Tag: Confidence

July 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Boldness in Prayer

Opening Verse

 

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  – Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Prayer is a powerful tool given to us by God. It is our direct line to communicate with Him. However, many of us approach prayer timidly, unsure if we are worthy or if God will listen. The Bible encourages us to come boldly to God’s throne. This boldness is not about arrogance but confidence in God’s love and promises.

 

Devotional Story

There was a man named David who had a deep relationship with God. He faced many challenges, from confronting Goliath to fleeing from King Saul. Despite these trials, David prayed with boldness. One night, when surrounded by enemies, he cried out to God, not with fear but with trust. “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me,” he said. Yet, he concluded, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1, 3).

 

David’s boldness in prayer was rooted in his understanding of God’s character. He knew that God was his protector and provider. This confidence allowed him to approach God without hesitation, even in the direst circumstances.

 

What This Means

When we pray boldly, we acknowledge our faith in God’s ability to answer and His desire to help us. Bold prayer is an expression of our trust in His power and love. It does not mean demanding things from God but coming to Him with the assurance that He hears us and cares for us. This kind of prayer strengthens our relationship with God and opens our hearts to His guidance and peace.

 

Think About This

Are you hesitant in your prayers, unsure if God will respond? Reflect on the times God has been faithful in your life. Approach Him with confidence, knowing that He invites you to come boldly. Remember, bold prayer is not about our worthiness but about God’s gracious invitation to us.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to come boldly before Your throne. Help us to approach You with confidence, trusting in Your love and mercy. Strengthen our faith and teach us to pray with boldness, knowing that You hear us and will provide for our needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”

– 1 John 5:14 (KJV)

 

June 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Discovering and Using Your God-Given Abilities

Opening Verse

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Introduction

God has given each of us special talents and abilities. Sometimes we don’t even realize what they are or how to use them. Let’s take a journey to find and use these gifts, change the stubborn parts of our lives, and become more confident with God’s help.

Devotional Story

There was a young man named Obi who felt like he was just average. He wondered what his purpose was and what gifts God had given him. One day, he read Philippians 4:13 and felt inspired to explore his potential.

Obi started by helping out at his church, trying different jobs. He discovered he was good at speaking and encouraging others. The more he practiced, the more confident he became. His path wasn’t always easy, but he trusted God and took the chances he was given.

As Obi used his gifts, his once ordinary life changed. He became a source of hope and inspiration in his community, showing that using our God-given talents can make a big difference.

What This Means

Obi’s story shows us that everyone has special abilities. When we find and use them, our lives become more fulfilling and confident. The key is to trust God, take steps of faith, and be open to learning. God’s wisdom and grace will guide us and help us grow.

Think About This

  • What talents or skills do you think God has given you?
  • How can you start using these skills to help others and honor God?
  • Are there stubborn areas in your life that need change with God’s help?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the special talents You have given me. Help me to find and use them for Your glory. Guide me in changing the stubborn parts of my life and becoming the person You want me to be. Let Your wisdom and grace lead me every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

May 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Words

Opening Verse

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”  – Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Words hold immense power. They can either build us up or tear us down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words can bring life or death. This truth is essential in how we speak about ourselves and others.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young mother named Grace. She often found herself overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising her children. In moments of frustration, she would say to herself, “I’m a terrible mother,” or “I can’t do anything right.” These words, though said in a moment of weakness, began to shape her reality. She felt more inadequate with each passing day.

One day, Grace’s friend, Anna, noticed her distress and offered some gentle advice. “Grace, your words are powerful. Every time you speak negatively about yourself, you are planting seeds of doubt and insecurity. But if you start speaking life and truth, you can transform your mind and heart.”

Grace took Anna’s advice to heart. She began to change her self-talk. Instead of saying, “I’m a terrible mother,” she would say, “I am doing my best, and I am learning every day.” Instead of “I can’t do anything right,” she declared, “I am capable and strong.” Over time, Grace noticed a significant change in her attitude and outlook on life. She felt more confident and at peace, not because her circumstances changed, but because her words did.

What This Means

Our words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. If we plant negative words, we will reap a harvest of doubt, fear, and insecurity. But if we plant words of truth, hope, and encouragement, we will see a harvest of confidence, peace, and joy.

When we speak words of self-hate, it often stems from a mind poisoned by negative thoughts and lies. By affirming these corrupted thoughts, we further entrench ourselves in a cycle of negativity and despair. God created us in His image and has a unique purpose for each of us. He gives us insights and inspiration, but we must be willing to fight the battle of the mind and walk the path He has laid out for us. We are wonderfully made, and God desires to do great things in our lives. However, we must stop cursing ourselves with negative words and start speaking life.

Think About This

– What kind of words are you planting in your life?
– How can you start speaking more positively about yourself and others?
– Remember, you are made in the image of God, and He has a wonderful plan for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our words have power. Help us to speak life and truth into our lives and the lives of others. Forgive us for the times we have spoken negatively about ourselves. Give us the strength to change our words and, in turn, change our lives. Thank You for creating us in Your image and for the wonderful plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)