Category: Confidence

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What’s On Your Mind?

I’ll tell you what’s on my mind. This morning, I was continuing to think about the confidence we can have when we pray.

I gave you a number of verses yesterday for you to think on – verses that lead us to confidently trust the Lord, so, it was no surprise to me this morning when my reading dealt with our thoughts.

“Our God, be kind and bless us! Be pleased and smile. 2 Then everyone on earth will learn to follow you, and all nations will see your power to save us.” Psalm 67:1-2 CEV

David was reminding the people of Israel of God’s kindness, protection and provisions. I smiled when I read the words be pleased and smile. The thought of God looking at me and smiling definitely put a smile on my face.

So, think on God’s kindness and His smiling face.

Then, I read Paul’s instruction to us from Colossians and Philippians.

“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth. 3 You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God. 4 Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory.

5 Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don’t be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don’t be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols.” Colossians 3:1-3 CEV

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

Thinking about heaven and what life is like there gives us wonderful insight on how God wants our life to be here. When our thinking is in line with God’s character – truthful, pure, right, and worthwhile we will have God’s peace. Knowing He is kind and that He sent Christ to be our example gives us an understanding of what pleases the Father.

Knowing what pleases the Father and praying for it to come to pass here on earth gives us confidence when we pray. Isn’t that the instruction Jesus gave us in what we call the Lord’s prayer?

“We pray that your kingdom will come— that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven.”. Matthew 6:10 ERV

That begs the question: What’s it like in heaven?

“I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, ‘Now God’s home is with people. He will live with them. They will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:3-4 ERV

That’s how heaven will be!

Let me close by going back to what Paul said in Colossians 3.

“Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there” and remember God is smiling at you!

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Confidence

“We are certain God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. 15 And if we know God listens when we pray, we are sure our prayers have already been answered.” I John 5:14-15 CEV

Today is May 31st. The fifth month of the year is over; only seven more months and the year of 2025 will come to an end.

I told the Lord this morning that my mission, my goal, my quest, my desire, my ambition is to honor Him and bring Him glory with my words, my actions, my thoughts and my prayers. And then I began to pray – pray confidently.

Go back and read the verse I opened with, please. There is certainty and confidence in the words of John, the beloved apostle of Jesus. When we ask for what pleases God he listens to us and He answers our prayers.

Now some would say that we can’t possibly know what pleases God so we can never be completely certain that He will answer our prayers. However, Scripture tells us in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians…

“ We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say, ‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’ But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:15-16 ERV

And Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came He would lead us into all truth.

“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future.” John 16:13 ERV

God has given us His word so that we know what pleases Him. He wants us to know His will so He had it recorded for all to read. Confidence in prayer comes from knowing God’s word. He will not lie or break His promises.

“The Lord is not being slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” II Peter 3:9 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:30-33 CEV

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

If this blog has touched a chord with you, circle this day on the calendar and say, “Father, I will pray with confidence, knowing Your word is Your will. I will trust You to lead and provide. I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in all truth. Thank you. In Jesus name.”

Confidence in the Lord is never misplaced!

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Refresher Training

Are you or were you in one of those professions that offered or required continuing education?

You get away for a week and learn new techniques and brush up on established skills. That’s where my heart took my mind this morning as I was reading some of my oldest, favorite passages of Scriptures.

The re-reading and meditating on familiar verses will refresh us.

“ If you have ears, pay attention!” Matthew 11:15 CEV

When Jesus said this, He was speaking to a group of people who had seen Him do miracles and had been listening to His teachings, but they were criticizing His association with “sinful” people. Then He prayed this prayer.

“My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, ‘come to me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:27-28 CEV

It’s important that we realize the words we read from the Bible each day are the words of God for our lives. They are not to be taken for granted or brushed over with a “that was nice”. They are the words of life.

I’ve been asked how can you be so confident. It’s because I know that God’s word is true – it’s true because He says it is. So, if you have ears to hear – pay attention as I share some “refresher course” verses.

“13 Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live.

17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere. 19 You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help. 20 You take care of everyone who loves you, but you destroy the wicked.” Psalm 145:10-20 CEV

And now for the next one…

“ I kneel in prayer to the Father. 15 All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. 16 God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. 18  I pray that you and all God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. 19 I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.

20-21 I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 CEV

For over 40 years I have been reading these sections of Scripture nearly every day. I’m still learning to live totally in the goodness of God and the full expression of His love for me.

I pray these verses are a refresher course for you as well. Read them, again and again. Let them sink deep into your heart, become deeply rooted in God’s love for you.

“If you have ears to hear – pay attention”!

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Calmly Wait

Are you a good waiter?

I don’t mean the kind that serves you in a restaurant, no, I’m talking about waiting (being patient).

