Category: Confidence

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Measuring Up

Have you ever felt like you don’t measure up? You know, comparing yourself to others is something we never seem to outgrow.

Not as fast, not as smart, not as attractive, not as athletic, not as…

Comparing isn’t just for kids or for those seeking to succeed in their professions. As a retired “senior” adult, I sometimes fall into that trap as well. Maybe you have too.

Even good church going people can be plagued by thoughts of unworthiness.

Have I read my Bible enough, prayed enough, gone to church enough, served my community enough – plain and simple been good enough for God to love me?

The answer is No. But before you become condemned for your answer let me assure you that is exactly the answer you should give. None of us have ever done enough good to earn God’s love; we couldn’t measure up.

But God chose us anyway!

“ Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.

8 I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:6-10 ERV

None of us have a right to brag about our good works giving us an “in” with God. It’s all because of what Jesus did.

“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:21 ERV

Before any of us were born, before our parents and grandparents were born, God had a plan for us.

“ I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4 Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.” Ephesians 1:2-6 CEV

We were chosen – you were chosen by God to be His adopted child before the world was created. Did we measure up? No, far from it. It is by His grace that we have been adopted.

“You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ. This shows that you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-27 ERV

When we are clothed in Christ, we can stand tall knowing that because of Him we measure up!

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Good News Good News

We all like to receive good news but here we are not even two weeks into the new year, and I feel that some of you are struggling with an Eeyore complex.

It’s hard to see anything good – you’ve become discouraged and hope seems to be fading. Before you allow that kind of thinking to take root in your heart, stop and read the good news that God has for you today!

Most of you know someone who has all the characteristics of Eeyore. Gloomy, downtrodden, anxious, negative with low self-esteem. Then there’s Pooh – an encourager, looking for the best in everyone, a messenger of good news and hope.

Today, I will take on the role of Pooh.

” Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13  Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16  Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:10-17 CEV

In the Apostle Paul’s day there were definitely class distinctions – the religious and ruling class thought they were better than the more common people. Slaves were treated poorly and deemed to be in the lowest class by society.

But God…

chose each one of us to be His own and it’s His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that gives us our worth. We are priceless to Him. He gave His all, His very life, to bring us to new life because of His sacrifice.

God loves you; He has chosen you; He has forgiven you. Christ made you part of His body and He gives you His peace. Because of Him you are worthy to be loved!

“ Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:6-8 CEV

Good News – Good News! Christ died for you and you are deeply loved!

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Blessing of a Clean Slate

Happy New Year – A new year brings new hope.

Some of you have accepted Christ as your Savior this last year, this year is filled with new things as you start your walk with the Lord. Some of you came back to the Lord after being a prodigal – off doing your own thing – and this year is filled with new hope. Others of us have experienced trials and testing and have grown stronger in the Lord and this year holds new excitement and anticipation as we wait to see how our mighty God will move again.

“I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God’s home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. 4 He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.

5 Then the one sitting on the throne said: I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted. 6 Everything is finished! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give water from the life-giving fountain to everyone who is thirsty. 7 All who win the victory will be given these blessings. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Revelation 21:3-7

As John recorded these words in the next to the final chapter in the Bible, we see God repeating that He WILL live with us and our past WILL be gone forever and our future with Him will be perfect – we win!

“So surely the blood sacrifice of Christ can do much more. Christ offered himself through the eternal Spirit as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will make us completely clean from the evil we have done. It will give us clear consciences so that we can worship the living God.” Hebrews 9:14 ERV

No, I’m not predicting the end of the world, just the end of a year. In front of us are new days with new hope, new excitement, new victories and new life in Christ.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-18

Praise God for the blessing of a clean slate!

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Confidently Follow into 2026

Some mistake confidence for arrogance. When our confidence is in the Lord that is the farthest thing from the truth.

Our confidence is in Him and not in ourselves. We know only too well our weaknesses and failures and so does He but He provides us with forgiveness and a new hope for our future.

Confidence!

The year behind us should be just that – behind. Now it’s time to look forward with full assurance that He is faithful and will lead us to greater things.

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. 24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.” Hebrews 10:22-24 CEV

Life can be discouraging and that is why it’s necessary that our confidence is based on our faith in God.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV

or

“So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly.” Hebrews 10:35 ERV

Don’t give up – be courageous. Be confident.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 ERV

I know what it’s like to venture out into unknown territory. Leaving everything behind and moving to a new place. Saying good-bye to family and friends and going where I know no one. I would have lost all courage – my confidence did wane – BUT GOD was and is faithful and trustworthy.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 ESV

“He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:2-4 ESV

Confidence!

Seek God! When we place our faith and trust in Him, we can be confident that He will reward us and lead us to green pastures.

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My Favorite Present

Do you remember being a kid and going out to play with your friends the days following Christmas?

Some kids had new bikes, others had skateboards, some had new dolls or kitchen sets, and some had new shotguns. Most everyone was excited to “show off” what they had. But some didn’t say much – finances at home had been tight and their Christmas presents were new socks or a jacket, a couple pair of new jeans or sneakers. Some gifts brought joy and others an element of embarrassment. I remember both of those kinds of Christmases.

