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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.
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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.