Contest Winner and Book Announcement

Congratulations! Noel Zepeda was the fabulous illustrator who won the Cover Art Contest for my new upcoming book, The Purpose of Chosen. 

I have to say I LOVE it! 

There were other great entries too. two from my daughter and one from a colleague I met through Michael Hyatt's Platform Launch team. 

I fell in love with what each artist did on one level or another. 

I have gotten permission from each artist to include their submissions as illustrations in the book, so those will be used too! 

There is plenty to do still. I am waiting on the forward. ( A good friend and fellow author/blogger is writing it.) And I am waiting on a really big "get" from another author who I love. I am not going to tell you who in case he does not want to review the book, but I am excited that the "maybe" hanging in the air is even there. I could have heard "no" right away. Now I am only waiting on his "Yes". 

Think you know who it might be? LOL! 

I have to say that this process has taught me so much. Patience is not my strong suit and I started this off by flinging it out into the world with so many errors it was embarrassing. I have to take the time to thank Shannon Mulholland and Heidi Kreider for their edits and reviews and Tammy Helfrich for her recent review as well. 

I have to thank Dana Pittman for pushing me to do more. This isn't  "the" book, but I am on my way. 

Everyone of you who have encouraged me, loved on me, listened to me, let me cry on your shoulder, thank you. 

For you artists who took a chance and helped me with my dream while you are in pursuit of your own dream, thank you! 

Thank you all for going to A Year in the Spiritual Life's Facebook Page and voting! 

Most of all, thank you Father God, who wrote David's life story and encourages me to live mine. I cannot wait to see what You have in store next! 

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Discovering the Yes of Your Purpose

Blogging Through the Book

If you have not joined us before now, every Wednesday I, along with other wonderful bloggers, blog through the reading of a book. We are blogging through the book The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn. If you would like to join us, purchase the book here (affiliate link) and read along! Then share your thoughts on each chapter. 

Not reading the book? That is okay too. We each take our own point of view and share what we loved about the book chapter by chapter and then share it with you. This way, you can join the conversation and learn more about God's yes for you! 

Chapters 8 and 9

The Gospel of Yes is kicking my rear. 

I mean it. 

Statements like "You can hold onto your anger, or you can hold onto Jesus, but you can't do both." (page 112) make me examine where I am in my walk with God. Am I trying to hold onto my anger and hurt more than I am holding onto Jesus? If the answer is yes, then I have some repenting and some real praying to do. 

Forgiveness is one of the central themes of the Gospel. We, in our sin, needed forgiveness, yes, but forgiving others is also necessary. Forgiving ourselves, forgiving others, this is what it means to be like Jesus. He forgave the men who were in the middle of killing him. He forgives us too. What a great example of the grace God wants us to walk in. 

I know what it is to be wronged. I know what rejection feels like. 

I bet you do too. 

You have a choice, live in the pain and swim in Lake Shoudawouldacoulda, or forgive and walk in the beautiful trails of Freedom Park! 

I know what I choose: I choose the freedom of forgiveness.  

"...Your future need not be held hostage to your past. There is another choice, God's choice, which is forgiveness." Mike Glenn The Gospel of Yes

So what does that future look like? God knows. The good news is that God sees you as He made you to be and not just as you are. The really good news is He will take you anyway, JUST as you are. 

Discovering The YES of your Purpose

Everyone searches for the meaning of it all. At one point or another, we all look for our "yes". Some of us find it right away, and others let the bustle of a busy world throw us off the trail of self-discovery and into the bog of existing. 

Mike says this: 

"The faith pilgrimage begins with God's declaration of who you really are and why He made you. The rest of your life is a journey that is given meaning and direction by God's determination of your identity and destiny." (page 115, The Gospel of Yes) 

You have a destiny in Christ. You have a purpose. There is more to you than the day-to-day existence that you silently rail against in your heart. It is not found by burning a bra, or occupying a movement, but by bumping into the person and experience of God. 

Trying to strike out on our own is futile. The universe is first too big and secondly too broken to find purpose in without first knowing the Maker of the Universe. 

God says "I knew you before you were in your mother's womb". We are no mystery to God. He made us and He sees everything. Our hearts, our hurts and our outcomes. What He wants from us is to see Him. His heart, His healing, and His desire for us. 

