Hi friends! I am so excited to start this “Confident Heart” journey with you!
We have just about 3500, from around the US and the world signed up! I’ve been closing my eyes and picturing us gathering together in small groups (cause I’m a small group kinda girl). Anyhow, it’s so amazing to be here with YOU learning how we can live beyond our doubts by finding our security and confidence in the power of God’s loves and promises for us!
The first thing I want you to remember is: This is YOUR journey.
You’ll be reading the chapters. You will be asking and listening for God to speak to your heart. You’ll be the one who takes time to highlight sentences, promises and quotes you want to remember. You’ll be looking for ways to apply and live what you are learning. You’ll be answering reflection questions and interacting with the group.
You’ll be doing the faith-work of not only believing in God, but really believing God.
I’ll be shepherding, leading, praying, encouraging, connecting and pacing us. I’ll be sharing more of my story – and inviting others who have to share theirs — so that we can see again and again that we are not alone in this journey and struggle towards a confident heart.
I’ll be praying for you, encouraging you, believing in you and challenging you – but you will make the heart investment and be the one who gets out pretty close to as much as you put in.
So, what’s my best advice?? Each time I do something new like this, I ask the Lord what I need to give up – so I can give more to Him. And this time is no different. I’m cutting back on checking emails all throughout my day (which I love to do) and saying no to some fun projects and other time-consumers so I can give more of me TO HIM and to you (for the next 10 weeks)!
Will you pray and block out at least 5 to 10 to 15 minutes every day to let HIM give you all that He has for you?! You are worth it….but more than anything…. JESUS is worth it, right? Are you ready? Here we go:
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(Day 1) Assignment
Please Read the Acknowledgements. This will just give you a peak into more of my current personal life. I think that’s an important part of building community and I’ll be asking you to share more about you later this week 🙂
Please Read Chapter 1. Please highlight verses and sentences that grab your attention or tug on your heart. What is God saying to you though this chapter? Write down what you sense God speaking to your heart in the margins of your book and/or in a journal/notebook that you’ll use throughout this study.
Let’s Connect: What sentences in Chapter 1 connect with you or resonate with your heart? What might you cut back on to make time for Him and yourself these next several weeks?
Click “Share Your Thoughts” below and do just that. {If you’re reading this via email, click here to return to my website/blog and connect with us in community.
Please Check Your Inbox: Our first Online Study Email was sent and in it I explain how our online study will work. Just want to make sure you know it’s there. If you can’t find it, here’s a link to it online.
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The sentence that touched me the most, The God of all hope is calling you out of the shadow of dought so you can live with a confident heart. I am ready, Iam so tierd of living in this huge shadow of dought. I will be getting up earlier to start my day in Gods word. I will be praying for you Renee and all those who are on this journy.
This is my second time starting this study. During the winter study, I got a little behind and my negative self-talk convinced me that I had failed and I couldn’t catch up- so I didn’t try. Ironic, isn’t it? This time around I am going to push through if I get behind…
I am a stay-at-home mother of two littles ages 1 and 3. Needless to say, I am busy! Afternoon nap time is a haven for me, and I usually spend that time sitting on the couch perusing the Internet or catching up on television shows. This is the time I will dedicate to this study, to reading, working through the questions, and the comments from other women on the journey alongside me. During round one my littles started alternating naps rather than sleeping simultaneously, and that is part of what got me behind. This time, I am prepared for that to happen mentally, and if it does (which it probably will since I know that this message is one my spirit needs to process and plant deeply within my heart) then I will also start going to bed earlier and waking before my babies.
Many of the quotes that women have been highlighting in the comments struck me in my first time through. It’s amazing how God can pull out a completely different message from the same words on another reading! What struck me today were several things: in the initial verse Hebrews 10:35-36, the words YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE stuck out to me like they were in all caps. Also, on the bottom of p.23 Renee mentions that she found confidence through “living DAILY” in God’s promises. Lastly, although there were so many statements that spoke to my heart, was at the top of 24 when Renee uses the words “when I CHOOSE to dwell…” All these things combined struck me that I tend to do a study like this and expect my life to be changed, and to not struggle again with the same issues. But that is not reality. It’s not a ‘one and done’ answer. My human nature and the accuser will continually bring these doubts before me. I need to be prepared to answer with the promises of God, as Christ did in the desert when He himself was tempted. I need to daily persevere and not allow myself to sit back passively; I need to choose hope and Christ daily. I hope I will be reminded of this in 10 weeks, when the study ends. That I need to continue to persevere… and that I do have a choice as to whether doubt or hope fills my spirit.
