Welcome Encouragement for Today friends! I’m so glad you stopped by. You can enter today’s drawing at the bottom of this post. And if you’d like to hear about upcoming giveaways or more confessions from an imperfect woman in desperate need of grace,
be sure to SIGN UP for EMAIL UPDATES in my sidebar –>
Sometimes I wonder how I can go from being in such a good place with God … feeling peaceful, loving and patient.. but then something happens that sends me into an orbit of aggravation!!
It happened just the other day…
Things were going well. I’d had a lovely afternoon working from home. Alone. Life was peachy.
But then school got out and kids came home. Within 15 minutes of arrival, one of my boys did something and said something that wasn’t so peachy. Then he did NOT do something I’d asked him to do and let’s just say… I lost all my peace and patience right there in the middle of my kitchen.
I was not happy.at.all. And I let my precious boy know it in a not-so-nice kind of way.
Then I felt GUILTY and like the WORST MOM on the planet.
For a few minutes I was pretty sure that’s exactly how God wanted me to feel ~ so I wouldn’t act so ugly the next time.
But finally, after I’d almost convinced myself that I was the worst mom and had no business in ministry, I remembered something a pastor said about the difference between conviction and condemnation. He explained it like this:
Condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements such as, You’re such a failure, You’re so hypocritical, or You can never be counted on. That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.
But the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude and instruct us on what we need to do to right the wrong: whether it’s restoring a broken relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. He’ll give us steps we need to take to change our behavior or attitude.
• Instead of You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend], the Spirit might say, You were really critical the way you talked to _________ (your husband, child, parent, etc). You need to say you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then tell them something that will build them up instead of tearing them down.
• Instead of You’re so hypocritical, the Spirit might say, You judge others for gossiping, but you are doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Tomorrow at lunch break, apologize for what you said and share a few things that are positive about her.
• Instead of You can never be counted on, the Spirit might say, You didn’t keep your promise to go see your mom today. Call her to apologize and maybe set up a lunch date for this weekend.
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance. {tweet this?}
Jesus’ convictios draws us away from destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and with others. His goal is to bring us out of the darkness of sin and back into the Light, so we can walk with Him in the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love.
The next time we blow it or lose it, let’s ask Jesus to replace our guilt-induced doubt with HIS grace-infused confidence, as we hold onto the promise that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
If my P31 devotion or blog post resonated with you today, I hope you’ll ENTER TO WIN a copy of my new Confident Heart Devotional. I truly believe the stories and truths in it will change your life {like they have mine}!
Based on honest struggles we all have with comparison, self-doubt, fear of failing, and the life-changing lessons God’s taught me and ten other women, {whose stories are in the book} you will discover how to change the way you feel by changing the way you think – which will transform the way you live!
Expanding on what readers of my first book LOVED most: “When I say … God says …” statements, I’ve written 60 new devotions and new {WISGS} statements to equip you with a new a thought map and a promise – to live in every day!
ENTER TO WIN (This giveaway has ended, but I’d still love to hear from you!)
: Click “Share Your Thoughts” below and do just that to enter to win one of three copies of my devotional book, and a $15 P31 Online Store gift certificate today!
****If you are reading this via email, click here to return to my blog and be part of the giveaway. {Your comment mus be left below this post to enter. Thanks!}
Very happy to hear the negative thoughts in my head are not the Holy Spirit!
I was so encouraged today, because some of the same things cross my mind. Actually I can be at peace one moment with God and then things just go really crazy, usually this happens when I’ve been in prayer before going to work, then the moment I get to work all kinds of situations and attitudes come my way. Glory to God I recognize that I was doing the right thing by praying before going to work.
Thank you for the explanation and I thought it would be a great lesson for our ladies group to share in a devo. It was excellent for me to hear and good to pass along to my daughters when they tend to be critical of themselves. Deb Cary
I like your style of writing. It is a great encouragement to read your emails.
It’s so easy to accept the condemnation and think it’s from God as a reminder to not act that way again. But while His Spirit convicts us to repent and ask forgiveness, God’s grace and mercy covers us and is something we could never earn or lose.