This morning the verses that came to mind were verses on singing. Nothing to be ashamed of here.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 ESV

The gift of God’s presence is one of the greatest presents ever, His presence is our present!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

He is our Shepherd. He leads us, He guides us, He causes us to rest, He protects us!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ESV

The “presence”, presents, of God are something to sing about. As His children we have bragging rights directed at our Father’s goodness.

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3 ESV

Because Jesus came, we have the message of the Father’s love. Because Jesus died, we receive forgiveness of sin and we are welcome in the Father’s presence

“ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

Jesus made us a present to the Father and in turn, the Father gave us His presence. My favorite present!

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The Last Week

Are you feeling frantic or rested? It’s the last week of the year.

Maybe you feel you haven’t measured up or you haven’t completed the projects you had scheduled. It could be you are just the opposite and resting in the glow of spending Christmas with family and friends.

It’s the last week of the year 2025. How is that thought affecting your outlook toward 2026? Let’s consider this:

“Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called “children of God”—and that is not just what we are called, but what we are. Our heredity on the Godward side is no mere figure of speech—which explains why the world will no more recognise us than it recognised Christ. 2 Oh, dear children of mine (forgive the affection of an old man!), have you realised it? Here and now we are God’s children. We don’t know what we shall become in the future. We only know that, if reality were to break through, we should reflect his likeness, for we should see him as he really is!” I John 3:1-2 Phillips

Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us! In our successes and in our failures, His love does not change. One year ends and another begins but our relationship with Him is established in eternity.

“Children of God” is not just who we are called but it is who we ARE!

“My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29  My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, 30 and I am one with the Father.” John 10:27-30 CEV

I recently heard someone say “I hope that the good I have done will be enough”. Our relationship with the Lord has never been based on the good we have done, nor will it ever be that way. Our relationship, our right standing, with God is based solely on the good that Jesus has done. It’s His sacrifice, His goodness that makes us right with God.

There’s a song that we sing that brings me to tears every time. The lyrics are the words of my heart, “Reckless Love of God” by Cory Asbury.

“Before I spoke a word, you were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, you breathe your life in me
You have been so, so good to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was your foe, still your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, you paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,”

The last week of the year – God’s love never changes. It carried us through 2025 and it will be our strength, our hope and our peace in 2026. Never underestimate the precious love of God!

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Home for Christmas

Those song lyrics, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams”, bring a sense of nostalgia and longing to our hearts.

Remembering Christmases as a child or as a parent with young children around the Christmas tree. But, whatever the memory it was home.

Not so for Jesus.

Jesus came from heaven to earth; He left his home and came to ours to bring us abundant gifts.

“Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ—that we might learn to praise that glorious generosity of his which has made us welcome in the everlasting love he bears towards the Son.” Ephesians 1:3-6

God the Father sent his Son to bring the gift of eternal life to all of us. By accepting this gift so freely given we are adopted into God’s family and He lavishes the same love and care that He has for Jesus on us. Marvelous grace!

He came to make His home with us. I always want to make Him feel welcome – my heart is His home.

“Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.” John 14:23 CEV

I will make Him the center focus of all I do. He will be the honored guest!

He has adopted me and given me the right to call Him “Abba Father” as Paul says in Romans. Abba Father is an endearing term like “daddy” or “papa”, a term of great love and affection spoken by a child with a wonderful relationship with their father. What more could a Father ask for but the love of His child.

Be home for Christmas with the Father, His arms are open wide!

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Tidings of Comfort & Joy

Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

The reason Jesus came was to bring “tidings” of comfort and joy.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

The message of Jesus in the Temple…

“The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written: 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:17-19 ERV

It’s amazing how a word from Jesus can turn our world right side up.

Peace be still.

Lazarus, come forth.

Throw your net to the other side

Let him with no sin cast the first stone

Zacchaeus come down

Take your bed and walk

Don’t fear, neither be afraid

When Mary was grieving in the garden because Jesus body was gone all it took was one word, “Mary” and all was well. He simply called her by name. He knows each of our names and He speaks to our hearts.

What has you troubled today – relationships, health, finances, mental stress, work?

“ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Listen to the words of the angels again and receive the tidings of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. ” Luke 2:10-11 CEV

The Savior has come and He has a word just for you!

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Just Because

When I woke up this morning, my heart was filled with so much love and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Just because…

because He’s God, because He loves me, because He knows me and loves me still. When Jesus was born, wise men from the East saw His star and came to worship Him just because.

” Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 ERV

They knew the heavens declared the glory of God and they came to see the child.

My “just because” came when I realized that God was not holding my sin against me but that I had been “justified freely” by His grace.

” Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. 23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; 24 yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

25 For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath.” Romans 3:22-24 TLB

God loves us just because, and because He does He sent His Son!

“ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world! ” John 1:29 ERV

Just because of His great love He has given me a robe of right-standing to wear.

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NLT

Jesus came just because of God’s great love!

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