Thank you Renee, as so many others have said, you are blessing me through your words- words that I am confident God gave to you. During my first time through I literally felt a new peace when I read Isaiah 49:23 in the text- I had never noticed that verse before. Thank you for being a vehicle of Christ’s peace in my life.
What really pierced my heart was when you mentioned dreaming of something since you were a little girl and on achieving that dream the doubts that creep in. Here, I am faced with the same doubts as I dreamt of being a teacher from 8 years of age and now I have accomplished that I wonder if I am doing a good job of educating the minds of our youth. I also had to change careers in order to do this job I love and I don’t regret it, it’s just the doubts that make me feel insecure in what I am doing. I particularly liked ” You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light” mainly because I realized that I have turned away from looking at God and asking Him to guide me towards His will for my life. I realized that I have also done like Peter when he stepped out of the boat towards Christ and as soon as he took his eyes away from Christ started to sink and I hope that this online study helps me to refocus my eyes on Him and never take them away again.
Actually downloaded the book to my Kindle when it was free then today read about the Bible study. I know I need this study and accoutability. In the forward it talks about empty promises that sneek into our thought process and make us think IF ONLY i had—————-, I would be so secure and fulfilled, but what the world offers is temporary and will never fill the cup of a wounded insecure heart. I have used people places and things first for my security unstead of God for a long time (codependency) I am ready for the healing to begin
Like so many of you, this book and study couldn’t seem to have come at a better time. It is just one example of how God is good and wonderful and speaks to us hoping we will hear him. A few months ago I would have probably had a half dozen excuses not to do this study. Unlike that “usual” self full of excuses, I immediately signed up and have been anxiously awaiting the start. It’s like something was awakened in me that has been stagnant for so long. I too will be hiding my iPhone so that I don’t wake up in the morning to immediately check email and Facebook. I will also be getting up earlier for some quiet time with God before my kids are up. I know that these two small changes will make the very largest difference in my day-to-day life, including my interaction and love for God, my husband and my children.
I am thrilled to have a 2nd chance at doing this online Bible study. I did not follow through last time and put time aside. I have made a commitment to myself and God that I will take time for myself and Him. I too like many of the ladies am a perpetual worry wart! I let it consume my life and am not able to make rational , good decisions. I try to make them “myself” and don’t turn to Him . I know to that I should. I get stressed and just get myself down. I am pretty much a single mom as my husband flies 4 days a week, home school mom, and all the things that go along with being a mom. I basically run the house. I can’t be this way and need to turn my worry and stress over to Him and let him lead me. My self esteem suffers and I don’t feel confident which we all know causes worry and stress. I am a people pleaser too. I need to keep my walk with Him daily and let go all these “feeling” I bring upon myself. Thank you Renee for giving your time to us and Him. You are very appreciated. I will make time to do this Bible study. That is my commitment to Him!! I am really excited to start reading tonight INSTEAD of watching tv! This is my journey and I will prevail!
I do believe not just one sentence struck a cord with me. Everything I read just hit me again but it was a fresh read. To know that God loves me and wants the best for me is just amazing.
I know what you mean! I had 7 lines written down, but could have done a whole lot more! As I read these comments I’m thinking “oh, yea, that was good also and I didn’t write it down!”
Renee,
I have the paperback and have read it…..it is an inspiring book, but I don’t think I was giving my whole self to the study and to God. When you were gracious enough to give it to us, I put it on my Kindle. I have access to it all the time, every where i go. Thank you! I so identified with may of the negative thoughts, but and learning that “when we pray God’s words out loud, and hear them, the Holy Spirit engraves them on our hearts and writes them in our thoughts. We internalize God’s truth as our faith grows and we are transformed from the inside out!” pg. 25 I pray that through this on-line study that I can come out with a fully confident heart and truly trust God! I am going to give up some of my nap time (I keep my grandson and am tired a lot) and some of my browsing time.
Thank youi again for doing this-
Have a blessed week!
Ellen
My first thought when I started reading the first chapter was, “you struggle with self doubt? You who speaks to thousands of women all the time and you were doubting yourself where speaking was concerned?” It is so evident to me that you are a talented speaker that it took me by surprise about your doubt.