My husband and I were just discussing the other evening about my “guilt “. He says if I have guilt than I don’t truly believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for my sins. I know that worry is a sin but I don’t think of guilt as a sin. My problem too is that things can be running smoothly and then one thing can set me off and then I get mad, and not always so kind and then feel guilty and even if I apologize I cannot forgive myself so how can God forgive me. Which I is where my husband says, God has already forgiven you, so you need to forgive yourself. Help!! I try, I pray, I read the bible but I just can’t seem to forgive Me.
Fear and Doubt is present in my life as I go through the toughest storms of my life ,but Ever day God is teaching me to trust him for the day and not worry about what is to come or the future but just day by day
Leading the Confident Heart Book Study for the 3rd time.
After three times you would think I should have it altogether.
Nope something else seems to rear it’s ugly head.
Praise God His mercies are new every morning, Great is His faithfulness.
Thank you Renee.
Such great words. Encouraging
doubt, worry, fear, anxiety and feelings of never being good enough overwhelm my mind and heart daily but I’m learning to take baby steps by repeating God’s promises and attempting to look at myself like God sees me…. A daughter of the king!! Thank you Renee for pouring your heart out but also for being open enough to share it with other ladies so we don’t feel so alone. God is good and He can take the broke and make them beautiful.
Yep, that’s me! I forget God’s mercy quite often and live in Guilt for awhile, even for a few days, then God knocks and sets my thinking right!
Martha
I battle with feelings of inadequacy. My failures cause me to doubt myself and yet, truth be known, when I share my doubts with other women they tell me it makes them trust me. As a leader in women’s ministries that is such a wonderful gift. Thank you for giving me confirmation today. Thank you for giving me a verse that I can hide in my heart at times of need!
You NAILED it! Again! This is so me…. I was asked to lead a Tuesday am Bible study…within 24 hours I reacted this same way to my husband and thought I had NO business leading this study if I acted like this! Your book has helped sooooo much. Have read it twice and have vowed to read it at least once a year! I began the devotional yesterday! I have sooooo many ladies in mind who would benefit from this devotional as a starting point! Thanks for sharing all your trials and lessons of faith!
Thank you for the reassurance I need that, even on my “worst” days, I still qualify for God’s grace and His unconditional love. In fact, it’s on those days that He most longs for me to come near and ask for His help.
Thanks so much for this truth! We ‘know’ the enemy is the accuser yet we keep ‘listening’ to critical, harsh words whispered in our ears. So thankful for Christ’s redemption & the way He speaks to us, encouraging us to watch His example & learn from Him. I’d love to have the devo – thanks for the offer!
This post hits too close to home. I really need to replace my guilt-induced doubt with His grace-infused confidence. I am going through a very stressful timer period right now. I find myself saying things I know are not what a “perfect” mom would say. I always ask for forgiveness. Lately, I feel like a failure. I could definitely use more confidence and need to trust the Lord more. I would love to be entered into the drawing – I know that I would benefit from reading your words and the scripture references you make. Thank you!
I LOVE your devotional book! I have it on Kindle and it blesses my mornings! Thanks for writing it!
Struggling with some nagging doubt today and your message is helping me realize what I need to do to turn it around. Thanks for your support!
I have been in a certain trial for almost 8 months. I find myself going to God in prayer trying to figure out what I’m doing wrong that He has not released me from this trial. I know better and I know it is the voice of the enemy telling me to pick every situation apart to see what I’ve done wrong and then repent. This ritual is tiring. I had just got off my knees in a frustrated prayer to God when I turned on the computer and read your post. I feel the release to let self accusation go and to stop allowing the enemy to accuse me. Thank you for sharing. Many blessing to you!
Thank you so much for your devotional! I find myself being ridding with guilt-induced doubt more often than I care to admit. I often become overwhelmed with negative thoughts, such as: I’m a terrible mom, wife, etc. We all need to be reminded that we are not perfect and God loves us still. I believe that it is these difficult moments that make my relationship with God stronger and help me to be the mom, wife, friend, and Christian that he wants me to be.
