Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

In the morning, when they were passing along, they noticed that the fig tree was withered [completely] away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to Him, Master, look! The fig tree which You doomed has withered away! And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Mark 11:20-24 (AMPC)

When you say the words, “I wonder,” they sound innocent and honest. They also represent the way we avoid certainty in making decisions.

Suppose you’re the CEO of a business. Every day 20 people come to your office and ask you to make decisions. Yours is the final answer on everything that goes on in the corporation. Instead of giving decisive answers, you rub your chin, stare out the window, and say, “I wonder. I wonder what we should do about that?”

An indecisive CEO wouldn’t stay in that position very long. The position is much too important to the overall success and wellbeing of the organization and all who are associated with it. You are not in that position to wonder—you’re there to act.

Too many of us forget that this is the way it is with the Christian life, as well. Too often, instead of choosing what we need to do, we avoid facing the situation and say, “I wonder.”

I know because I’ve done it. In times past, when I’ve been invited to a party or to be the featured speaker at a banquet, I’ve said, “I wonder what I should wear.” It’s easy for me to waste a lot of time looking through my closet, considering the color and style, as I try to choose just the right outfit for a particular occasion.

This may seem like such a small thing—and it really is. The problem, however, is that if we allow enough of these “wonderings” in our lives, we not only fail to accomplish the things we need to do, but wondering becomes the normal way our minds function. Being indecisive keeps us from moving forward and can eventually defeat us.

In the verses quoted earlier, the incident started with a fig tree that wasn’t bearing fruit. The disciples could have wasted time wondering about the particulars of why the tree didn’t bear fruit. They could have wondered if it hadn’t received enough sunlight or water. They might have wondered why the owner hadn’t cut it down since it wasn’t productive. But wasting time wondering really wasn’t necessary.

When Jesus spoke and doomed the tree, He put a stop to any mental speculation. He used the incident as an object lesson for the disciples, encouraging them to believe. He wanted them to understand that if they truly believed, they could have whatever they asked of Him.

Sometimes God’s people are reluctant to ask boldly for big things. But Jesus has given us permission to step out in faith and ask boldly. And yet some still waste time just wondering. They wonder what it would be like if God would give them a better job. They wonder what it would be like if God would give them a larger house.

I can tell you that wondering is a waste of time. So, stop wondering and start acting! That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned about the wondering mind. Rather than wondering what I should wear to a banquet, I look at my clothes and I decide. God gave me the ability to make wise choices, so I can just do it instead of wasting my time wondering.

Wondering and indecision can become strongholds in our minds that can leave us feeling confused, insecure, and ineffective. But that’s not God’s plan. He wants us to overcome the wondering thoughts by believing and then receiving the answer to our prayers from God, by faith.

Notice that Jesus did not say, “Whatever things you wonder when you pray, you will have.” Instead, He said, Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it] (Mark 11:24 AMPC).

Prayer of the Day: Father, in the past, I’ve been double minded and confused, giving Satan an advantage over me. Please forgive me. I ask You now, in faith, to give me the necessary wisdom to overcome all of Satan’s confusion. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 (AMPC)

Suppose you knew your house was surrounded by enemy agents and at any moment they might break through the door and attack you. Do you think you would be inclined to stay awake and watch the door?

What would you do if for some reason you couldn’t stay awake and watch? Wouldn’t you make sure someone else in the family was awake and alerted to the danger?

You need to be just as careful to guard against any potential attacks from the enemy of your soul. The devil is out to get you, and you must watch and pray at all times, asking God to help you when you feel weak.

Ask God to provide the strength you need to overcome any temptation the devil brings your way. Guard your heart and take every thought captive.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me stay alert and guard my heart. Strengthen me to resist temptation, take every thought captive, and rely on You to overcome every attack of the enemy, amen.

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My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].

Psalm 139:15 (AMPC)

Have you ever asked God, “Why did You make me this way?” Sometimes the things that we think are our worst faults, God will use to His greatest glory: But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus? (Romans 9:20 AMPC).

Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don’t enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself and celebrate the unique way God made you.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me accept and appreciate how You created me. Teach me to trust Your purpose for my life and to celebrate who I am in You, amen.