Things worth waiting for like the birth of a child, a wedding, a graduation, a promotion or a vacation, all come with anticipation and excitement. The closer you get to that expected date the harder it is to calmly wait. That’s a good thing.

But what about sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, being stuck in traffic, having a flight delayed, how good are you at waiting in those circumstances?

This morning, I was reminded to calmly wait. Let me show you what I’m talking about.

“Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. 2 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.

3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?
4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor. You love to tell lies, and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart.

5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him. 6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. 7 God saves me and honors me.
He is that mighty rock where I find safety.

8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:1-8 CEV

King David was dealing with a physical enemy. He had men in his own ranks that were disloyal and trying to destroy him. He had armies and kings from surrounding nations who wanted to defeat him and take his country.

Most of us never face this type of assault but we face the worries and concerns of daily life and those can feel like an army of enemies. Have you ever experienced what David said in verse 3? Sometimes I feel like a shaky fence – good description. Don’t lean on a shaky fence, it will fall over. So what do we lean on?

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV

Did you know that God is waiting on us?

“The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” Isaiah 30:18 CEV

He is waiting for us to wait on Him. When we do, He rewards us with strength, courage and peace.

I love this translation of Psalm 62 verses 1 and 2.

“I must calm down and turn to God; only he can rescue me. 2 He is my Rock, the only one who can save me. He is my high place of safety, where no army can defeat me.” Psalm 62:1-2 ERV

Maybe today you need to tell yourself to “calm down” and “calmly wait”; don’t become overly anxious or impatient.

God is waiting patiently to show you His kindness!

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A Word for the Wise

This morning, I was reading in I Kings. The book begins like this, “ King David was now an old man”.

David knows his life is ending. He has a son who wants to steal the throne from his brother Solomon. David’s advisors tell him what is being planned and David thwarts that plan by having Solomon immediately anointed king.

What a way to live your final days? David needed to prepare his son for life as the ruler of Israel. He gave Solomon this instruction.

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. 3 Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go. 4 You and your descendants must always faithfully obey the Lord. If you do, he will keep the solemn promise he made to me that someone from our family will always be king of Israel.” I Kings 2:2-4 CEV

Do these words sound familiar? They did to me.

The Lord gave these words to Joshua many years before this.

“Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land. 9 I’ve commanded you to” be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua led the Jewish people as the conquered the Promised Land. David ruled the nation of Israel and made it a great nation that honored and served the Lord. Now Solomon was given the place of leadership – a passing of the torch or the mantle of leadership.

A few days back I showed you Solomon’s prayer when his father died. He asked for wisdom to be a good leader and the Lord not only blessed him with wisdom but also with great favor and wealth.

Now, look at the words of wisdom Solomon gives in the first few chapters of Proverbs.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.” Proverbs 3:1-8 NLV

Why read the Bible? Why study God’s word?

I know of no other place to find true wisdom, for these are the words of life!

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Fenced In

Last night was another one of those times when I tried to sleep but got up in the wee hours to pray.

Praying over family, friends and life’s situations.

I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge. I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance so I got up, seeking the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just of my lifetime but of time itself, is God is faithful and His word is true. When He tells us to ask for wisdom and He will give it liberally, He does! When He says ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will open, you will and it does!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: 3 Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are fenced in, in the prison of our circumstances or held back by our limited knowledge, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I’ll show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL!

And after we call “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46:10-11 NKJV

The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

As we ask for wisdom, we wait for the answers. The key is to wait in peace and not be afraid. God’s plan for us is good and He is faithful!

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Face the Sun

Dave and I made a stop at Home Depot on Saturday. We went with a specific purpose. We wanted to buy two large pots and two tall bougainvillea. We both love the color of these plants and they do well in our Arizona heat.

Going in, however, my attention was redirected. There they stood. Glorious. Their heads tilted upward! Basking in the sun. Oh, how I enjoy these beautiful, friendly, smile producing flowers. The sunflower.

For eight years Dave and I traveled to Iowa every summer. Each year we would drive through the sunflower fields in South Dakota. When we would drive through in the middle of the day all the stocks would be standing tall, flowers facing the sun. Those times we passed through early in the morning the heads on the plants would be drooped down low.

The difference. The sun.

That’s how it is for us. When we are in the presence of the Son we stand tall, strong and full of life. When we no longer face the Son we droop.

“ For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; ” Malachi 1:11 KJV

God’s name – His power – is great among all nations of the earth, Jew and Gentile.

“I am the Lord, and there is no other. There is no God besides Me. I will give you strength, even though you have not known Me. 6 Then men may know from sunrise to sunset that there is no God besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I make light and I make darkness. I bring good and I make trouble. I am the Lord Who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:5-7 NLV

The strength we need comes from the Lord. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. He is our shepherd, leading us to green pastures. He is our defender, our deliverer, He is protector and provider. He is our God and Father – there is no one like Him!

