. then things started to change.. I was granted disability and slowly we started to recover, after the three years my husband got a full-time job.
This experience helped us grow closer to God, He changed us both, our marriage became stronger and we learned that we had to be frugal, live a more simple life, not take things for granted. God opened doors for us in amazing ways and always provided, and to this day He keeps providing and blessing us.
I want to grow more and more confident and continue to grow more and more dependent on God.
I love what you said Renee: ” Instead of giving up, Jesus empowers us to get up again”…AMEN
Thank You El Sali: God of my Strength
Deborah Parson says
I am being blessed and strengthen by your book and your testimonies-I have had some struggles that was trying to make me lose my confidence. I am trusting God for my strength and to continue on the successful journey he has planned for me. Thank you!!
Beth Werner Lee says
That was beautiful, and I listened to it while my daughter was getting dressed, so hopefully the word is seed sown in her too. I like the list of God’s names that I also printed out, thank you! Posting it on the wall soon. Can I ask, are there other videos that you made, with notes to fill in? I only caught one for chapter 4 and now this one at chapter 10. I have really been enjoying the pace of reading this together. It is just right for me, and this is just the right time. So I thank you and praise God.
Debbie Jo Vondrak says
It’s all about depending on God, getting to know his character and trusting in Him. His grace is such a wonderful gift…..
We need to stay close to God and keep asking Him to show us Himself; we can turn away from the shadow of doubt and stand in the light of God’s truth!!!
aimee says
Renee –
thank you for this post –
so many times, i have a hard time of not knowing how much is my burden of responsibility of doing things, but this gave me perspective in how to leave all of my worries/doubt at the foot of the cross, trust God will give me the strength to carry on, trust God that he will provide the ways, trust God to give me the eyes of discernment, and carry through… Although there are certain burdens I have to bear, I can trust God that he is there with me always.
Cindy says
Greetings! I really appreciate the list of the Names of God. I am familiar with many, but there are few that are new to me: El Channum – the Gracious God; El ha-Gibbor – the Mighty God, God the Hero; El Sali – God of My Strength; Yahweh Tsuri – The Lord My Rock. The scripture that goes with The Lord My rock is Psalm 144:1. I just have to put verse 2 with it: “Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle– 2 My loving-kindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. ” Such affirmation! Praise our Living, Loving God!!
Courtney says
Renee, thank you for a lovely message! I needed that reminder that we can use our failures to draw us closer to God and rely fully on him. I like to say we can use our set backs for our set ups! As you mentioned Proverbs 14:16 states that we will all fall, BUT we will rise!
The two questions I would like to share are 6 and 7.
6. Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Who Will Provide for Me; Jehovah Rapha: The God Who Heals Me; Jehovah Shalom: The Lord My Peace; and Jehovah Rohi: The Lord My Shepard are the names and characteristics of God I need to live “in dependence”. When I start to worry about money, or how the bills will get paid; I must the Lord will provide and he is my Sheppard; I shall not want. I have never been without any necessity and he has always made a way. I may not get everything I want, but He makes sure I have everything I need. I am also experiencing some health issues. Instead of fretting and self diagnosing, I need to remember God will heal me! When my world feels upside down and unrest, I must remember the Lord will provide peace.
7. And I am praying the Lord will make me a fearless warrior! I want to try new things and sometimes I wont because I’m afraid of fear. I am asking the God will take the spirit of fear from me.
Gloria C says
Loved your entry, Courtney! May God grant you your requests as you trust in Him!
Courtney says
Thank you, Gloria! I just need to fully trust and don’t question! I also need to remember that delayed does not mean denied! God’s timing almost never matches ours. I need to calm my spoiled 2 year old inner girl with all the whining and pouting when things do not happen when I think it should; and trust whatever I’m asking for will be given to me when He knows the best timing.
Susan Whitaker says
Thank you Renee. I love your book and this Bible study. I listen to your videos repeatedly.
I soak in every word and I go back and read what I have noted and highlighted.
Diane W says
This morning, I was reading over underlined portions of this chapter. What spoke to me was on pg 197.
“If we want to be free from fear so that we can walk in faith, we have to hold on to what God is teaching us, replacing our ways with His. We will only overcome our fears by walking through them, holding God’s hand and trusting His heart to lead, protect, and preserve us.” I seem to have many fears and worries. I pray that I will overcome them, by walking through them, holding God’s hand and trusting Him to ear me.
Renee, I laughed out loud, when I read the part that when your husband was on travel, you slept with your phone, address book, etc. I too, sleep with my phone, my flashlight and I lock my door. I also have scripture taped on my lamp although, when I read it, it helps me to lie down and sleep in peace.
Pat says
I have enjoyed and received so much from this bible study. You have done such a good job of sharing with us it makes you seem as real as we are. I know God led me to this study at this time. Thank you so much for being so open with your life. It always helps to know others share some of the same problems, heartaches and issues in life. I want to use what I have learned from this study to help other women. God Bless You!