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And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10:22 (AMPC)

As a young boy in school, Henry Ward Beecher learned a lesson in self-confidence that he never forgot. He was called upon to recite in front of the class. He had hardly begun when the teacher interrupted with an emphatic, “No!” He started over and again the teacher thundered, “No!” Humiliated, Henry sat down.

The next boy rose to recite and had just begun when the teacher shouted, “No!” This student, however, kept on with the recitation until he completed it. As he sat down, the teacher responded, “Very good!”

Henry was irritated. “I recited just as he did,” he complained to the teacher. But the instructor replied, “It is not enough to know your lesson; you must be sure. When you allowed me to stop you, it meant that you were uncertain. If the entire world says, ‘No!’ it is your business to say, ‘Yes!’ and prove it.”

The world says “No!” in a thousand ways. And each “No!” you hear has the potential to erode your confidence bit by bit until you quit altogether. You just need to be bold enough to say “Yes!” when the world says “No!” God is for you, and with Him on your side you absolutely cannot lose.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I’m glad You’re here at my side. Because You are for me, I have the confidence to say “Yes,” knowing that I can’t lose, amen.

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A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)

People often ask me how they can determine God’s will for their lives. Many people spend years waiting to hear a voice or to receive a supernatural sign giving them direction. But receiving direction from God is usually more practical than that. So my advice is: Step out and find out.

Early in my Christian life, I wanted to serve God but didn’t know exactly what to do. When different opportunities would arise, I would try those things that were available. A lot of them didn’t work out for me, but I kept trying until I found an area that fit me. I came alive inside when I had an opportunity to teach the Word of God, and I knew that was what I was supposed to do.

Sometimes the only way to discover the will of God is to practice “stepping out and finding out.” If you have prayed about a situation and don’t seem to know what you should do, take a step of faith. Even if that is not God’s ultimate destination, it will be another step toward the fulfillment of His will for your life.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me trust You and step out in faith. Guide my decisions, even when I’m unsure, and lead me step by step into Your perfect will for my life, amen.

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Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith…

Hebrews 12:2 (AMPC)

It does not take any special talent to give up and lie down on the side of the road of life and say, “I quit.” Anybody, whether they are a believer or not, can do that.

Quitting is a temptation we all face at one time or another, but when you get close to Jesus, or better yet, when He gets close to you, He begins to pump strength and energy and courage into you. And something wonderful begins to happen—He causes you to want to press forward!

I used to want to give up and quit. But now I get out of bed and start each day fresh and new. I begin my day by praying and reading the Bible and speaking the Word, seeking after God. It’s amazing what a difference it makes when you begin your day drawing closer to God.

When you feel the urge or the temptation to quit, don’t give in. Look to Jesus and follow His example. He pressed forward even in the most difficult circumstances, and He will give you the strength to do the same. He is your Leader; He is the Source and the Finisher of your faith.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, give me strength to keep going when I feel like quitting. Help me draw close to You daily and find renewed courage, faith, and determination to press forward, amen.

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I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:23-24 (AMPC)

When our youngest son was still in school, sometimes people stayed with him when Dave and I traveled. In order for them to get medical treatment for him if it was ever needed, we had to sign a legal document stating they had the right to use our names on our son’s behalf—literally to make decisions in our place.

This is exactly what Jesus did for His disciples and, ultimately, for all who would believe in Him—He gave us the right to use His name when we go to God in prayer. When we pray in His name, it is the same as if He were praying. This privilege seems almost too wonderful to believe! But we can believe it because we have Scripture to back it up.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for the authority of Jesus’ name. Help me pray with confidence and faith, knowing You hear me and respond as I trust in the power of His name, amen.

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Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father…

James 1:17 (AMPC)

You were created to have a deep, intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the very best life He came to offer.

Acts 10:34 (AMPC) says, …God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons. This means His promises apply equally to everyone who follows Him. Yes, you can have the very best God offers, but you can’t give up when times get tough. If you’ll trust God and follow Him wholeheartedly, you will discover your best life in Him.

God has a great purpose for you, and I urge you not to settle for anything less. He wants to bless you and give you a life that will not only thrill you, fulfill you, and bring you deep joy and sweet satisfaction but also challenge you, stretch you and help you discover that, in Christ, you’re stronger than you think.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me trust Your purpose for my life. Strengthen my faith to follow You wholeheartedly, even in challenges, and lead me into the fullness of the life You have for me, amen.