Thank you for your comforting words, Renee. So many times when I re-read A Confident Heart (going on my 4th time) I feel as if you are following me around and spying on me!!! I can relate to so much from your book and I often carry it in my purse to re-read sections when I’m waiting at the dr or in line at the drive thru pharmacy:-) Thank you for using the talent of writing that God has blessed you with. He is working through you in so many ways.
I love that Shelly. I love that we get to spend that much time together, even in the drive thru 🙂 Thank you for your words of encouragement. They are a gift to me too.
I am grateful for the story shared today. I am a youth director for one of our state conventions. I am constantly trying to stay qualified for the work at hand. When I fall short, I often do wonder if I should step down. I know we are not perfect, but as a leader I should have a stronger handle on things. I am grateful for this testimony for it has become mine too. God Bless.
Thank you for the post! God’s timing is always perfect and He knew I needed to see this today. Many blessings to you!!
No more doubt!!! No more guilt! AMEN!
I like that! NO MORE!!!
No more!! Amen.
That is so me..I fail so much and get so mad at myself when I act so ugly. I wanted to ask you how do you get pass this stage of walking with God, I have been walking with Him since 1987, I blow it so much. Then cry out to God to help me and forgive me for my ugliness. But guilt and regret seems to plague me. I know the feeling of not good enough but God didn’t call us to be good enough, only Jesus is good! We are called to be obedient, to love others, to walk humbly with God, daily thank you for listening
This was truly inspirational, i saw myself in this reading and areas of my life where I can do better as I am working on becoming a better Proverbs 31 Woman and things I can share to help others. Thank you and God bless
Thank you Renee,
God is Great. What a gift you have.
Hi Renee,
I appreciate the way you define the difference between condemnation and conviction. It helps me to know when it is my words, Satan’s words, or God’s words being spoken to me. Today I was looking for a reason to get out of the house. I had promised not to do any unnecessary spending. Then an idea popped in my head to go to the Christian bookstore and “just look around”. YEA RIGHT! I knew that if I went that I would be tempted to buy something. So I removed that thought from my head knowing this was not of God. Scripture says that Satan can appear as an angel of light to deceive us. Granted, going to the bookstore is not wrong, but spending what I don’t have is. I thanked God for giving me the discernment to know the difference.
Keep doing what you’re doing Renee. May God continue to bless you and pour out His favor upon you.
I felt quenched when I know the thing I am struggling with and I finished the support class in church. I am looking for a devotional when the relationship that my long marriage have been struggling. I need to find myself in God arms daily, asking him to replace my guilt-induced doubt mind with his grace, and fill me with confidence. Thank you for your testimony. It has strengthen me.
Thank you for your thoughts and devotional. This is something I definitely struggle with.
Thank you for your devotional. Nice to know I am not the only cracked pot that God is mending on a daily basis!
We’re all cracked pots. Butt that is how his LIGHT shines through and His Living Water spills on others through our lives. The cracks tell the world that the best we have to offer is only what HE has put in us.
I’ve been reading alot about grace lately and how it’s not about me but about God. Today’s post is another reminder of that.
What a great post! Thank you for being so honest. I have often stepped up right alongside the enemy and helped him condemn me for mistakes I’ve made. It has been a struggle, but one well-worth it, to start walking in the truth of who I am to God and asking Him to answer the door when Satan comes a-knockin’. Conviction by the One who loves and treasures strengthens my character and my faith and gives me a peace about myself that I’ve often lacked. Thank you for so clearly explaining the difference between condemnation and conviction. What an eye-opener that will be for so many – self included.
Me too: “I have often stepped up right alongside the enemy and helped him condemn me for mistakes I’ve made.” ~ Let’s quit that ok? He doesn’t need our help. Jesus has so much goodness for us. If only we believe.
There’s always the noise, talk running in the back of my head…… You’re so selfish, you’re not smart enough to even be part of this conversation….how do you think you could even measure up to that? So thank you for this devotional today, and maybe this book can help calm the deception that Satan uses to convince me, us that we are use than.