Britney says
The part of the video I’d like to apply to my life is remembering that “it is not about being perfect, it is about accepting my weaknesses and letting them make me more dependent on God’s perfect love and power.” I want to deny my weaknesses, or if I see them pray them away or fix the mistakes I’ve made. I want to do everything right! It is exhausting, and impossible. What makes it harder is when my mother points out all the things that I have done and am doing wrong. She wants to break my confidence so that I will need her to help me, I want God’s help. Her need to feel needed is hurting our relationship. I don’t want to do that to my kids. I see myself doing that sometimes.
A few answers to chapter 10 quesions:
#4
Yes, last summer with my parents. I wanted God to hurry up and make my parents apologize to my husband so we could get back to the way things were. He revealed to me that the way I had tried to make my mom happy was not my duty. I could not do everything, say everything, and feel everything the way she wanted me to. I could not let my emotions and feelings be controlled by the way she felt or behaved. We did not have a healthy reationship. It also taught me how to listen to my husband, to submit to him because he is there for my protection. I was thankful instead of angry and impatient.
#6
Jehovah Nissi- My banner of victory
El-Roi- The God who sees me and loves and accepts me
Abba- My Father
Gloria C says
So proud of you Britney! You learned a lot! It sounds like God blessed you with a wise, caring husband. So glad you submitted to him. When we do things God’s way, it always turns out better in the end! Keep up the good work!
Britney says
You saying you are proud of me brought tears to my eyes! Thank you, I feel like you gave me a message from God that I needed to hear.
Renee Swope says
Thank you for sharing your answer to #4. What a valuable lesson you learned – in so many ways. God wants your heart to be healthy and protected and sometimes setting boundaries is what He’s calling us to do. You are very blessed to have a husband who sees that too :)!!
Britney says
It has been hard to keep the boundaries in place when they seem to make my mom so angry. I have learned to stand, and stand still quietly for long periods of time. It is a challange, but I can do all things thought Christ who is my strength. One my own I can do nothing!
Julie says
Thank you for sharing, Britney. I feel the same way about my parents at times, that their criticisms and judgmental comments are ways to keep me more dependent on them. And I catch myself doing the same thing to others! But this is unhealthy codependent behavior and God wants me to depend on Him. And to respond to my parents with understanding instead of frustration or anger, That they need to be needed because they don’t really know God, and for me to pray that they learn to depend on Him for fulfillment. Thanks for sharing your journey, may God bless your richly today!
Britney says
Julie,
You are so right! I need to keep praying for them to learn to depend on Him for fullfillment. Sometimes I forget that. Thanks for the reminder.
Edith says
A number of years ago, I was doing my devotions. It struck me that I knew about God but I had to wonder if I really knew God. I asked Him who He was- did He have a favorite colour?; what did He “look” like?; who was He? I was blown away with how quickly He answered and with what His answer was. I had randomly opened my Bible and the verse that caught my attention said something like “I am the gracious and compassionate God”. I decided to look up the references that came before to see where this originated. What I found astonished me. It lead me back to Exodus 34:5-6 “Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, “. I was so moved because the God who revealed Himself to Moses had revealed Himself to me in the same way. I felt overwhelmed because of how insignificant I felt I was but yet how precious God sees me. He is the gracious and compassionate God who abounds in love so much so that my question was not insignificant to Him. He wants me to KNOW Him – not just to know about Him.
Diane W says
That’s awesome, Edith! God is so faithful! He wants us to know Him and He loves us. 🙂
Gloria C says
I loved your story Edith! What a blessing & what a mighty, yet personal, God we serve!
Renee Swope says
Thank you so much for sharing your story Edith. What a precious personal story God wanted you to have – of the day He answered your question with such tenderness and clarity. I am touched by your love for HIM!!
teresa says
Renee, I am really enjoying the Confident Heart Bible Study. The Lord has used this Bible Study to speak to my heart and show me that I can be confident in HIM through whatever life throws at me. I am so blessed and I am praising HIM through the storms, as well as the blessings. I am learning to lean totally on HIM. Thank you so much for following your heart and becoming such a blessing to me and many other women as we strive to serve as women of Christ.
traysee says
I second that. i know my redeemer lives im a witness to who he is an he showed up i mean he showed up. A couple yrs ago i was in a car accident a few studies i question God if he was real for me. with the accident i slammed into a unseen park van on a overhead bridge after hitting the van the car spun out of control. For an impact like that i was suppose to b dead but as the car spun i felt this light grip around me suppressing me from going forward. when all said an done i walked away with a small scratch on my finger thats when he said to me satan wanted u dead but i bought u with a price an none that the Fathet puts in my hand will I lose. the parametics came one asked me did my head struck the windshield i said no he asked the same question two more times then he said mam when we got on the bridge we knew we were coming for a corspe. to God b the glory He’s real believe that. some times just like Gedion we ask for reinsurances because theres alot of voices out there an to thirst an hunger for the real deal is worth it. the car was total but not my life.
