Episode Transcript
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Paula Behrens (00:01):
Hey friend, have
you ever found yourself caught
in the web of self-doubt?
What if I told you thesefeelings aren't solely your
burden, but a universal struggle?
And, most importantly, what ifI shared that there's a pathway
to overcoming this struggle, apath lit by the eternal truths
found in Scripture and empoweredby a divine source of strength
greater than our own.
(00:28):
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices, or yearning for amore peaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God, but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
(00:50):
Before we dive into today's show, I want to give a shout out to
Rosa Alejandro.
She shared.
"I love that you talk abouthaving simple devotional
routines, as I am a big believerin this.
They are so important, reallysuch a great foundation for
finding connection and peacewith the Lord.
" Well, thank you, Rosa, foryour kind and encouraging words.
(01:11):
It's so wonderful to hear froma fellow sister in Christ.
If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it.
On Apple Podcasts, simplyscroll down to the five-star
rating section and click onleave a review.
If you're using a PC, open theiTunes app and you'll find the
link near the top.
Share your thoughts with ustoday and your review could be
(01:35):
showcased on one of our upcomingepisodes.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
But, truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
(01:59):
realized that even in my chaosthere was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you ready to infuse yourspiritual journey with a
peace-filled confidence?
I'd like to invite you toconsider investing just one hour
(02:21):
with me to deepen your faithand nurture your spiritual
growth.
In your Aroma of Christcoaching hour, you will discover
how to craft a personalizeddevotional routine, incorporate
essential oils into yourspiritual practices, enjoy
success and effectiveness,create a tracking plan for
consistency and learn how youcan experience your quiet time
(02:43):
with God, not just as a routine,but as a joyous journey.
Schedule your call now atPaulaBehrens.
com, that's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S dot com.
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
(03:05):
favorite beverage and let's divein.
Welcome to today's episodeFaith-F ueled Confidence, the
Power of Positive Affirmationsand Bible Study.
I'm thrilled to have youjoining me for this
transformative journey, ajourney where we will uncover
the truth of who we are inChrist, and learn how to embrace
a confidence that stems fromspiritual truths rather than
(03:29):
from fleeting worldly measures.
Okay, so wrestling withinsecurity is a common challenge
.
Whispered by the world andswirling within our own thoughts
, it tells us that we need to bemore, do more and achieve more.
The trouble with thisnever-ending challenge is that
it keeps us continuouslystriving and it prevents us from
(03:52):
ever truly being.
But here's a thought, God neverasks us to be more in the
world's eyes, but he does ask usto be faithful and to rest in
his promises.
Seen through the lens of faith,insecurity becomes an invitation
to build confidence, not ontemporary achievements, but on
(04:21):
God's eternal truth for us.
The Bible tells us in awonderful way that God, who is
the Father of Jesus, has givenus every possible spiritual gift
through our connection withChrist.
It says that we, as hisfollowers, are destined to lead
lives that reflect holiness andpurity carried out with love.
That's our destiny as believers.
(04:42):
God's special plan was set inmotion long ago, envisioning a
future where anyone who decidesto trust in Jesus becomes a part
of his family, a part of thebody of Christ.
Those chosen before thefoundation of the world, as in
Ephesians 1.4, refers toeveryone who will make a
(05:04):
personal decision for JesusChrist.
We all have the opportunity tobecome children of God if we so
choose.
Through faith in Christ, we areadopted into God's family.
Gaining confidence isn't aboutwhat we can do.
It's more about who we are asbelievers.
We feel secure because we knowwe are loved and valued as
(05:29):
children of God.
This understanding encouragesus to think about the stories
we've believed about ourselvesand how they've shaped our view
of who we are.
What lies have shaped how yousee yourself?
Consider the untruths spokenover you by society, media or
(05:50):
even your internal dialogue.
These voices often tell us thatwe are less than, invisible or
unwanted.
Yet Ephesians reassures us of adifferent narrative.
Those who have placed theirfaith in Christ were chosen.
(06:13):
Imagine how your perspectivemight change if you fully
embraced the truth that yourprofession of faith in Christ is
purposeful and deeply desiredby the Father, the creator of
the universe.
Listen to the words of thepsalmist as he speaks with God,
saying, "For you created myinmost being.
(06:33):
You knit me together in mymother's womb.
I praise you because I amfearfully and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.
"This scripture is an antidote to
the pervasive whispers ofinsecurity.
Its message is profound.
(06:53):
Every part of you, every partof you, is intentionally crafted
by God.
What parts of yourself have youstruggled to accept?
Whether it's your appearance,your talents or your
circumstances?
Know that each piece is part ofa divinely orchestrated design.
(07:15):
In what ways can you begin tothank God for how he has made
you, turning your insecuritiesinto affirmations of faith or
embracing gratitude as your newmantra, allowing it to transform
your heart and mind?
Think about the Apostle Paul'swords when he said, "But God
(07:36):
said to me, my grace issufficient for you, for my power
is made perfect in weakness, soI will boast all the more
gladly of my weakness, so thatthe power of Christ may dwell in
me.
" This passage turns the world'sview of strength upside down,
reminding us that vulnerabilityis not a weakness but a gateway
(08:00):
for divine power.
Where do you feel most weak orinadequate?
Instead of masking those areas,what if you invited God's
strength into them?
By surrendering, we allow God'sgrace to transform our
weaknesses into testimonies ofHis faithfulness.
Let your inadequacies testifyto the sufficiency of Christ's
(08:23):
power, demonstrating that truestrength is found in reliance on
him.
Armed with these truths, it'stime to infuse our daily lives
with positive affirmationsrooted in faith.
Affirmations should not onlyfocus on self-improvement, but
also on reminding ourselves ofGod's truth and promises.
Examples might include, "I amchosen and loved by God.
(08:48):
My worth is anchored in Hiseternal love.
" "I am fearfully andwonderfully made.
Every part of me is designedwith purpose.
" "God's power is perfected inmy weakness.
I find strength through Christ.
(09:09):
" By consistently reaffirmingthese truths, you renew your
mind and align your heart with afaith-based identity,
dislodging any lies or fearsthat previously took root.
Incorporate time for Bible studyand prayer into your daily
routine to nurture this newfoundconfidence.
Dedicating yourself to thesedevotions requires setting
(09:32):
healthy boundaries.
Consider this, what boundariesdo you need to establish to
protect your time with God?
Maybe it's carving out momentsof silent reflection, freeing
yourself from digitaldistractions, or prioritizing
prayer before diving into dailytasks?
The act of setting boundariesand affirming truths is not
(09:53):
merely for self-betterment, butserves as a way to realign with
your God-given purpose.
Reflect on how embracing aconfidence rooted in faith can
reshape your life's calling.
Purposeful living is lived withintention, where actions are
driven by a higher callingrather than external validation.
(10:16):
Armed with scripture, gratitudeand divine strength, you can
let your light shine brightlyand gracefully.
Confidence cultivated in Christcarries the unwavering
assurance that you walk in thewill of the one who never
changes.
Scripture reminds us that evenwhen the world wavers, God's
(10:37):
promises are constant.
God is your firm foundationthrough every storm or
insecurity.
Let's end today's episode byrevisiting one more reflection.
You don't have to wait untilyou feel ready or enough to step
boldly into your God-given path.
Confidence is built onefaithful step at a time, as you
(10:58):
walk with the Lord daily.
God does not demand perfection,but yearns for belief, belief
in him, belief in his promisesand belief in the extraordinary
person he has created you to be.
Let us take a moment to thankGod for our very being.
(11:19):
Dear Heavenly Father, we thankyou for the unwavering truth
found in your word.
May you continue to shape us,mold us and align us with your
divine purpose.
Let courage swell up in ourhearts and ignite a light that
reflects your grace and love tothe world around us.
(11:40):
Amen.
Remember, as you journeythrough this week, let these
affirmations be your anchor andhis promises be your guide.
Rise to the call of livingboldly in faith, with unwavering
confidence in the truth of whoGod says you are.
(12:01):
Thank you for tuning in todayand remember, just like setting
biblical boundaries, it's okayto say no to things that don't
serve you well, like that thirdpiece of cake at the church
potluck.
If you enjoyed this episode, wewould truly appreciate it if
you would take just a fewmoments to follow the show and
leave a review.
Also, don't forget to considerinvesting just one hour with me
(12:26):
to deepen your faith and nurtureyour spiritual growth.
In your Aroma of Christcoaching hour you will discover
how to craft a personalizeddevotional routine, incorporate
essential oils into yourspiritual practices, enjoy
success and effectiveness, create a tracking plan for
consistency, and learn how youcan experience your quiet time
(12:47):
with God not just as a routinebut as a joyous journey.
Schedule your call now atpaulabehrens.
com.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S dot com (no
spaces).
Be sure to check the show notesfor all the links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
(13:11):
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning intoHim and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.