This is how we discover the yes of our purpose: We encounter Him. We get to know Him. 

"He goes ahead and calls you to join him in his divine work and as you encounter him, God reveals your identity." (page 116) 

Your calling is uniquely yours. No one else's. He formed you with the intent in mind. "I knew you before...."

God chose Abram (a man without children) to become the father of nations. God chose Saul (a killer of Christians) to become Paul, who evangelized the known world, wrote most of the New Testament, and stood before kings and slaves alike proclaiming the love and freedom of Christ.

God chose you too. Before you were born. God chooses you now, after you have made mistakes and life has happened. He chooses you where you are so you can become who He called you to be.

Like Abraham, like Paul.

This is God's yes to you: There is a purpose, now let's marvel as we go on the journey to discover it!

Join the Conversation: 

Have you ever felt disqualified to do something because of your past? Leave your comment below!

Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in our community. Click HEREto find out about other blogger's perspectives on these chapters and join the discussion!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Mess in a Dress: Getting Past Your Past

Wednesdays are turning into one of my favorite days! We are Blogging through the book The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn. This means we can read it together chapter by chapter and discuss it here like a book club. It is not too late to catch up with us. You can get a copy of the book here. (affiliate link)

Chapters Six and Seven

My grandmother used to look at me on Sunday mornings as I ran around the church in my Sunday frock, and say "that girl is a mess in a dress". She said it with affection and humor, but it was true on so many levels.

I was a mess when God said yes. To be honest, I still am a bit of a mess. I have issues. I have a past.
I am also willing to bet you do too.


If you are letting your past hold you back from experiencing the fullness of God's yes, then you are missing the point. There is freedom and recovery in God's yes: freedom from what is holding you back and recovery from what has hurt and scarred you.

"We all have a past. Even though we find new life in Christ, no one starts from zero. Your life and mine, like any good story have a prequel." Mike Glenn, The Gospel of Yes, page 90

I have shared with you my prequel: I was an adulteress, and God healed my marriage. I was a child of divorce and God wanted me anyway. I have a story and it is messy because life is messy. We are messy.

God is not afraid of your mess. Jesus doesn't judge you because you have a past. The woman caught in adultery in the Bible was brought before Jesus. He said "Go and sin no more." No judging, no condemning. He just spoke life and sent her forward.

"Jesus in not unaware of the mess you are in, and he knows better than anyone that you can't fix it on your own. The mess you are in is why he came. And now that he is here, it makes no sense to waste any more time. So get started. Jesus will start wherever you are. " page 97

 What Makes the Gospel Great? 

The Gospel is great because it is the story of God choosing us in our brokenness, in our messiness, and Jesus revealing the love of the Father to us.

This means God chose you. From the beginning He chose you. You have a purpose, you have a reason for being. Just existing is no longer an option. You now have heard God's yes! Embrace it. Let it begin to change you. Renew the way you think about yourself, about the world, and about God. This yes from God changes everything!

This yes takes your mess and begins to make something beautiful in spite of it. From the inside out we are becoming something totally new!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 

You do not need to "fix" anything first. The truth is you can't. Only what Christ did for us can fix our brokenness.

Get Over Yourself! 

I know how to hold on. Tightly. I held onto my pain, my hurts, my past for a very long time. I hid behind a fake smile on Sundays so no one at church would know my pain. I was not fooling anyone. I certainly was not fooling God. 

I believed that God could heal and could change lives, just not mine. By believing God was good enough for everyone else but me I was making the gospel void. I made God to be a liar. I was wrong! 

If you are holding on to your past hurts and brokenness, get over yourself. I mean this in as much love as I can muster. Really. Let it go. God said yes and He wants to heal you from it all. He wants the chains to fall off and your new reality to be freedom and joy, not bondage and pain. 

God says "yes" to you. Say yes to Him. 

"Our lives may begin in a mess, but they end with a Divine Yes!" Mike Glenn, The Gospel of Yes page 100

Join the Conversation:

What was your "prequel"? Share a part of your story with us. Leave a comment (it can be long or short) with us. Click on "Add a Comment" below.


Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in our community. Click HERE to find out about other blogger's perspectives on these chapters and join the discussion!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do You Hear "No" When God Says "Yes"?

Blogging through the book “The Gospel of Yes”

Chapters 3 and 4

We are blogging through this book together and it is not too late to join us. You can purchase your copy of The Gospel of Yes here. (Affiliate link)

Do not look to me.

If life were measured by weights and balances, I know I would fail. My heart is weak. I am weak.

I am a poor example of love.

Even as a mother, God gave me two people who I love more than I can imagine, but I still fall short. I cannot love them as much as I should, or show them at all times the perfect love of Christ, because I do not walk in that love as much as I should.

I fail.

If life were measured by weights and balances then there would be no way I would come out ahead. That is why Jesus came, because every last one of us fell short at the weigh-in of life.

Love is Messy Because We are Messy

Loving others is messy. This is a message I have heard from several sources lately and it reverberated through me yet again as I read these chapters of “The Gospel of Yes” by Mike Glenn.

Love, according to 1 Corinthians 13 is kind, gentle, patient, long suffering, and meek. Love is also the hardest thing we can ever learn to do. Love in its purest Christ-like form is the most unselfish, pure and giving thing. Yet, we cannot give this kind of love until we realize we need to receive this kind of love first.

Grace and love do not measure. They cover.

Somewhere along the way, we have believed a lie. A lie that says the promise of God’s grace and love are not enough. Somehow we have traded what Christ did as a free gift and the ultimate “yes” for mankind in for a substandard balance sheet of good deeds versus bad ones.

Too many of us are locked in a never ending cycle of “sin management” as Mike Glenn calls it.

Rather than focus on the “sin” all the time, if we focused on the “Yes” of God’s love we would live such drastically different and FREEING lives.

“Loving God and being loved by God allows us to love others with a depth that isn’t possible on our own. In the same way, being loved by God and loving God in return allows us to understand and therefore , to love ourselves in ways we can’t do by ourselves…Loving others is hard and can’t be done on your own. It keeps driving you back to God.” (The Gospel of Yes) 

As a mom, I know that this is true. When my girls, who are teenagers now, push the boundaries and limits of my natural love, I have to go to the source of all love and grace to love and parent them the way He calls me too.

I miss that mark all the time.

Often, as was the case yesterday, when I talk to my kids, I say one thing and they hear another.

Kids are trained to hear “no” from a young age, and the enemy is good at twisting words. So when I say I am concerned your path could lead to some hard consequences, they hear “I don’t believe in you” and “you aren’t good enough”. This is hard for a parent to realize and to try to overcome with their child.

(How much more is our Heavenly Father saddened by our stiff neck and clogged ears? When all we hear is no when God is really saying YES!?)

Yet I cannot back away from parenting my girls because I am afraid I might fail, or mess up. I cannot be afraid that I will be unpopular with them. This will be a reality. I will fail. I have failed before. I will fail again. I have to learn to ride the adventure that is parenting with as much faith, love, and grace as I can. I have to trust that love will be enough in the end.

How is our walk with Jesus any different? We have to dive in. Grab ahold of His coat tails and let Him lead us. We have to trust that what he did in love 2000 years ago (in the ultimate “yes” in all the history of mankind) is enough.

Our purpose is to point the way back to God for all mankind to see. When we live a life of no, rather than a life of yes in Christ, we diminish what Christ did and trade the truth for a lie.

We have to focus on Him more and on our own personal “nos” less. Mike writes, “…fill your mind with Christ, and let go of the rest.”

Question: What do you need to let go of?

Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in our community. Click on the button above to find out about other blogger's perspectives on these chapters and join the discussion! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Zone: Blogging Through the Book "The Gospel of Yes" Chapter 1

The Big Question

We have all wondered “Why am I here?”

“What is my Purpose?”

I write about finding your purpose in Christ almost every day. But the struggle becomes getting past our “no”.

When we have a dream we think more of the obstacles to the dream than the yeses that get us to the end goal. When we see someone else succeed we find it easier to criticize them then to support them.

Our No is loud. Our no rules us.

What if you could change that?

What would your “yes” look like?

The Book

Mike Glenn asks the same thing in the first Chapter of The Gospel of Yes.