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How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

Proverbs 6:9 (AMPC)

Too much activity and no rest definitely is the culprit behind most stress, but no activity is also a problem. I am sure you have heard that exercise is a great stress reliever, and it is very true. I would rather be physically tired from exercise and movement than tired in my soul from doing nothing and being bored.

Work is good for all of us. As a matter of fact, God said we should work six days and rest one. That shows how important work and activity are in God’s eyes. God has created us to work, not to sit idly by and do nothing. There are several good stories in the Bible about people who had serious problems and when they asked Jesus for help He told them to “Get up!”

In the fifth chapter of John we see one example. A man was crippled, and he lay by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years waiting for his miracle. When Jesus came to the man and asked him how long he had been in that condition, the man gave the length of time and then continued to tell Jesus how he had nobody to put him into the pool at the right time and how others always got ahead of him. Jesus told the man to Get up! Pick up your bed…and walk! (John 5:8 AMPC).

Get up and start doing whatever you can do to clean up the messes in your life. If they are marriage messes, then do your part. Don’t worry about what your spouse is not doing; just do your part and God will reward you. If you have a financial mess, then stop spending and start paying off your debts. Get an extra job for a period of time if you need to. If you are not able to do that, then ask God to show you what you can do. Remember, “If you do what you can do, then God will do what you cannot do.”

Prayer of the Day: Lord, calm my heart in life’s storms. Help me quiet my emotions, wait for Your wisdom, and trust You to guide my decisions at the right time, amen.

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If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMPC)

Most of the things we devote our time and energy to are things that are currently passing away, things that will not last. We strive to make money, build businesses, achieve great accomplishments, be popular, own buildings, cars, and jewelry. We want to expand our minds and see the world, yet all of these things are temporal. They will all come to an end. Only love never comes to an end. An act of love goes on and endures forever.

Thankfully, God allows us to have a lasting impact when He asks us to love others. Henry Drummond says that “to love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.” In order to “love abundantly” and “love forever,” I encourage you to first receive God’s love for you…then you can walk in love toward everyone else.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I am grateful that I can live my life in such a way as to have a lasting impact. Thank You for the power of love. Help me exercise that power and make an eternal impact by showing love to those around me today. Help me to always know what is truly important.

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When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:3–4 (NIV)

Psalm 56 begins with David crying out to God because his enemies are “in hot pursuit” of him and all day long they press their attack (v. 1). In the midst of such pressure, David declares to God: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Notice that he says “when I am afraid,” not “if I am afraid.” This tells me that David accepts the fact that fear is a human emotion; we all experience fear to some degree at some time. But he adds, “I put my trust in you.” He did not trust himself or other people; he trusted God alone. David lived boldly and courageously because he knew God was always with him. We can live this same way. We can choose not to live according to the fear we feel, but according to God’s Word.

Years ago, God taught me to use what I call the “power twins” to help me defeat fear in my life. They are “I pray” and “I say.” When I feel fear, I begin to pray and ask for God’s help; then I say, “I will not fear!” I encourage you to also use these power twins as soon as you feel fear about anything. This will help you manage the emotion of fear instead of allowing it to control you.

Prayer of the Day: When I am afraid, Lord, I will trust in You. I will pray for Your help and declare, “I will not fear!”

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Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)

Most of us could find a reason each day to be angry with someone or about something. Life is filled with imperfections and injustices, but anger doesn’t solve them. It only makes us miserable. The Word of God instructs us not to let the sun go down on our anger, because if we do, we give the devil a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Anger is an emotion that can and should be controlled. Love is not touchy or easily offended, but it is long-suffering and generous in mercy. One of the best ways to stay happy is to avoid anger. According to the writer of today’s scripture, the person who is hasty to become angry is foolish, but the one who is slow to anger is wise and has great understanding.

If you are angry with anyone, I urge you to completely forgive that person. By doing so, you will set yourself free to enjoy the day. Remember that anger doesn’t make any situation better; it only makes you miserable.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to be slow to get angry and always quick to forgive. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Philippians 4:6 (AMPC)

Prayer is not a religious obligation that we do out of duty, but a tremendous privilege. We are invited to come boldly to God and ask specifically for what we need and want, not only for ourselves, but we can intercede for others and their needs. I recommend putting some thought into what you want God to do for you and go to Him in faith with your requests.

