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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Lord, I Want to Know You {and a GiveAway!}

I’ve got so many fun things to share with you today!!  First, I have a special video message – just for you – from Chapter 10 of A Confident Heart.  In it I share about the power of knowing God by His Names and learning to living in the security of who HE is! Praying it will really encourage and inspire you today!

And, we just found out about an amazing deal on my book, (more details after the video) and we’ve got a Contagious Confidence GiveAway you don’t want to miss! {But first, click the arrow for today’s  message.}

Message Notes
Download video “Message Notes” in a notes in a PDF or in a Word doc here.

BIG NEWS
A Confident Heart Ebook for Kindle is on sale for $2.99 through March 25th! And it’s now #1 in Theology and #1 in Women’s studies on Amazon Ebooks! We’re blown away by how God is carrying this message into so many more hearts and lives. We’d love for you to share the news – and guess what? Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle App on your computer, cell phone and other electronic devices here!

Online Study
I would love for you to join my Confident Heart online Bible/Book study that starts again April 23rd. It’s been incredible to read through the book with thousands of women around the world so I’m going to do it again this  Spring. You can find all the info you need in my right sidebar–>

Knowing God By Name – printable
 Download and print an list of  the Names of God – the ones I shared in the video and more from Chapter 10 in A Confident Heart.

Contagious Confidence Giveaway

Enter to WIN

  • Click “Share Your Thoughts” below this post and do just that!
    Share what     challenged or encouraged you in today’s video message or devotion.
  • Extra Chances to Win the Target Gift Card!

    • Share today’s post via Facebook, Twitter or email. The  “Tell A Friend” buttons (next to the comments) below this post make it really easy. 🙂 {Leave an extra comment letting me know you did!}
    • Sign up where it says “Receive Email Updates” in my right sidebar.{Leave an extra comment letting me know you did or if you already are and you’ll be entered to win again!}

Let the fun begin! I’ll be reading your thoughts and praying for you all day!

Comments

  2. thank you so much for this video such truth to this that we all need to live by it and work on it . I know myself this is something that I really struggle with and need to work on . As this is something that i have struggled all my life with and still do. Going to remember when in doubt or afraid ect to write those things on a piece of paper and throw them in the garbage. Thank you for blessing my life not only with your video today but with all your post

    • You share my thoughts too! I just like to say what they mean when I have trouble pronouncing His many, wonderful, names.

  4. Dearest Renee,

    I can’t tell you how grateful I am of your book and online bible study!! I never knew how deep of a relationship I could have with God and thought my insecurities was a part of who I was…..never even knew how to start building more confidence. I grew up Catholic, but we never went to church (sometimes on Easter, sometimes on Christmas) but one thing we always did was say grace before dinner. I knew of God, but didn’t KNOW Him and didn’t know how to have a relationship or even know that I Should have a relationship. Thank You!

  5. I’m a little late in viewing the email and posting that I have been receiving your email updates since one of the beginning 7 Day Doubt Free diet series, which I really enjoyed as well! I never saw the story of Gideon as being an example I could follow but your video and chapter show what a good example he is! Thank-you for doing this online study. I have really enjoyed it!

    Nancy

  6. I thank God for His grace and for giving you the words that keeps me going. Sometimes it’s just so hard to know how to make it but then someone or something will say or do something that clicks with me.

  7. It’s such a challenge for me to talk about what Christ has done to my life in front of friends and family that don’t know him. They are the ones that need to hear it most and I am too afraid to expose myself. I hate when fear rules my life. I am praying for confidence to share my story of how Christ redeemed my life and how he is still changing me. My friends and family need this hope from me.

  8. I bought Confidant Heart for my Kindle several weeks ago but haven’t
    gotten very far reading yet. Wednesday, I read the devotional Getting
    Up Again & went to work. That afternoon I was called into HR & told
    that I wouldn’t have my job next school year. I was devistated. This is
    my calling but I know that God is in control. It was no coincidence that
    that particular verse & devotional were on Encouragement for Today on
    that day. It was just what I was going to need

  9. I cannot express how perfect this video message was for me in this very moment in time. I have been focusing one Trusting God more in my life, bringing all my worries and concerns to him and not dwelling in the shroud of fear that can easily take over. I want to fully accept the BLESSING the Father has given me…Accepting his love and knowing he will not forsake me. To be Strong & Courageous, Joshua 1:9

    To lay down all worries…

    There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

  10. I’ve learned so much from this study. Before I started, I was afraid….afraid of life, fear to move forward. I had fatih in God, but not the kind of faith I should have. Now….My Lord is my strength, he guides me through each day. This study has opened my eyes and heart to how God can and will control everything in my life, if I let him. Worry, depression, fear are now laid at Gods feet to handle. I feel the peace he gives me. Thank You so much for your book, and this study….It came at a time I really needed it.