You are created in the very image of God and you have been created for a purpose. Now, as you hone into that purpose there is clarity. It is easier to filter through the stuff that comes up in life because you can more readily see if it fits in with your calling or not.

God has a purpose: He is working to reclaim His creation.

“The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:9 (CEB)

He wants His kids to have the same mission as Him: save the lost. When we realize that is the mission, finding our role to play becomes all the more important. In general we know that if something in our life does not line up with this mission we can easily filter that out. Likewise when something in our life helps us accomplish the goals of this mission we can say a resounding YES with confidence.

“The Zone”

“A state of concentration, an alignment of emotional, mental, and physical abilities where the game seems to slow down and the play becomes almost effortless.”

Mike Glenn goes on to say “God wants us to live in that zone, experiencing a lifetime of moments where identity, destiny, and opportunity come together in a resounding “yes” of meaning and joy”

I want this. This “Yes” experience.

God said yes to me when He gave His son. He said yes to me when He called me to live a life of purpose too.

Do not be ruled by “no”, but embrace God’s “yes” for you.

What is your “yes”?

 

"Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in community. Click HERE to learn more or visit www.danapittman.com."

Announcing Blogging Through the Book: The Gospel of Yes

I Have an Announcement! 

In the past I have partnered with Dana Pittman of Danapittman.com with amazing results. When she brought this idea of "blogging through the book" to me and several other bloggers, I jumped at the chance to join in. 


Blogging through the book will be like a Book Club, Bible Study and Blogging trifecta. Every week we will read along together and then write through our own unique lens our thoughts on what we read. 


There will be great discussion questions, perspectives and opportunities to hit some very important areas of our walk with God that we may or may not have addressed in the past. 


I cannot wait to begin this "blogging through the Book" series and I hope you will join me! 


The book is worth the buy.  (It comes in Kindle and paperback versions)  You can get that here, just look on page 3 of my Discover Shopping page. (affiliate link) 


Every Wednesday for the next two months you will get more than a book review.  You will get a taste of what the book has to offer through the perspective of Discovering Your Purpose. Want to know more? Then hop over to another blogger's site and they will give you another perspective. 


This joint venture will hopefully help you follow along and join in on the discussion. Want to learn more about Mike Glenn? Then follow the author. 

We begin with The Gospel of Yes, a new book by pastor Mike Glenn. 

 Click the picture to check it out more closely!

His website: http://www.truthfulconversations.com/ His Twitter Handle: @mikeglenn  

Participating Bloggers

Dana with DanaPittman.com

Dayna with A Year in the Spiritual Life

Heidi with HeidiKreider.com

Katherine Harms with Living on Tilt

Pilar with Ordinary Servant

I hope you will join us tomorrow as we begin this wonderful journey and find out why this book has gotten such great reviews! If you are still not convinced, check out the short video reviews posted by WaterBrook Press here. 

Do you have a book you think would be great for this program? What is it? 

Q & A Conclusion of the Prioritize Your Life Series

Today we wrap up the Prioritize Your Life series with a Question and Answer session. If you asked a question last week, you may find it here. If you didn't you may find one here that you identify with because I picked the most universal ones I could to answer. These questions are by some people I really admire as well. Check out their links and find out what they are all about! 

I hope you have enjoyed this series. If you have found something you do not agree with, or feel like I missed something important, then please join the conversation by leaving a comment below! I want to hear from you! 

Enjoy the Q & A below:

Tor Constantino Asked:

Dayna, I think one of the challenges with priorities is ranking them. If everything's a priority, then nothing really is. What recommendation do you have for those who have trouble separating true priorities from the pack?

(Tor Blogs at http://www.thedailyretort.com)

Ranking is a challenge. If we look at priorities as a standard (read banner) over an area of our lives to which we always strive to move toward in our lives it will help us become less bogged down by the priority itself. Remember that Jesus said “…Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” These are details. Later in the same chapter at the end of the discussion Jesus was having he said this: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, (A Standard) and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Remember that in life we cannot have nor do it all. Some things have to be less important than others. By definition a priority is more important because it is “given special attention”. Ultimately how many priorities you have is up to you. However, of you stop looking at priorities as a list of “to do’s” and more of a standard of living then it may take some of the pressure off.