I think sometimes we are afraid to be really specific in our requests, but God invites us to bring definite requests. If we ask amiss, God will not give us our request (James 4:3, NKJV), but we don’t need to be so afraid that we might be wrong in what we want that we don’t even ask. You need not have fear in your relationship with God. He loves you, He understands you even better than you understand yourself, and He wants you to be completely confident and comfortable with Him.

My children are not shy about asking me for what they want, and they usually get it unless I feel it would not be good for them. We can trust God to be the same way with us. Knowing we are loved sets us free to be bold. Ask and receive that your joy may be full (John 16:24).

Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for the amazing privilege of prayer. Teach me to pray confidently and boldly, knowing that You love me and want me to be blessed, amen.

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The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 118:6 (NIV)

When the psalmist David wrote in today’s scripture I will not be afraid, I don’t think he meant he didn’t feel fear. I think he is declaring that when he did feel afraid, he did not let fear control him. Each of us should have that same attitude. In fact, it’s the best possible attitude for a person to have. Fear is not from God, and we should resist it firmly in the power of the Holy Spirit. We may be aware of it, but we should not let it affect our decisions.

In Matthew 28:20 (NIV), Jesus tells His disciples, And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. This is not only a promise Jesus made to His disciples centuries ago; it is a vitally important promise from God for you and me today. There’s no place you have ever been where God was not, and no place you’ll ever be that God won’t be there too. He is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere all the time. He sees everything, knows everything, and has all power. He is our Father, and we are His beloved children.

God wants us to know that we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone, because He is with us. He is good and will take care of us. As David wrote, “What can mere mortals do to me?” People may try to intimidate you or frighten you, but they are mere mortals. God is all-powerful, and people are powerless compared to Him.

Prayer of the Day: Help me, Lord, to remember always that because You are with me, I don’t have to be afraid of anyone or anything, amen.

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Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

James 1:2–3 (AMPC)

One of the mistakes many Christians make is that, when trials come, they pray for their troubles to stop. I believe that, instead, we need to pray for strength and endurance; we need to ask God to make us steadfast. If the enemy is aiming his best guns at us—doing everything he can to upset our lives, ruin our businesses, tear apart our families, or otherwise steal our peace—and we stay steadfast and patient, he will be exceedingly frustrated, and ultimately defeated, because we are not cooperating with him.

Philippians 1:28 (AMPC) says: And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

This verse encourages us not to be frightened or intimidated when the devil comes against us, but to remain steadfast. As we do, we not only show the devil that he cannot handle us, we also demonstrate to the Lord that we have faith in Him. The fact that our actions affirm our trust in Him is God’s signal to release His power into our situations and deliver us. I believe God wants you to hear Him telling you to stand firm and not be afraid.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me remain steadfast in every trial. Give me strength, patience, and courage to stand firm, trusting You to bring victory and deliverance in every situation, amen.

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For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (AMPC)

Paul teaches in today’s scripture that we are unspiritual if we are controlled by ordinary human impulses, such as emotions and feelings. Are you in control of your emotions, or do they control you? Feelings are fickle and ever-changing, and thus unreliable. I believe the number one way the enemy harasses and tries to hinder Christians is through our emotions.

We cannot always control how we feel, but we can control what we do. Mature Christians don’t walk by feelings; they order their conduct according to God’s Word. Emotions are fueled by our thoughts and words, so it is necessary to pay attention to what we think and say if we hope to walk by the Spirit instead of our emotions. What is right doesn’t change just because we don’t feel like doing it. People who are spiritually mature live beyond their feelings and do God’s will no matter how they feel.

Paul specifically mentions jealousy and factions (dissension or strife) as indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity. Ask God to help you in these areas. Be content with what you have, not jealous of others, knowing that God will give you more when the time is right. Do your best to live in peace with all people.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me not be ruled by my emotions. Teach me to follow Your Word, control my actions, and live by truth instead of feelings, amen.

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And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Romans 5:4 (AMPC)

The journey toward our goals is just as important as the destination itself. The journey builds our patience, faith, endurance, and self-discipline. It prepares us for the destination.