  11. This spoke right to me:
    The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.

    Perhaps you have also allowed failure to knock you down, tie you up with the ropes of regret and hold you hostage like I have.

    The greatest defeat comes when I allow my mistakes, sins or broken relationships to convince me that I might as well give up.
    …

    I think God wants us to remember that following Him is not about avoiding failures and being perfect. It’s about accepting our weaknesses and becoming more dependent on His perfect love and power at work in us.

    I’ll send it on to my women friends so they, too, can be reminded it’s not about perfection but dependence on HIM.

  12. I Thank you for sharing. I’ve learned much from this Bible study about myself , my relationship with Christ and how it is related so closely with every day life. it seems I’m relearning this again and again. Loved how you used the story of Gideon and his relationship with God and how it worked in his every day life. It’s such a blessing to know God is in control and every time I see and review the names of God I always remember how much God is in my life even when I’ve failed he picks me up and is there. I reposted yourvideo on my FB knowing it would be shared with others that may need encouragement. Thanks again for shareing and encouragement to share through your study. Praying for you and those participating in your study, Just knowing I am in a constant process of becoming and in a walk with my God. God’s Blessings

  13. I don’t do Twitter or Facebook but I do share your site with friends by email. I continue to appreciate your words of encouragement to have a Confident Heart.and be a more Confident Women . That video was wonderful thanks for sharing all of GOD’S names. I have to confess have alwready finshed the book last couldn’t put it down it’s AWESOME! Look forward to your next book Renee MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAAMILY.

  14. I’ve enjoyed — and LEARNED from — this study so much! It has been genuinely life-changing. I can’t begin to tell you how comforting it has been to learn more about God and how he views us, His Royal Daughters, by reading Renee’s words through her prayers, writing, videos, and leading us through Scripture. Chapter 10 really made me see how this book has helped quiet my self-doubt and fears. I love how I now know that I share the same flaws and doubts as so many other God-fearing women, this is very comforting. :^) I will reach for this book time and time again and will definitely have it in mind to suggest to my Christian sisters.

  15. I am re-posting on Chapter 10 blog. Mine didn’t go through the other day.

    I liked this video from Renee Swope. The closing thoughts said: “Gideon learned to follow God more consistently by depending on God’s strength instead of his own. He shifted his focus from doubting himself to believing his God. More than just helping him conquer the Midianites, God also helped Gideon conquer his personal enemies of doubt and fear. And He wants to do the same things in our lives. Oftentimes God will use our doubts to build our confidence by calling us to face our fears and do something we would never choose to do on our own. But when we depend on Him, we experience victory we never thought possible! I know how that feels, because with all that has been going on with my severe health challenges I never thought that I could handle it, but I can! God is the one who has me by His right hand and He is leading the way for the victory! He is going to get the glory in all of this and I know without a doubt how much He loves me! Why can we rise again? Because we have a God who promises to be there to take our hand and help us up again. In Psalm 37: 23-24 says, (insert your name in the blanks) “The steps of _Kimberly_____ are established by the Lord, and He delights in _Kimberly’s___ way. When _Kimberly_________ falls _she____ will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds __Kimberly’s__________ hand. (NASB). He will be there for us and when we do fall He will pick us up again. I hope you like this video as much as I did and to know the promises He gives us.

  17. I absolutely loved chapter 10 I loved how God turned Gideon from a wimp to a great warrior and how patient He was with Gideon as well. Just like He has been so patient with me.

  18. I just watched your video! Another awesome one too good not to share…just shared the video via Facebook. (big smile.) The part that caught me the most is that God promises to be there to take our hand and help us up again. And so, why do we try so often to stay down or attempt to get up on our own? I have recently challenged myself to become more dependent on God…to know Him…and to trust Him more and more. And you totally said that in this video!!! Once again, I heard God speaking through you. Thank you. I will continue to grow in my confidence as I learn to live in His promises and seek Him!

    Giveaway: Just shared thoughts-check! : ) Shared the video via Facebook (hope that counts)-check! : ) I already receive your email updates-check. : )

  19. I am so excited for your on-line biblestudy. My heart is broken and aching during this season in my life and I am needing to fill my heart with the Truth of God. Contagious Confidence is what my heart is yearning for and I can’t wait to begin! I love getting your emails and I will be facebooking you when I get home for lunch!! Thanks for the chance to win and for the encouragement! I need it!!