Mindy says
Renee, I so needed to hear this this morning! Thank you so much for sharing God’s message! I find it amazing that doing 2 simultaneous bible studies has so many corresponding messages! Yesterday I was reading Tracie Miles’ book “Stressed-Less Living” and she quoted CS Lewis from “Prince Caspian”. She was talking about how God seems bigger to us the more we get to know Him. I love that you spoke on the same thing here. I have been striving for a closer more personal relationship with my Lord and I am so thankful for Him leading me to this and Tracie’s book and the Bible studies groups!! Thank you for sharing with us!
Diane W says
Mindy, I too am doing both studies at the same time!!! There are several parallels in the books . It reinforces what we are learning!
Alice R says
Although I am not doing the Stressed-less study I am doing another one with several members of the church I attend; we are studying a book called Knowing God by J.I. Packer and it is so great how both studies are meshing – you would think they were written to go hand in hand! Isn’t God great? Lol! Keep loving on Him!
Sonja Bailey says
I have found recently that in ,y personal choice to find a closer walk with THE LORD that many times different sources are saying the same thing or directing me to the same verses …I truly belief it is THE HOLY SPIRIT…GOD knows what we need… and He knows when it is HIS TIME…
I love Proverbs 31, all of the Ladies are amazing…they were what it took to get me back in church so I hear THE WORD on a regular basis and I am welcomed by people that love and support me… and my family…
Renee Swope says
Love when God speaks to us, saying the same thing in different ways 🙂 I always feel so pursued when He does that!!
TABITHA JONES says
Mindy,
I am too am doing the 2 studies and I feel I must really need what these ladies are teaching for God to put it in both studies.
Claret says
This message really hit home! Yesterday I had a lot of stress around driving and I came to an area that I felt really anxious and I took a deep breath and thought I can do this! I did it because God was there. I felt His spirit in the car. I remembered, with his grace, that I was not alone and the bridge was not going to cause me harm. I have come a long way with my driving because of my relationship with God. The more I know about Him, the more I want to trust Him. I feel like a scared little girl but the voice that tells me to keep on is that of a woman. I have been referring to Emmanual and Jehovah-Jireh. Sharing Christ with other loved ones who are facing challenges really affirms His love for me and keeps me from thinking of self but of His community of women who together are sharing and trusting His Mighty Power.
Be confident in Him, my sisters!
Renee Swope says
So proud of you for trusting HIM more and more each day Claret. He is setting you free!!
Jamie says
This week has been very surreal for me. We live in Moore, OK. My family and home made it through the storm safely. I am thankful for God’s protection over us and will forever remember my children huddled in the bathtub singing Jesus loves me, this I know. God is my Protector! Please pray for our community through this devastating time.
Mindy says
Jamie, so extremely thankful that you and your family are safe!!! Amazed at God’s power for destruction as well as protection! I will be praying for your community and you. God bless!
dKnighTweets says
Definitely joining you all in prayer, Jamie!! Whenever good pulls is thru, it’s for a purpose! Live it!
Bernadette Burgess says
Jamie, thank God for his protection in your time of need. I ask God to comfort you and your family and all families who were affected by the devastation of your community. All Gods blessing and favor to you.
Courtney says
Jamie, I am thankful that you and your family are okay! And, I’m happy God is leading you to gather with your online sister! I pray for peace and protection in your life and in your entire community. Trust God! He has a plan already in place!
Hugs and prayers,
Courtney
Cindy says
Jamie: Thank you so much for sharing this testimony. 🙂 Continuing to pray for you, your family and your community. God bless you richly!
Anna says
Jamie: Praying for you and your family, and everyone in the community. Thanking God that you are safe. Asking our Lord to give you all strength, and comfort you in this time of need. God is in control, trust in Him and He will show you His plan.
Gloria C says
Oh Jamie! What a testimony! So thankful you are safe and greatly blessed and humbled by your children singing “Jesus Loves Me” in the bathtub during the storm. You have trained them well in the ways of the Lord! God bless you all. Praying for you and your community. My son lives in Oklahoma City so it hit pretty close to home for me as well. May God continue to bless you with peace.
Gloria C says
Oops! I meant to say, I was greatly blessed and humbled by your children singing.
Vicki says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Even though the news has been so horrific, there has been so many stories of God’s grace, his blessings and protection over so many. It’s been beautiful to hear how so many of the ones left with nothing have such faith in the Lord. Wow! May God continue to bless you with His mighty hand and sovereign love.
Bonnie says
Praying for your whole community…God was surely with all
Madeline says
Our prayers are with you and your communities.
Ferehiwot aka Tati Michael says
I am joining you, and your community n prayer Jamie. Stay focused in prayer and don’t be anxious nor weary for the Lord is with you and your loved ones at all times.
Renee Swope says
Praying for you and your family, and your whole community. Praying for all of the injured and for so many who have been devastated by these tornadoes and storms. ~Renee
Donna B says
Gideon went from wimp to warrior! One of my favorite messages and love the names of God! Thanks much!