“When God looks at you, He sees someone He loves. In Isaiah 43:4, God says, “You are precious and honored in my sight . . . and I love you.” When God looks at you, He also sees someone He knows. David said in Psalm 139:1, “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.” You are not just one of millions of others, but are uniquely you. You are God’s prized possession, a valued treasure of great worth.” ~ Chapter 8, A Confident Heart
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Our word for the week: MASTERPIECE
God’s WORD for US this week:
“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10, NLT
Be sure to print it and post this week’s download everywhere! You can download in a PDF or in MSWord.
According to Distionary.com a masterpiece is:
- a person’s greatest piece of work, as in art
- anything done with masterly skill
- a consummate example of skill or excellence of any kind
Let’s Connect: As you read Chapter 8 this week (some have read it and some are just getting started), what are some sentences or verses you’ve underlined or highlighted so far?
Click “Share Your Thoughts” below and do just that. Can’t wait to hear and pray over what God is showing you!
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I spent so much of my time growing up alone, with a depressed mother, and got the message that there is nothing special about me and that I don’t count. This was a very painful, but good chapter for me. I am truly God’s masterpiece, and He loves me just as I am. I do count in His eyes.
The very first highlight sentence for me: Insecurity whispers: That’s because dreams are for confident people who have something special to offer, and you don’t. I do have desires and dreams if that is what you call it, in my earlier days it was stuff but today I find my peace in the desire to share Gods word, and especially to helping my friends and family in times of needs. Whether it be a helping a hand or an uplifting word or by sharing my own life experiences even when they are difficult to share. Even though there are days I have doubt about where I should be or what I should be doing, I know I have special gifts that God wants me to share. For in me, He has created a Master Piece in His eyes according to His purpose for me.
Renee your bible study is a blessing, not only is it uplifting but it gives the desire to share His word more with others, for I know that this study has been presented to me in the timing of Gods plan for me. God Bless and I pray that you continue to write and share Gods word and love with all.
Comparison leaves us insecure, confused, and discontent. as the friend stated “Every time I compare myself with someone else, I can never measure up because I’m comparing my inside with their outsides” Wow, I (we) do that. We compare how we feel inadequate on the inside with someone who looks like they have it all together on the outside. Than we try to polish our outsides, hoping that will make us feel better on the inside but it never does.
I’ve been delayed due to an accident and I am recovering from a dislocated elbow and now in a brace but healing quite nicely but I have been struggling with an issue with my Mom. I love her more than anything but she wants to be control all the time of me. I have told I need the space but mom get its for awhile and than comes back. She wants to help me with the control of my finances but it would be entire day because she repeats everything like I’m 6 years old. I’m dreading this time but I don’t have any money to get a financial advisor. Furthermore, I feel my mom doesn’t trust me that I’m job hunting. I’ve told her this trillion times (at least it feels like it) but mom you know I’m kind of delayed and why do you think I have the internet here..I’m looking for jobs since I couldn’t drive due to pain medications. Than she says let’s do some more organizing at your apartment. Than how in the world, can I job hunt. I’ve told her I how I feel but it happens all the time. My Dad tries to help but says don’t waste your breath. I love her so much though but I feel such a displeaser to her. I know in my heart isn’t but the words she tells me like finding a job. Yes, mom I am looking for a job. somedays I just want to put on the billboard on her card on the garage. Hmm, Maybe I should put my resume on the garage door as an advertisement or maybe I could create bumper sticker and put it on her car. Okay, that’s nutty but that’s how I feel to get imprinted in her head. She even tells me that I do not sound educated. So, I get scared talking to my friends because of this lack of confidance but I pray to God to be patient and humble since I’m the only child and my parents are in late 70’s and early 80’s.
Also, people saying that an only child comparison is that you’re spoiled rotten brat but when your parents get older. You have to take care of them or find someone else to take help them. My Mom already told me not until she is 96 years old…As I said before, I do love her with all my heart but I can’t take anymore negative comments but I don’t even want to come to their house due to this but I do it because I love them and who knows the next day maybe too late. So, as my Dad says just suck it up. All I can do is pray to God and hopefully, the message will get across someday.
I have underlined sooooooo much this chapter! The part about our natural talents being given at birth was an eye opener, I never thought about our talents being from birth, but then I remembered someone saying go back to your childhood and remember what you did that you liked, so that would make sense now. Also, what you said about focusing on things WE HAVE and not what WE DON”T HAVE~~~~I always do this, I look at what I don’t have and would want and I need to refocus my mind. The “Uniquely You” section was so comforting to me, to know that I am PRECIOUS in HIs sight and He loves me and I am His prized posession, a valued treasure of great worth~~~~~~~that makes me feel soooooo secure knowing that and that God never changes so His feelings will never change toward me. Great chapter, I think it is one I need to re read and take more notes on~~~~~thanks Renee
I realized that I am beautiful in every way even when I can’t see it at times. I also need to spend time with Hod and get to know the real me. Every word spoke to me. I took the personality assessment and I already knew that one of my gifts is serving/helps/ministry. I’m not exactly sure what I am suppose to do or what inwhat ministry I am supposed to be apart of. Please pray for me
I am struggling spiritually right now
Dearest Renee
I want to thank you and thank God for you and your book “A Confident Heart” from the bottom of my heart.