Part of me wondered if it was true and another part of me wondered if you struggle then how in the world can I make it through struggle? Then another part of me said, “yes, that is human nature. We all struggle with doubt and I am glad you are vulnerable to share that bit of information.”
I am glad you shared your heart and the truth from the word of God. I know I was encouraged from the first chapter and am excited about reading the whole book.
What struck me personally is how I get stuck in this pattern of self doubt that paralyzes me from obeying the will of God for my life. What impressed me more is that what I really need is to get to know God- to get to know His character and His heart like you said so I may trust Him and depend on Him and His heart toward us.
I get stuck in the “what ifs” of life that I forget that God is there for me NOW and that He loves me cares for me so much that I can trust Him to lead me and help me step by step and day by day.
I need this study to help me get out of the self doubt rut of life that holds me captive. Thank you for writing this book!
It was such a blessing to me to be able to download a copy of the book thanks to the free offer a few weeks ago. I really wanted to join the study before, but did not have it in my budget to purchase the book. God truly gave me the desire of my heart.
I had already started reading the book and was so excited to see that a new on-line study is beginning. I finished it and am now looking forward to starting over and taking the journey with other women.
The phrase that stuck out for me in chapter 1 was “insecurity paralizes.” I can definitely relate to that as I have had it happen to me in various instances, especially speaking in front of people or in large groups. The statement that encouraged me in this chapter is, “When I choose to dwell in the assurance of Whose I am and who I am in HIm, I have a confident heart.” I have really allowed that revelation to ministry to me and take root in my heart. That alone is a huge step to freedom. I also liked the part about moving from believing in Him to believing Him. That means I am who he says I am and I can do what he said I can do.
I am enjoying reading all of the comments from all of you. It puts the rest the lies of the enemy that I’m the only one who feels the way I feel!
Forgot to add that like many of you, I will be limiting my FB and computer usage as well as TV time.
AS I start reading Chapter one the first thing that stands out to me was the statement that says “I wanted to do something less risky. I am always like that now when something I’m not sure about ( or confident in ) presents itself. But As I look back that wasn’t me as a kid in high school. I was always taking a stand for someone or against the system in a way. Remembering back I and a group of friends met at lunch reading the bible and praying. I wrote speech’s to motivate the under dog or the disabled. But now, the only place those things or thoughts stay is in my mind, I wonder what happened where did it “go wrong” What got in my way enough to stop me? Where did my confidence go????
Hi!
I’ve been looking forward to joining this study for weeks and have my book on my nightstand. Unfortunately, I took a nasty fall down a flight of steps late last week and have a slight concussion. It’s affected my sight temporarily so to read I need to close my left eye. I can barely read emails, let alone a chapter in the book! I’m praying my sight improves greatly and I’ll be able to catch up with you all soon. God’s Blessings!
praying for you, barb, and asking God to honor your desire to do this study as He heals you and gives you back your ability to read and see well. <3
I am just recently starting my journey and relationship with God and I am so excited to be doing this study! I bought this book months ago but never got around to reading it until now. I am sad to admit that but it is the truth. I think this book and this study will do wonders for me. I look forward to possibly develping some new friendships through this. I do not have but very few friends and none of which have a relationship with God. My sister has a very strong relationship with God and she has been such an inspiration and a huge help. I look forward to this journey with you ladies and may God bless each and everyone of you and help you along your journey.
God bless!
Kristen Barkdull
I forgot to mention what I would be giving up for these next several weeks. I do not have a job right now and am taking online classes for an associates degree in Business Management. I have quite a bit of free time so I want to spend as much of that as I can with you ladies and reading what you have to say. I pray that this study will help me become someone with a confident heart. I also pray that I will be able to finally figure out what His path is for me. I have felt so lost for a long time and I am just starting to feel like I am finding my way. One thing I do a lot of is watch tv so i plan to cut back on that to spend more time on this study.
I too would like to thank Renee for doing this!
God bless you all!
Kristen, I am also completely my Biz Mgt degree online. I know it is “off topic”, but may I inquire which school you are attending?
I am going through Liberty University, and I graduate in May.
I am attending a college by the name od Harrison College. It is based in Indiana. I was attending the school before I moved to Arizona so I have just continued my classes through them. Congratulations on graduating soon! I will put my e-mail address on here for any one who wants to chat about this study, God, or just life in general. I welcome emails and would love to chat with anyone who wants too. It is [email protected].