I hope this helps.



Bobbie Cole Asked:

I like it that, in his Life Plan Book, Michael Hyatt puts himself second to God on his list of priorities. His rationale is that, if he doesn't look after himself, he cannot do any of the things that follow on his list of priorities, such as being there for his wife, bringing up his children and helping colleagues. Do you agree?

Bobbie, this is a great question! I have to start off by saying this: priorities are highly personal, and while some priorities (God, family, career, and ministry) might be the same, for many some priorities will not translate well.

I read Michael’s book and loved it. When I was trying to do all the exercises and list out my priorities exactly like he did do you know what happened? I kept forgetting the “myself” one. For me, it did not fit. I love the idea. After all, even God calls us vessels to be filled and to pour out, right?

I think the thing we have to do after we create our “list” of priorities is to live with them for a while and make adjustments as needed. I probably do need to make myself more of a priority more… I could use the exercise at least…lol. Recently, Luther Davis, who died just before his 90th birthday told someone “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of my body.”

Even such a great man, who I admired greatly had trouble with the “myself” part of his life.

Priorities are personal and the only person who will be able to set them and live by them is you.

Thanks for this question!

Rebecca Livermore Asked:

(Rebecca is genius in all things design. Check her out at http://www.professionalcontentcreation.com/ )

How do you deal with the priorities that other people have for you? For example, spouses, children, employers, clients, friends -- all of them may have things they want you to do and feel you are letting them down if you don't live up to their priorities for you. Of course, I'm only talking about those who are key people in your life, not just random people. :)

This is a great question Rebecca! I have to say that outside pressures to be and do certain things are stressors that many of us have. Sometimes these stressors can be presented as priorities when really they are diversions. They divert our energy, our focus; even our hearts can be diverted.

This is one reason God says “guard your heart”.

I want to encourage you and anyone who identifies with this question to live in a place of peace. We will be buffeted by people, by storms, by critics, by family, and by strangers. This is life. But if we live with a standard (priority/banner) over an area of our life, it will block some of the attack (like a personal umbrella) and in times where we stray too far away from that standard (because we were diverted) then that standard (priority/banner) can act like a beacon to lead us back where we want to be.

I want you to stop for a second and think of your life as a dart board. You are the bull’s-eye. Immediately around you (the next circle) is your husband, then the next circle is your kids, then extended family, then work etc…

Now, do you have that image in your mind? Good, now answer this: What can you really control in the dart board? What do you really have the responsibility for and over?

The answer is YOU!

You can influence the other circles, but you are the only thing you really have control over. Set your standards (priorities) and share those with the people you care about. Let them know where you are in your heart and mind and do not waiver. They will respect you more l for taking a stand than for caving into their demands.

Heidi Kreider Asked:

(Heidi is a published author and blogs at http://heidikreider.com/)

What do you do when you feel as if God is changing your priorities and your direction but not everyone agrees?

Heidi, first I would say Trust and Obey! Trust that if God is changing things for you, He will let your spouse know. He will bring your kids around. Yet ultimately (see dart board analogy above) you have to be the one who obeys.

Here is something that comes to mind about obedience. If you had two children and one of them never did his chore, but instead talked his sister into doing it every time, is your son really obeying? The chore got done, but did he truly obey you?

What if he told you that it was not a priority for him to take out the trash every night, it was more your deal than his? Would that fly?

What if he constantly told you “I’ll take out the trash when… (fill in the blank)”

God is a Father. We are his kids. Are you going to obey, or wait because you don’t think things are quite perfect yet?

Obedience is better. Trust is better. God sees more than you do. This is why Jesus asks us to die to ourselves. When we lay down “our” concerns, God takes them up.

Jesus is your advocate, so let the detractors complain. The one we need to please is God: no one else.


Dana Pittman Asked:

(Dana blogs at danapittman.com)

My priority questions come from transitioning from where I am to where God is calling me. Where I am pays the bills? :) Where I am going is going to take a lot of time and effort. I'm sure some finances will come but for now they are nonexistent.

I want to direct you to Heidi’s question and answer and just add this: Step out in FAITH! If God is telling you to GO GO GO then what are you doing stuck at the starting line? Run your race girl. God gave it to you to RUN!