I have finished reading the book you so loving wrote for all women. With each page I read I was reminded of this is me you are writing about, all my insecurities, betrayals, feelings of no worth and my desire to walk closer with God. This book was very revealing to me that I am not the only one that has and is experiencing these trials.
I recently quit my job because of some very hateful people that are without God in their life. I know that God removed me from this invironment and I have placed it all in His hands. I absolutley desire to better serve the Lord through a career but do not know how to do this. I am 50 years old and would love to spend the last of my days serving God.
Please pray for me.
With sincere Heart felt thanks
I wish you Shalom
Leslie
AMEN! You will never know how much this on-line Bible study has been to me. I’m at a time in my life where I have questioned who I am and what I’m suppose to do. I’m coming out of a very deep hurt in my life and listening to God as to what he has next for me. I have had some extreme struggles the last 4-5 years and have really question life, and my relationship with Christ Jesus. I know now, that God has a plan for me and not only has he walked it out before me but he is walking right beside me. He loves me and wants good things for me. I’m so thankful for the study and each and every comment made because it helps me also to grow. I’m now looking forward to the second half of my life.
Thank you for horning Jesus with the book and Bible study.
Hi, Renee.
Wow. If I were vain, I would have suspicions that you send out spies. To spy out the land I have been living in. Where I have fallen prey to fear and doubt like the 10 unfaithful spies, you must be listening to those faithful, like Caleb and Joshua. You are certainly speaking the truth over my life. Thank you!!
I underlined so much, that to share all would be just to repost the entire chapter. “Feeling like a third grader living in a grown woman’s body?” I never would have had the courage to speak that out loud. But I sure have know that feeling. “Comparison is one of woman’s worst enemies.” “”We compare how we feel inadequate on the inside with someone who looks like they have it all together on the outside” I have done this so many times. And realize this certainly does not honor my God who specifically put me together just the way I am!
And thanks for the challenge to really look at my personality. I absolutely am a peace lover, peace maker. I rather enjoyed my list of strengths. But had to laugh at myself when my gut instinct was to deny that one of my Relational Challenges is Denial. I am really forcing myself to look hard at my actions/responses to others. Remembering that God has placed me where I am, with the abilities I have, to love and serve those around me. Remembering that my needs are important, too, so that I don’t “become depleted and tend to operate primarily out of [my] weaknesses.” That statement was very convicting to me.
I’ve always felt called to be a prayer warrior. But I do struggle with abilities as far as career. In the depths of my heart, I just want to just be a stay-at-home mom and housewife. But financially, it has never been possible. It seems to me that I should have a strong calling for a specific career since I am called to help my husband provide. I worked at a grocery store for 22 years before it closed and now I have gone back to school full time, to try to get a job doing something that doesn’t keep me away from home evenings and weekends. And I compare myself. To women who have careers and seem to LOVE it. I know I have talents. And I should use them to His glory. But I feel so torn. “The desires of your heart indicate your God-given passion to make a difference somewhere….Instead of guarding and listening to our heart, we’ve been told to silence it and listen to the voice of sacrifice and duty.” And I’m at war. Because I know duty says I must be responsible and provide for my family. But my heart just wants to be home. So, I’m asking for God to show me how I can CONFIDENTLY use my talents, and my education, and my personality quirks, to help provide in a way that keeps me close to home as much as possible. I’d appreciate anyone who would lift this prayer up with me!
Hi Renee! School’s out and I finally have time to do some connecting with the study instead of just the reading and questions. My favorite take away from this chapter is the line about comparing our insides to their outsides. Apples to oranges! 🙂
The book has been great and thank you for sharing your life with us. I’m heading into some new territory with school next year as well as taking first steps in my writing ministry. I’m also supporting my husband as he’s intentionally working to overcome his grief/depression that’s held him for over 10 years. So the timing of finally reading to it has been God inspired as it’s keeping me focused on the truth through these endeavors. Thanks again! 😀
I havent read the chapter since i had an accident on sunday and am recuperating from a dislocated elbow and its my right hand which i’m right handed so it is hard to type. seeing the orthopedic tomorrow to see how its going and hopefully i will get this splint off. I know God created me and He is the conductor & we are His instruments.
Praying for a quick recovery Shannon!