And not a problem about it being off topic I welcome any question as that is how we can get to know each other.
Have a blessed day!
Kristen,
I have completed degree in Business Management and would like to offer my assistance if you need any. My degree has offered me a stable job and I love staying current in the area of business managment. I recently completed some ed2go classes regarding Fundamental of Managment and Supervision. So please let me know if I can be of any help for either Business Management or The Confident Heart. I just recently started doing bible studies and I love new discoveries every day of verses and how they apply to our daily lives.
Joyce
Joyce,
Thank you very much! Right now it will just be an associates degree but I am thinking of getting my bachelors degree. I pray that I will be able to find a decent job. I pray that God will lead me in the right direction. I too am just starting my journey towards a relationship with God and studying the bible. I am looking forward to this very much.
God bless!
Isaiah 49:23 “Those who hope in me will not be disappointrd.” I feel in a world of disappointment by the people I invest in. This is truth to hold onto. He is the ONLY one who will not disappoint. I also find myself praying Mark 9:24 often “Lord, help me overcome my unbelief!” I am also grateful for the free kindle version on Amazon. Your book has been on my list and I was inspired to see the study starting as well. I’m hopeful I can keep my life from getting to crazy to stay committed to this.
“shadow of doubt” that is the exact phrase I used in praying before I ever saw this book that God would answer me in such a way that it would remove all shadow of doubt. And what I am learning is that I have to do my part to!!
I too am going to have to refrain from checking my email throughout the day inorder to do this study and really beable to get all out of it that God would have me to, and be able to also focus on the other projects God has layed out for me to work on. I can muti task– but don’t want to miss anything throughout the day that would hinder HIS Work in me and what He would show me.
— Blessed journey ladies!
Kassie.
I’m struck by the enormous difference between believing IN Him and then simply (!!) BELIEVING Him. Imagine the world if we all, just in this study, believed Him…that is, knew, without question, that what He said was also our own truth. Sometimes I bounce around the house and claim the truth of Jesus’s words, but if I really truly believed Him….well, wow….I know I would be bounced to a whole new level of living in Christ.
I read this book about a month ago and I am very excited to do the online study! I have encouraged many of my friends to read it. The part in chapter one that spoke to me was ” Doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time.” I feel Things are changing in my life and I have picked up this book many times since I have finished reading it.
At the time I am writing this over 100 of you have left comments and I want to reply to each one of them!! It’s so encouraging to read what God is showing you, to hear what you are praying about and planning on giving up (to give and receive more time w/Jesus), to know more about you and your lives AND to see YOU encouraging one another and connecting through our comments!!
This is one of the best parts of ministry to me – and definitely makes all that hard work and crazy spiritual attack we endured while I was writing this book – so worth it. You are the women I prayed for as I wrote each page. GOD led me to write these words for you and I”m praying you will hear Him speak to your hearts through each and every one!!
I have struggled with self -doubt for as long as I can remember. Always comparing myself to others and trying to please others. Never feeling good enough even when I did my best. I continue to try and rely upon my own resources and my own strength which will always fail me. Just finished Lisa T’s study on Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl and really began to feel the power of His promises. However as soon as the study was over, I started to fall back into my old pattern of self-reliance and defeat again. Just goes to show how much I need to stay in His Word. Just like it says in Chapter 1, I need to “rely on the power of His words and live like they are true no matter how I am feeling”. I don’t have to come up with the “right”words to pray, He already has those for me in His Word. I need to be praying His Word/His Will and do it over and over again so it sinks in and changes me from the inside out. I have realized lately that I spend WAY too much time on Facebook looking to others to validate my feelings and experiences, just as I have always done, but the technology has created an even more addicting habit that I need to break away from. I love the verse at the end Jeremiah 17:7 in context with 17:8. I can experience God fully and receive his many blessings only when I remain in him and rely upon Him. He will not only sustain me but help me to grow and to flourish through even my most difficult days.
So many parts of the first chapter struck me, I felt like I was highlighting all over the place. What struck me the most was your comparison of your shadow to confidence and turning back to the light. The visual and the feeling it gave me was so phenomenal and really hit home.
To participate in this study I am well aware that some of my casual reading and social networking time will have to take a backseat, and I’m completely ok with this. I think this is going to be an amazing journey and I am so glad that I chose this to be my first study.