Welcome Encouragement for Today friends! I’m so glad you hopped over after reading my devotion! I’ll explain in just a minute how to enter today’s giveaway. But first I want to share 3 ways we can replace our guilt-induced doubt with grace-infused confidence pulled from Day 12 of my “60-Days to Stop Doubting Yourself Confident Heart Devotional“:
“She never thought anyone would find out about their affair, but now her secret and her sin would be public.
Just as the people gathered in the temple, surrounding Jesus as he sat down to teach them, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had be caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.” (John 8:2–6)
They hoped Jesus would condemn her, but the opposite happened.
Instead of lording over her, Jesus lowered Himself before her. Grace knelt down to write on the ground. {tweet this?}
“But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (vv. 6–8)
The Bible doesn’t tell us what Jesus wrote but I’ve always wondered if it was the Ten Commandments, since her accusers said Moses’s law commanded them to stone her. Plus, after writing, Jesus challenged them to examine their own sins and see if any of them were without fault.
When Jesus stooped down to write a second time, perhaps He wrote over the law with redemption. Could it be that He covered the commandments with words like grace, forgiveness, and mercy. Scripture doesn’t say. But we do know that something radical happened. Everyone dropped their stones and walked away.
“At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (vv. 9–11)
In my Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion today, I shared about a time when I really blew it and guilt convinced me I was no longer qualified for my calling. But God used my friend and spiritual mentor/mom, MaryAnn Ruff, to show me what the redemption of God’s grace looks like. And ever since that day, Jesus has been teaching me how to replace my guilt-induced doubt with His grace-infused confidence.
3 Ways to Replace Guilt-Induced Doubt with God’s Grace-Infused Confidence
Remember: Remember sin is not who you are; sin is what you do.
Although Jesus knew this woman had sinned, He made sure she and the crowd knew her sin was not who she was. It was what she had done.
Her sin didn’t get the final say. Jesus did.
Refuse: Refuse condemnation, but lean into loving conviction.
They hoped Jesus would condemn the woman, but the opposite happened. Instead of lording over her, Jesus lowered Himself before her.
When you fall into a trap of the Accuser (Rev. 12:10), close your eyes and picture Jesus – the person of Grace – kneeling down before you, looking into your eyes and loving you out of your sin.
Ask Jesus to help you recognize condemnation’s accusing statements like “You’re a failure” or “You can never be counted on.”Refuse to listen to his lies. Instead lean into God’s loving conviction that is specific. Instead of a broad, sweeping you-are-a-loser label, Jesus will point out our sin and show us what to do to right the wrong.
Instead of “You’re such a failure,” God might say: You were critical in the way you talked to _________ . You need to say you’re sorry and ask forgiveness. Then tell _____ something to build them up.
Replace: Replace the guilt of sin with God’s redemptive grace.
In the presence of Jesus, the woman’s accusers walked away. He dismissed them one by one, until He was the only one left standing. He replaced their position of authority. He was the only One left speaking into her life.
Jesus help me replace my guilt-induced doubt with God’s grace-infused confidence. @ReneeSwope {click to TWEET}
God’s grace lures us out of darkness; His kindness leads our hearts to repentance. (Romans 2:4)
He wants to draw us away from destructive behaviors that hinder our relationship with Him and others, so we can live in the freedom of His forgiveness and the security of His love.
Lord, You say there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and my life is hidden in You. Thank You that because of Your love and grace, my sin never gets the final say about me—You do! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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This devotional is just what I needed today. I find such a hard time forgiving myself and breaking away from this sin in my life.
Those broad sweeping lies don’t come from others…they come from inside of my own head. I’m trying to replace the long worn ruts of those words with words of Gods forgiveness and grace. Things like,God wants to draw me away from destructive behaviors (like the lies in my head) so I can live the freedom of His forgiveness and the security of His love are important messages to me right now.
Praying for you Ashley!!
I have never considered that Jesus stooped before her. I wonder if their eyes met. What will it be like to look in His eyes? Oh! That thought overwhelms me to tears. How loving and tender He is. I do wish I could break free of the condemnation I carry. I know it isn’t real….but, I do carry it around.
Thank you for your time in writing this blog. You have blessed me today. Donna
Praying for you Donna. To be set free from condemnation in Jesus’ name, by the power of His redeeming blood shed on the cross for you. HE loves you sweet sister. He wants to look into your eyes today and speak grace over your heart so that healing can come!
Your words were exactly what I needed to hear today….a reminder of God’s promises that spoke to my heart. When I get discouraged, I easily go back to the “I’m not good enough, and never will be.”, and the sadness that goes with it. I needed reminded that God is stronger than anything that can happen in the world. I ordered your book, and would like this devotional to go with it. Blessings for sharing of yourself, and how God works.