  20. I need a friend, Renee. You probably don’t have the time to stretch yourself any further. Is there anybody?

    • Doris,
      Find comfort in knowing that you have thousands of women participating in this study praying for YOU! I don’t know what you’re going through, but I do know that God knows. Trust Him. Continue to focus on His promises. Big hug and many prayers!
      For His Glory,
      Kristin

  21. Angelina Wenceslao are you still following along with the blogs and did you ever get the book? Also thinking of you as far as your court case, how did that go, praying all went well!

    • I love how we are all praying for one another! Yes, Angelina, I am with Dawn on this one…would love to hear from you. Still lifting up prayers.

  22. I thank you for chapter 10 I am glad you included the names of God. The one that stood out and ministered to me is El Roi The God who Sees Me. I like the fact God knows me intimately as Psalm 139 says and still accepts, loves me in spite of my failures. What an awesome God!

  23. Thank you for reminding me that the more I know God…the more my confidence will grow. I have been having some health issues and being a single mother of 3 children, I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious about not being able to find a job since May 2011. I want to build an awesome relationship with God. Hearing your video helped me feel so much better about trusting God. My struggles are stepping stones that are helping me grow spiritually!

  25. can’t watch the video right now (something happened to my downloader, internet too slow to watch instantly, so I have to figure something out.)

    Anyway – haven’t got to Chapter 10 yet. I know you said if you are behind, just skip ahead and get into chp 10 now and go back later, but I still haven’t been able to sit and read yet. I think as a church we are still grieving well I know we are, and it’s hard to get back into a routine.

    I am still holding onto a promise that something will change as I read this book and God’s word however, and won’t quit.

  27. I just wanted to share how my insecurity, worry and doubt are impacting me in a situation currently. I have two whispers happening one saying ‘quit, stop, rest’ and one saying ‘dont quit, work harder, what will people think if you stop, your closing the door on this career, what if you regret it later…etc’. I have been praying for Gods direction and yesterday read your devotion on Proverbs 31 ministries and read your blog. This is me – full of self doubt and in my particular situation currently it is self doubt that if I leave this career behind that the identity and worth I found in it will go, the future I was planning goes, the defining myself by what I do, what I accomplish will go, and I fear disappointing others, I fear not being able to help my son, I fear needing to seek help from others and looking silly, I fear letting go of job security. And when I read the devotion and chapter one of your book together with seeking God this week I am hearing that my self doubt, my fears, my pride, my insecurity is me leaning on my understanding, me putting my trust in me, my work and my abilities. I need to repent and receive afresh the grace of God and trust Him with everything. I will fail, I will fall, I will disappoint people, I will need help at times and in all these I have a great God is there for me and wants me to glow and shine in His light. For too long I have tried so hard to make everything happen but I was standing in a shadow by myself, today my hope and trust are in God.

    • Rachel,
      Did I read correctly that you are you just starting this book study? Girl, if so, get excited at what’s to come! You’re going to love it! Keep trusting Him! Blessings to you!

  28. I just read your message on Proverbs 31 ministries email. I ordered Confident Heart book and signed up for the study—thank you! I asked God for MORE—I wanted to know more about HIM and He is so wonderful, I’m finding out more ways to learn about Him!!

    • Get excited! Invite other women to go through this study with you. Each and every one of you will be so happy you did. Enjoy! Blessings.

  29. Hi Renee,

    Thank you so much for being available to God. He works through you at just the right time to bring encouragement. The message of getting up, trying again and learning from our mistakes is so good. It was so good to watch your video right after I reminded myself about failing forward. How awesome that Jesus empowers us to get up again. Such love.
    I let my friends know about your uipcoming study since it is so helpful. Every woman needs to do this study. I am so glad God led me to it.

  30. I just love the names of God thank you so much for including those in your study! One year I wrote all the names of Christ on a beautiful ribbon and wrapped it around my Christmas tree as a decoration. We liked it so much it went around the tree for about five years! I
    I also have really enjoyed your video. We all fail sometimes and fall throughout our journey with Christ. Our pastor frequently reminds us that we need the Gospel every day and he is so right our failures remind us that we are always in need of a Savior. Our God is a God of second chances and “do overs” and he gives us lots of chances to mature and grow through our weaknesses. I loved reading the honesty in these posts. Thank you ladies for sharing!