“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of [a]the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him” James 1:5



Pilar Arsenec Asked:

(Pilar blogs at http://www.ordinaryservant.com/)

I just find myself just scrambling to just get things done. My priorities become the demands of my job and my family. I have to be honest and say that I squeeze everything else in which includes time alone with God.

Pilar, we have to live with intention. Otherwise we react to life rather than move through life toward goals.

First I want to tell you I understand what you mean. There are days I just feel bombarded by everyone else and feel like there is nothing I can do to change it. But there is! Change comes first from within. Determine in yourself that you will live life with intention. Write down those priorities and goals. If you still feel like they are unobtainable then do what Michael Hyatt suggests in his book “Life Plan” and work backwards.

If you have a priority and it feels like there is no way for you to live up to it, and then ask yourself this question: What would have to be true to make this reality?

The answer to that question is will help you focus more, and trim some of the "fat" from your life that is diverting your attention from the things that matter.

No matter where you are right now though, you cannot live in condemnation! Stop beating yourself up for not being perfect. No one is except Jesus. We strive to be more like Him. Sometimes we fall short. That is what grace is for. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start again.

One of my favorite things to say is “God’s got this!” and whatever your “this” is, I promise, He has it!

                                                ______________________________________________________

I hope you have liked this series and found value in it. Please, leave you questions and comments below to join the discussion! 

Give God a Reason

The Wrap Up

We have been learning about confidence. Trusting in God to take care of us, the situations we walk through and the future are just some of the topics we have covered. 

One thing we haven’t covered is this: can God have confidence in us? 

Can God trust you? 

That is a big question, and frankly it intimidates me. God is a holy God and I have never wanted to disappoint Him, though I have fallen short over and over. 

So what does the Bible say about this? 

Let’s look at the story of Abraham, Isaac and a Contract (read the story here) 

Abraham had been serving the Lord for years. In his old age he was given a son by his wife Sarah, whom they called Isaac. This child was a promised child, a gift in their old age and the beginning of the nation of Israel. Just not yet. 

First God wanted to test Abraham. God was testing Abraham’s love, faith, trust, and his free will. 

God tested Abraham’s love. --- This was prelaw. There were no 10 Commandments yet. There were other idols and gods being worshipped. Abraham was called out of the Chaldeans, known for their worship and veneration of the stars and planets. God needed to know that there was nothing between Abraham and Him: not even a son. Every step he took toward that mountain was walked because Abraham loved the Lord. 

God tested Abraham’s faith. --- After God told Abraham to go sacrifice his son He said “on a mountain I will show you”. This three day trip had to be emotionally excruciating for a father. He prepared everything. He struck out. Crossing desert and closing in on a mountain range. Where would God step in? 

He had to be thinking: ‘Surely God would not kill my boy- the one He promised to me years ago.’ 

When Isaac asked where the sacrifice was, Abraham could only answer, “God will provide”. 

He kept the faith. 

God tested Abraham’s trust in Him. --- He raised the knife. Knowing that if he followed through with it, God would provide a miracle for his son and for him. He determined in his heart to follow through in obedience and for that reason, God stayed Abraham’s hand. Abraham trusted God, and it was counted as righteousness. 

God tested Abraham’s free will. --- At any time Abraham could have said no. God had already promised Abraham a son. God had delivered on that promise. But love, faith, trust, have no power unless they are given of our free will. Abraham chose God over his son, over his doubt, over his pain, over his circumstances. Abraham chose God. 

So what did God do in return? He chose Abraham. 

God provided where there was no provision. He changed Abraham’s mourning into celebration. God honored Abraham’s faithfulness with an even bigger promise. 

The Contract 

And God said to Abraham: 

“I give my word as the Lord that because you did this and didn’t hold back your son, your only son, I will bless you richly and I will give you countless descendants, as many as the stars in the sky and as the grains of sand on the seashore. They will conquer their enemies’ cities. All the nations of the earth will be blessed because of your descendants, because you obeyed me.” 

Just seconds before this, Abraham thought his son would soon be dead. Now, because he chose God, God was choosing him to be the father of a nation. Through this nation, (the 12 tribes of Israel) came Jesus, the Savior of the World, by whom all nations of the earth are blessed. 