This was just what I needed to hear today! Thank you for all that you do!
I’ve been a Christian for many years but still struggle with self-doubt and condemnation, to the point that at times I think no one can love me and that I’m the worst mother, wife and friend around. I know these are lies from the devil but the power these doubts hold is sometimes so strong. I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerablility in sharing from the heart, Renee. God bless you.
I loved the message in your blog today. I recently became familiar with this topic in our “Made to Crave” Online Bible Study. I believe it is so important to look for the positive message rather than labeling ourselves with satan’s lies. Finding ways to amend or apologize for wrongs done to others is far more beneficial to us emotionally and spiritually than labeling ourselves. Thank you for bringing specific examples of this practice to us.
May God bless you and your work.
Your devotional was perfect today! The devil struggles with us daily and I love your explanation of conviction. I would love to win the Confident Heart Devotional to share with my daughters and then friends. I believe it is so important to not keep what we learn to ourselves but to share with others and since I might not be so eloquent with words, I would love to share your experiences with them. God bless you as you continue testifying and encouraging women!
I truly enjoy that you Gods Grace is so forgiving and uses us everyday, normal, average people to preach his word. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you for your open honesty.
Thanks! To have never met you, it sounds like you know me pretty well!! LOL I totally identify with todays blog. I really appreciate the explanation of condemnation and conviction. Again, Thanks!
Well, it felt comforting to know i am not the only one who goes throught this, i thank you to being honest, so as well i know there are others going throught the same way, at times it is hard to come out being foward on it , for the reason of being judged on, however it motivated me in to do as GOD says to be and to take action too, that its ok, just repeat ask for forgiveness to him and not to hold back on what GOD was for you , us. GOD BLESS YOU AND THE MINISTRY, its a true blessing for me. 🙂
Wow, I really needed this today !!! I also just started a study of Hebrews today,
I have been the bad Mother, Wife and Friend. Your blog tells me to regroup, apologize and try to do better. I know God will be with me every step of the way. I need to count on his strength. I need to make more room for God in my heart. I can’t change without God’s help. I welcome God into my heart and my life today, tomorrow and always. Thank you God for being there with me.
I have heard this saying “May God wrap his arm around my shoulder, and put his hand over my mouth.” I need God’s strength to control my anger and the words that fly out of my mouth. I need to stop and think before I open my mouth. I have hurt to many loved ones by not stopping and thinking before I speak. God is helping me with this personal challenge. Thanks Be to God!
I have so often felt that I am not worthy to be a “leader”. It is like the devil has camped out on my shoulder and is constantly whispering in my ear statements of condemnation. These statements are echoed by my children when they don’t like my answer and my students don’t seem to know how to do anything but condemn my efforts to help them. After all this, I tend to jump on the same bandwagon and tell myself that I have fallen short. I am desperately in need of God’s compassionate love. As I learn to turn my thoughts toward who God says I am, I can hear his grace-filled words and I don’t feel like such a failure! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Today was a “worst mama ever” moment for me! I kept thinking how I was such a failure as a mom. Your timely devotion was just what I needed. I may have to print it out and keep it handy for future “worst mama” days! Thank you so much!
Thanks! I must not be so critical when facing an issue. I need to seek confidence and I must speak His truth with compassion without offending. Lord help me!
Todays devotion helped remind me that I continually need to stay in His word and know that He loves me unconditionally. He has been leading me to work in the children’s ministry. As much as I come up with excuses He reminds me that He will lead me.
Thank you for your continued perseverance in helping all of us women stay on track with God and all of your encouragement! 🙂 Have a blessed day!
I just love your book! I have taken notes & re read it several times. Thank you for your honesty & vulnerability to let The Lord use you.
Kerrie, Clovis, CA
Your note was an encouragement to me. When I wrote “A Confident Heart” I prayed that women would read it again and again and keep it close by to remember every truth He had me put in it because I know how much my heart needs to know those promises again and again.
Thanks to my friend Sonia for sharing this today. Truly what I needed to read and hear today! I have beating myself up so much lately with guilt induced doubt, this is exactly what I needed today! Thanks so much!