  31. PS I am already signed up to recieve emails and LOVE it. Thanks for being so encouraging.

  32. It was very comforting to hear that the righteous will fall. Not if they fall or maybe they will fall, but WHEN they fall. I have fallen so many times and God has always been there to pick me and love me. I do not know what I would do without my loving Father. When I fall and everything around is falling, He is there to pick me up and reassure me that He will never leave me.

    I LOVE the list of God’s names. I can not wait to print it off and have a copy hanging on my bathroom mirror where my husband and I can see it and reflect on it daily.

  33. The devotion (Getting Back Up Again) from yesterday was the bullseye to my target need. A woman has two major decisions to make in her life: to follow Christ, and to choose who to marry. Because I chose poorly on that second decision, I live with the consequences daily, as do my children. There will likely be generational repercussions.
    I have such a self-loathing for my failure that it is hard to keep getting back up. Please pray that God will help me.

  35. Well here I am again and have read Chapter 10 what a great refresher on Gideon, he was so much like many others in the scriptures who felt uncertain in how much they could trust God. Sounds a little familiar to modern times. More like a lot right? Today is the beginning of the rest of my life and learning to come back to the word so I learn more of God’s faithfulness and remembering He has forgiven me, all he wants now is for me to come to Him to fill my heart with his words of comfort, encouragement, remembrance, and being his obedient servant. I can approach his Throne of grace in full knowledge of obtaining mercy and receiving grace from Him as promised in Heb 4:16.

    Thank you Renee for your teachings, I am thoroughly enjoying them, and learning to not be so hard on myself and be willing to be a part of the solution rather than expecting a magic wand to be waved and all is well.

    Have a blessed day.

  37. I’m sort of disappointed how my life has turned out and that I have not reached the goals i have set for my self,:marriage, business, career, etc, and this chapter served as a reminder that I might not be where I want to be, but I am not wherfe I used to be…I’ve mature, , and I am grateful for what He’s giving so far, and that he is my provider and friend and I can go to him any time and he will listen. Great chapter!

    • Have you thought about how you are right where God wants you to be right now? Push that disappointment aside, Sister! Praying for you.

  38. Thank you for the list of God’s names all together on a page. I am going to do as you and keep a list of these in my purse and journal to reflect upon. I love how His names describe His character and reflect his promises to us. I hadn’t really thought of it in that way before.

  39. The parts that have really resonated w/ me in Ch 10 are:

    -“Gideon didn’t yet trust God. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know.” How simple and true this is. More proof that spending time w/ God is sooo necessary, so fulfilling, so wonderful. Otherwise how will you get to know him?
    -“Our depth of knowing God comes when we depend on Him and discover that He is dependable.” Sometimes we have to hit our heads HARD on the rocks before we begin to realize God really is dependable. It is a journey, definitely a process, but why not enjoy the process too? Realizing the journey is normal and expected and as hard as it seems, we’re never back at square one…you may take 5 steps and go back a couple when difficulty things happen, but never back to square one bc that’s not where God means for us to be! Woooooot!

  40. There are times when I need to remember that God is always with me. Reading over His names on your Knowing God By Name list has given me a lift that I have needed for so long. Emmanuel: My God with Me is the first one on the list. I have been saying Emmanuel over and over in my head since I read the list and I feel His peace growing. I thank you for helping me remember His names are really who He is. I thank God daily that He place A Confident Heart in my life. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a huge way in lives of so many thousands of women. I email your articles to many friends and co workers. One is involved in a prison ministry and she is printing the articles and sending them to inmates. She reports that many of them have told her that they look forward to the articles and that they are helping them to grow in their faith. Thank you for being so real!

  41. This bible study has been an inspiration to me as I struggle through this journey called life. Each chapter has revealed to me truths I had no knowledge of and the ah ha moments have been many. I iplan to do the program over again in April because I know there is so much more for me to learn. Today’s video is the perfect example. Thank you for allowing Him to use you in such a meaningful way. Your openness and honesty makes it so much easier to see our own mistake and issues and face them head on instead of hiding from them and denyng them. God bless you and thanks!

  42. Your devotion was such a good reminder of who God is. I have been reading a book on the names of God and it has been so comforting in my walk.

  43. tHANK YOU FOR THE NAMES OF GOD. i PRINTED IT OFF AND AM GOING TO LOOK UP ALL THE VERSES NOW. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN SO DISCOURAGED. I KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL BUT I FEEL SO DEFEATED BY LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES