New Year New Confidence

As we look towards the beginning of a New Year, it is our prayer that you will “ring in the New Year” with new confidence. May you have the confidence of knowing who you ARE as God’s Child (if you are a born again Christian)! Or, it may be that you have the confidence of knowing who you CAN BE! Of course, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord first.

If you don’t know God in a personal way, we encourage you to go through what we have posted in the following link: SEEKING MORE. May God speak to you as you seek a closer relationship with Him!

We believe that once you are fully aware of who you are in God’s eyes, you will live your life with a Holy Spirit driven confidence. You will know you are never alone and you “can do all things in Christ.” This can give you a Holy Spirit confidence.

Why is This Important?

You could be wondering, “Why is it important for me/us to read through the declarations in this Marriage Insight?” The reason is because UNTIL we know WHO WE ARE (and what that means) in Jesus, we will remain open to all of Satan’s lies. It’s important to realize that these deceptions can draw us away from God. As a result that can wreak havoc in our marriage. The enemy of our faith would like nothing better than to hurt or destroy you. And your marriage is a major target, as well. Please know that.

The enemy of our faith tries to divide us because he knows: “united we stand, divided we fall.” So he fans the flames of rivalry and pride. However, we’re told in the Bible: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) That’s why we are offering the following biblical tool to build your confidence in the Lord. HE unites, and the enemy divides. So:

“Transfer the ownership and authority of your life, including your marriage, to God. (See Galatians 2:20.) Establish God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit as your final authority. (See Psalm 19:11.) Expect God through Christ, to meet all your needs. (See Philippians 4:19.)” (Gary Smalley)

Foundational Confidence 

We encourage you to go through the following concepts below as a married couple. Make it a quiet, romantic time together. Take turns reading the scriptures. (You can even do this in a couple of sittings. You don’t have to do this all at once.) And as you go along, ask God to show you something special He wants to tell you individually. Also, ask Him to show you some things that can help you in your married life together.

The following is a great foundational “exercise” to shore up your marriage. Or maybe it will just renew your confidence. No matter what, it can definitely build your spiritual intimacy with God and each other.

If your spouse won’t do this with you, go through each scripture yourself. But whether you read them as individuals or as a couple, we pray they will minister to you as you comprehend the following illustration of the “The Bell” (the author is unknown). What a great way to ring in the New Year!

Prayerfully Read with New Confidence:

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM:
I am God’s child. (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend. (John 15:15)
I’m united with the Lord. (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price. (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God).  (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ.   (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt and light of the earth. (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ. (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
I am a citizen of heaven. I am significant.  ( Phil. 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me. (Rom. 8:31 – 34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Cor. 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit.  ( Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.    ( Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God.  (Rom. 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God.  ( 2 Cor. 1:21 – 22 )
I am assured that all things work together for good.  (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.       (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.      (Eph. 3:12  )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.    ( Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.     (John 15:1-5)
I am God’s temple. (1 Cor. 3:16)  I am complete in Christ.    (Col. 2:10 )
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)   I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker. (1 Cor. 3:9;  2 Cor. 6:1) I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1:6)
I’ve been redeemed and forgiven. (Col. 1:14) I’ve been adopted as God’s child. (Eph 1:5)

I belong
to God.

Do you know who you are?

Please prayerfully consider that question.

Approaching Marriage with a New Confidence

So, here’s a challenge for you:

“Today, as you consider all the things that Christ has done in your life, honor Him by being a little kinder than necessary. Honor Him by slowing down long enough to say an extra word of encouragement to your spouse and your loved ones.” (From the book, Love is Forever)

We know this may be very difficult for many of you. You have suffered great personal pain in your marriages this past year. That’s another reason why it’s important to know WHO WE ARE in Christ. It can help you to face the future with more confidence. And it can help you to NOT allow the world you’re in to taint you.

Please note that each of the above statements/declarations of faith has the power to change you and the situations you find yourself in. That is because God’s Word is a life changer to all who apply it.

We pray as you RING in this new year you will find new strength and confidence in your relationships. But we especially hope that you will renew the one that most closely reflects God’s love for the world—your marriage.

May God bless you; and may you be a blessing to your spouse and everyone around you!
Steve and Cindy Wright

FYI: We did find a similar reading of these scriptures written in the book, Victory Over the Darkness: Realize the Power of Your Identity in Christ. You can see a part of it in the article:

• LIVING IN CONFIDENCE BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE

— ADDITIONALLY —

To help you further, we give a lot of personal stories, humor, and more practical tips in our book, 7 ESSENTIALS to Grow Your Marriage. We hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. (It’s available both electronically and in print form.) Plus, it can make a great gift for someone else. It gives you the opportunity to help them grow their marriage. And who doesn’t need that? Just click on the linked title or the picture below:

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