Thank you for the replay of life – only substitute my name too many times. While longing to help others, I need to realize that God also meant it for me. What a wonderful reality and gift of grace and forgivenss. Thank you for sharing the truth God loves to have each one trust Him to fulfill.
This was just what I needed to hear today. I am in a new job where I have to do a lot of public speaking for a faith-based organization and I feel so unworthy most of the time. My personality is more of a behind the scenes type of person and I get nervous to speak in front of others and I feel like I am more of a distraction and the words that I say won’t get through to those I am speaking to. I know that the devil is working overtime in that department for me and these words were the encouragement that I needed to hear today as I gear up for a month of many speaking engagements. I know that God can use anyone, even me and that He will speak through me.
What a wonderful lesson today that I really needed. Thank You for the encouragement and uplifting that again reminded me He is forgiving and an ever present help and guide. God bless you for your open heart.
This message directly spoke to me one is your name is Renee and do is mine, and I received from this how your day to day multitasking can effect our personalities and cause us to doubt our strengths and our gifts, we can talk ourselves out of what we know is going to be okay but we still have fears and doubts
Like so many women have already said, i am so critical of myself and this
honest reminder of God’s grace is just what i needed to hear. Thank you to all the women who also shared their journey, my load seems lighter just knowing I’m not alone in this today! God Bless you all!
As a long time perfectionists your words spoke to me today. I am a retired nurse and a Healing Touch practitioner, so optimal health and God’s anointing energy are my passions but sometimes my agenda spoils the gentleness and unconditional love that we are commanded to give to all. I pray for the Prov 31 ministry often. The words from you beautiful women are a balm to me. We moved my 91 and 88 year old parents to our home two years ago and I think my mother would love your book. We never have enough teaching on GRACE. Bless you and your ministry.
Even if I don’t win this devo, I’m buying it. Seems to be exactly what I need and I’ve been looking for a study I can do independently. I’m just one guilt-induced defeated thought away from throwing in the towel. Of course, being in this spot, God won’t allow me to stay here. My son popped in his favorite Veggie Tale last night about perseverance. I had to laugh. And I had to commit to staying the course although I am weary and discouraged. Time to approach the throne of grace!
I really am not sure of what to write here as I ponder on what I read in the email devotional and what I just read here on the page. I am sitting here alone while my son is at school and my husband is at work, I have time to think and pray.
I feel conviction and hope. I feel convicted about the way I have been acting toward myself and my family, but I have been feeling this way for a while. I have let the guilt prohibit me from true repentance and seeking help from like-minded Christians. But there is hope because this message and the bible verses included tell me that there is no reason I should be sitting in guilt. I can move forward, constantly consult God, and do what I can the best that I can with the strength given to me.
I would like to win this book. However, it is more important that someone knows that they aren’t alone and I hope that I am speaking a language or even dialect that someone can understand and turn towards Christ.
Thank you for this devotional.
Thank you Renee for your honesty and insight. God has blessed you with a wonderful, genuineness, approachability in your teaching! It is an encouragement to all who listen or read your messages.
Thanking God for you and p 31 ministries.
Boy did I need this! What it helped to remind me of in my constant battle against the enemies jabs of self doubt, etc… Is that my God is bigger & that His grace is sufficient! As long as I confess & repent of my sins & try to be the best mother, wife & woman that I can be, He will take care of the rest!! I just have to let go & let God, & not let it bother me! When God forgives me, he forgets, so I must also forgive myself & let it go for good… But sometimes that’s the hardest part for me! I also have to remember that fear & doubt are from the enemy, but confidence, grace & peace are from God! Thank you again for reminding me of this!!!!!
Thank you Renee for your honesty and insight. God has blessed you with a wonderful, genuineness, approachable to in your teaching! It is an encouragement to all who listen or read your messages.
Thanking God for you and p 31 ministries.
Wow I think we have all been at this place, but God gives us the Grace to get through it.
Loved this message
As I continue to step out in serving in our local church and am hard on myself for not ‘having it together’, I thank you for your story in your devotional this morning that reminds me that NONE of us have it perfectly together all of the time. We all need grace, continually. Both for ourselves, and for one another. Thank you.
I have always been challenged with defeating thoughts, I overcome at times but it is the consistency that I need to stay above it. I believe this book with the scripture cards will help
me tremendously. There are days like
you had where I do just give up and want to go back to bed or give up.
I can help others better but not myself
This devotional helped me. I fall into this trap and sometimes just can’t get out. I get so down and depressed that I just don’t smile or even talk anymore.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder of God’s grace! I’m praising Him this morning that His mercies are new every day! Oh how I need Your grace! Jesus, I come!