Because Abraham chose God, God chose Abraham, and through him began a blood line that would birth the King of Kings. 

So what trial are you going through? What thing has God asked you to do that seem so hard? Think of Abraham and choose well. 

Give God a reason to trust you. 

Have you ever had a test of your faith?


This tandem series on CONFIDENCE is a joint effort between Dana Pittman and Dayna Bickham. Both Dana and Dayna blog about life, grace, and God’s love and plan for you. To follow this series, visit here to learn more.

Three Practical Steps to Self-Confidence

We have been talking about confidence and I cannot let the series go by without talking about self-confidence. 

There is room in this life to trust in our own abilities at times. This is what self-confidence is: trusting in our self. 

There is however a caveat: self-confidence should always reflect the Jesus in you. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

1. Remember where your strength lies. 

When we rely on our own ability we sometimes forget to rely on Jesus. This is a dangerous place to be. It puffs us up, we can become proud and God will not allow pride to last long. He longs for a humble and contrite heart. 

God is high and lifted up. He lives forever. His name is holy. He says, “I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and sorry for their sins. I will give new life to those who are humble in spirit. I will give new life to those who are sorry for their sins. Isaiah 57:15

2. Understand God has gifted you with talents and abilities. 

Sometimes, in order to try to be as holy as we can, we throw practicality out the window. This is like throwing the baby out with the bath water: it defeats the purpose. We live in a world where practical and spiritual have to coincide. We must be in this world, not a part of it. 

You have abilities and talents. That may be singing, writing, public speaking, or teaching. It could be crafting, sewing, or cooking. Your talents could be accounting, administrative, or organizational. Whatever your talents, each of us can use those talents and have confidence when we do. 

Why? 

We can have confidence because we know God made us that way. 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12

We each have something to contribute to the body and to the world. We are fishers of men. Our talents, when used with confidence and guided by the Holy Spirit should act like lures: shiny, impressive, and hunger inducing. 

3. Do everything with excellence. 

Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians3:17 

God left nothing undone. He does nothing half-heartedly. For you He sent His only child to die and take on your sins, and the sins of the rest of the world so that we could live. He gave His best. We need to give ours. 

Cain did not give his best, and God was displeased. God was not displeased with grain as an offering, but that Cain did not pick his best grains to offer to God, he brought God the leftovers. 

Do not do the same with your offerings of talent and devotion. Do everything with excellence. Where you lack, God will supply the rest. 

This is where self-confidence and confidence in God meet. This is where God bestows favor. 

Be faithful in the little things (the things you know how to do) and God will give you bigger better things that challenge you and help you grow. 

How did God make you? What is your special talent? 

If you like this post you may also like: Three Things to know About Confidence , Change Your Perspective, Finding Your Voice, Finding Yourself In Christ Confidence is Tricky, Confidence Changes Everything, and Confidence in Transition

Change Your Perspective

This is a guest post written by Dana Pittman. Dana Blogs at DanaPittman.com.  You can follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

I love the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”. I am not a photographer, except my love of snapping pictures on my morning runs and my children. I realize this quote assumes a lot. The greatest assumption is that we all will see what the photographer sees. But how many of you know that appearances can be deceiving? 

We are well on our way with our confidence series. It caused me to think about my life and why I struggle with godly confidence. My response is a tossup between my faith and trust in God. I believe it is my immediate circumstances that sometimes cause me to doubt.

Have you ever wondered whether God heard your prayers? Whether He realized you are knee deep in mess screaming to get His attention.

A mess usually of my own doing yet in these moments I find myself trusting in my feelings and not God. The picture for me is bleak. I fail to consider God’s track record. I fail to acknowledge, or even consider, God’s presence in the situation.

I am comforted by knowing these situations do not happen often. But I’m not perfect. I merely serve a perfect God.

You see, every new obstacle, challenge or opportunity ups the ante. You go from pea-size…to bean-size…to golf-ball size faith. However, in the transition between the seasons your picture may look unpromising.