“Let the name of the Lord be honored, now and forever. 3 The name of the Lord is to be praised from the time the sun rises to when it sets. 4 The Lord is high above all nations. His shining-greatness is above the heavens.” Psalm 113:2-4 NLV

The sun is just beginning to crest above the mountain ridge to the East. It’s time to lift our heads toward the Son and stand strong in the day He has given us.

“3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. 4 I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4 NLT

Look up – bask in the Son!

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Promised Peace

Yesterday a friend and I began a time of Bible study. The Lord led me to begin a verse by verse study of Colossians. I love that book!

I honestly know that there isn’t a wasted word in the Bible. All scripture is God inspired and given to help us grow, to correct and instruct us so that we will be thoroughly furnished for every good work.

I spent a lot of time just on verse 2.

“To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” Colossians 1:2 ERV

This is not a generic “hi, how ya doing” greeting. Paul wanted this message to permeate all he was about to say. He was under house arrest in Rome. He was no longer able to meet with these young believers personally. He wanted their lives to be guided by peace and filled with grace.

God wants that for every believer. Grace – the forgiveness and restitution of our lives to relationship with the Father. Peace – the absence of fear, doubt and stress.

We spent a good deal of time right there. God gives us promised peace. Jesus said to his disciples:

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

He said knowing He would be crucified in the next few hours. If ever there was a time for peace it was then. Jesus was reassuring them that everything would be ok. That promise is good for us too.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

Slow down enough to let that sink in. God gives true peace to those who trust Him – so trust Him always! That’s how we live in peace – trusting the Lord. He is our place of safety.

Remember the message of the angels as they announced the birth of Christ?

“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” Luke 2:14 ERV

Peace on earth came through Jesus. This was God’s plan from the beginning. He wanted the relationship He had with Adam and Eve in the garden to be restored. Jesus came to fulfill that plan.

“And through him, God was happy to bring all things back to himself again— things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace by using the blood sacrifice of his Son on the cross.” Colossians 1:20 ERV

God has promised us peace. Emotional peace, internal peace and spiritual peace. I am certain of this when God makes a promise, He keeps it. Peace comes to those who trust so…trust Him always!

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God Is Greater

Yesterday I told you the story about our grandson and the fear he experienced in the swimming pool. He is now a good swimmer, advancing quickly in his abilities at swim lessons and his confidence has grown by leaps and bounds.

This is the kind of confidence that comes from knowledge and experience. That’s also how faith in Christ comes, through knowledge and experience.

Have you ever wondered why the Apostle James says we are “to count it all joy when we fall into different kinds of trials”? Joyful in a trial? Are you kidding me?

“My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. 3 You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. 4 Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.

5 If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never say you are wrong for asking.” James 1:2-5 NLV

What if David had never faced Goliath, Daniel hadn’t experienced the lions’ den, Peter only sailed on smooth seas and Paul never faced any jail time?

Without their testimonies of the Father’s faithfulness, power, deliverance and grace we would be void of examples of His promises to save and protect. Each of these men faced hardship and each of them trusted God through those trials. They grew in wisdom and faith.

When trials come, and they will, we can face them joyfully knowing that our heavenly Father promises to bring us through. We will be stronger in faith, trusting Him.

God is greater than the trial, greater than the storm and He has promised to never leave us or abandon us.

“My dear children, you belong to God, so you have already defeated these false prophets. That’s because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” I John 4:4 ERV

“I know the Lord is great! Our Lord is greater than all the gods!” Psalm 135:5 ERV

Come to the Father in times of trial. Find courage, find hope, find joy. God is greater!

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I’ve Got You!

Have you ever helped teach your children or grandchildren to swim? Some kids just take to the water like they are part fish, but others are reluctant, even scared, and need to be reassured, coaxed and supported in their endeavors.

The scene that came to mind as I was reading in Isaiah this morning was one such experience a few years ago in our oldest daughter’s swimming pool.

Our youngest grandson was just learning to swim. His auntie was coaching and coaxing him. He was scared and not enjoying himself at all. That’s when auntie said this, “I have never let anything hurt you and I never will. You can trust me. I won’t let you go. Take my hand.”

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

How often are we like my little grandson, afraid and needing to be supported? Things we don’t understand or situations we can’t control bring a rush of fear. That’s when we hear the Lord say, “I will hold you up, I will help you, don’t be afraid, I am with you”.

“The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall. 25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food.” Psalm 37:24-25 CEV

When I was little, I loved holding my parents’ hand. It gave me such a feeling of security. When I was in high school my mother and I would go shopping and I would hold her hand, it was a sign of affection. When Dave & I started dating we always held hands, we still do, it was a sign of our commitment and love.

Our heavenly Father desires to hold our hand. It’s for our protection and a sign of His affection. Reach out for His hand today – you’ll hear Him say, “I’ve got you”!

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