Romans says that we can rejoice in trials because they bear the fruit of godly character (5:3–4). If the destination you are working toward still seems a long way off, think of it as character building. Maintaining a good attitude and keeping your trust in God while you wait is training you to be able to handle all the blessings and the challenges that come your way.

God has equipped us to achieve the dreams He’s put inside us. He wants to prepare us by building godly character in us so that we are able to handle future challenges with grace and future victories with humility. If we don’t have strong godly character, we will set ourselves up for failure, and we won’t be able to sustain our vision once it comes to pass.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul concludes by charging them to grow to maturity (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). The Amplified Bible says it like this: Be made complete [be what you should be]. The journey is where we become what we should be, where we are made complete.

Prayer of the Day: God, thank You for all of the opportunities You have given me to grow. Give me a positive attitude as I learn to rejoice even when challenges come. Help me remember that it is through these trials that I will become what I should be—what You created me to be, amen.

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So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16 (ESV)

The greatest happiness and peace in people’s lives comes from knowing they are loved unconditionally, for exactly who they are, with all their strengths and weaknesses, good points and not-so-good points. I don’t think any human being alive, no matter how wonderful or godly he or she might be, is fully capable of loving us unconditionally all the time. Only God can love us that way.

God loves us unconditionally in spite of ourselves, no matter what we do. But He does even more than that; He also calls us His beloved (Romans 9:25). This is a term of endearment reserved for someone who is very special to someone else, someone who holds a unique place in another person’s heart. It means to long for, to respect, and to hold in affectionate regard. When I think of the word beloved, I sense that it means to be loved in every way at every moment in time. Because you are God’s beloved, there has never been and never will be even a split-second when you are not perfectly loved.

The enemy will use many different things that will challenge your belief that you are beloved. He may use words other people have spoken against you, situations in which you have been victimized, mistakes, failures, disappointments, and anything else that would damage the way you see yourself or cause you to doubt the truth of what God’s Word says about you. A well-known minister and author Henri Nouwen wrote: “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved.’ ”

To fight self-rejection and all the other things that try to contradict the “sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved,’” we need to do as the apostle John encourages us in today’s Scripture verse: We receive God’s love totally by faith, coming to know and believe He loves us. The more we meditate on that and persist in believing, the more established it becomes in our hearts.

When we have been deeply wounded, receiving this love is not always easy. Don’t get discouraged if you find yourself struggling to accept it. Just let the desire of your heart be to embrace it more and more. If there are times when you feel like you’ve failed, just begin again. With God, you can always make a fresh start. Eventually, God’s unconditional love for you and your place as His beloved will be deeply rooted in your heart and no one will be able to convince you otherwise, but it takes time.

When we are secure in our place as God’s beloved, we are strong and confident. We can step into our destiny and into the great future He has planned for us. I encourage you to say out loud today, “I am God’s beloved,” as often as you can. The more you say it, the more you will believe it.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me receive Your unconditional love. Teach me to believe I am Your beloved, secure in Your care, and confident in the purpose You have for my life, amen.

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them (of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them) because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (AMPC)

Many non-Christians don’t really understand the Gospel. This isn’t a new thing that is unique to our day. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he pointed out that the Greeks thought it was foolish. And to the natural mind, it is. God sent Jesus, the sinless One, to earth for the express purpose of dying for wicked, sinful people. To unbelievers that is foolish. The natural man cannot understand the power of the Gospel—it can only be “spiritually discerned.”

Continue reading Joyce Meyer – Obey God Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense →

But if anyone has this world’s goods…and sees his brother…in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?…Let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:17-18 (AMPC)

What is confidence? It has been defined as the quality of assurance that leads one to undertake something; the belief that one is able and acceptable; the certainty that causes one to be bold, open, and plain.

The devil begins his assault on personal confidence wherever he can find an opening, especially during the vulnerable years of childhood. His goal is to undermine the person because an individual without confidence will never fulfill the plan of God for his life.

Christ is in you, ready to help with everything you do for Him. Jesus can restore your confidence and give you the strength, power, and boldness to do what you could never do on your own. Be confident—it is part of your spiritual inheritance!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me love people the way You do. Open my heart with compassion and teach me to give generously, trusting You to provide all I need, amen.

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