Take courage in knowing…looks can be deceiving.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding…
- Proverbs 3:5

Trust God

Trusting in God brings about wisdom. Not knowledge. Knowledge we gain from books and life experiences. Wisdom, I believe, goes much deeper. Wisdom can result from our growing and maturing in relation with God. We can tap into an infinite source of wisdom by tapping into the source.

Trusting God will mean disregarding the circumstances. He said it. He’ll do it. Despite the situation.

Trusting God will mean your circumstances may look hopeless but this is based on your own understanding, not His.

Adjust your Lens

Godly confidence requires you to adjust your lens. You must view the picture--your life--from the prospective of Christ. Because of Him we embody the ability to get a greater understanding…Don’t take my word for it.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind
has conceived what God has prepared for
those who love him"
- 1 Corinthians 2:9

Beloved you may have more bills than money. Trust God. You may find yourself lonely and awaiting the appearance of your mate. Trust God. You may feel like you are about to lose…your…mind.

Trust.

God.

Trust Him because He’s trustworthy.

Adjust your lens and in those moments your perspective will change. That picture will go from limiting to a million possibilities. For it is in that moment you are allowing God to be your confidence.

…the greatest photographer of all time.

Question: How can you change your perspective in a current situation and place your confidence in God?

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This tandem series on CONFIDENCE is a joint effort between Dana Pittman and Dayna Bickham. Both Dana and Dayna blog about life, grace, and God’s love and plan for you. To follow this series, visit here to learn more.

Three Things to Know About Confidence

It is elusive. It is something others have. It is something we all want but secretly fear we will never obtain. 

Confidence. 

That ten letter word has eluded many people and been the bane to even more. 

Just search the word “confidence” on Amazon and you will get over 1300 results. But what does the Word say about confidence? 

Let’s look. 

Job 4:5-7

But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope?

“Stop and think! Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed?

Confidence by definition is “full trust, assurance and certitude”. 

So when we read Job we can see three things about confidence that we may not have seen before. 

1. Confidence comes from our reverence of God.

This is not as easy as it sounds. Real reverence is giving respect and honor, but more than that it is giving a PLACE of honor and respect in our lives. God isn’t just God on Sundays. He wants to be revered and honored every day in your life. When we think something is important we give that thing priority. How would you rank God in your life? Is He number one or are you? Maybe your spouse has slipped into that spot. Maybe your kids have usurped Him in your life. If we really honor God as the most important part of our lives, then this will give us confidence.

2. Confidence can overcome fear.

When trials come, and they will (James 1:1-6) we all face that moment of panic. If left unchecked, that little jump in the pit of our stomach can turn into debilitating fear. Crippling us from reacting, and strangling us with its talons fear can literally choke the life out of us.

I know a 50-something woman, let’s call her Andrea (name changed to protect her privacy) who recently found out she has breast cancer. After a biopsy, they found that the cancer has not reached her lymph nodes yet, (good news!) but they are waiting on pathology to find out if the cancer is aggressive or not. She has experienced tremendous pain from the biopsy, and fear has made her conclude that if the cancer is aggressive she will not take chemo-therapy. She is giving up before she ever begins the fight. FEAR IS DEADLY!

Confidence in God, in His ability to perform His word, in His purpose for you will strengthen your resolve in life. You will no longer be steamrolled by the trials of life, but will count them all joy instead. You will be prepared to stand and fight, knowing that the Great I Am is behind you and no enemy can prosper against you. That is what confidence can do: it makes you more than a conqueror.

3. Confidence renews your hope and gives you heart.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalms 18:2

“Now I know that Adonai gives victory to his anointed one — he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.” Psalms 20:7

“The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” Psalms 34:22

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

 Our hope gets misplaced at times. We think our jobs are what sustain us, or our purpose is only found in the work place or as a wife and mom. These things hold value, but they alone mean nothing. God is our hope. He is our confidence. Trust in Him and the rest will come.

The Bible says faith comes by hearing, but so does confidence. Hear what God is saying to you right now. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has plans for you. He will never leave you or forsake you. With Him all things are possible. Build up your TRUST and confidence will come. 

What are your struggles with confidence?

This tandem series on CONFIDENCE is a joint effort between Dana Pittman and Dayna Bickham. Both Dana and Dayna blog about life, grace, and God's love and plan for you. To follow this series, visit here to learn more.

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