BIBLE PASSAGE:
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because
of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 1:4-6)
MEDITATION:
Due to the uncertainties in the world today,
many people are either losing, or lacking confidence.
There is a growing distrust for those in leadership positions.
The economy is in such a delicate state
that it can rise or fall dramatically in response to any type of event.
The weather is a looming threat to coastal cities
with the possibilities of hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.
With an increase of tornados and earthquakes,
even the inland areas can be devastated in the blink of an eye.
New diseases are being discovered which threaten our health
and have the potential of becoming a widespread epidemic.
We could go on and on, but suffice it to say
that there are many factors which can affect the confidence of the people.
Our confidence can be shattered if our focus is not where it should be.
Paul reminds us of some very important factors that can bolster our confidence.
He jogs our memory and reminds us that there is a God, and He is in control.
He also reminds us that the powerful God of the universe
began a work (a good one) in the lives of those who are followers of His Son.
Anytime God is involved in our lives,
we know that whatever He is doing will benefit us and others.
It is a confidence builder to know that God deems us
important enough to be useable in some capacity.
Secondly Paul assures us that God will not leave anything unfinished,
but will continue what He started in our lives until it is completed.
Knowing that He is with us at all times
and will not desert us is another confidence builder.
Anticipating what He will do next,
helps to remold our thinking and gives us a new purpose for living.
It is awesome when we realize that regardless of how we feel about ourselves, God
knows our potential and has initiated the process of utilizing us for His purposes.
Jesus Christ is a renovation artist.
He can take a life that has been stained, and with His
transforming power He can make something beautiful out of it.
He can resurrect our confidence…if we will let Him.
ACTION:
Has your confidence level been broken or suppressed?
Perhaps your focus has been in the wrong direction.
Pause for a moment and realize that if you have surrendered your life
to the Lord, then He has already started a good work in you.
In addition, remember that He is executing His plan for you
on a daily basis and He will continue until it is completed.
When will it be completed?
The scriptures tell us it will be finished when we see Jesus Christ.
What good work has He began in you?
Do you even know?
Spend time reading His Word and asking Him in prayer what He wants of you.
Be encouraged by realizing that when you pursue His work in you, it will change
your focus, give you a new purpose for existing, and restore your confidence.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I now realize that my primary focus has been on
the wrong things. I have allowed the attraction of the things of this
world to create in me a casual attitude about my relationship with
You and Your involvement in my life. Thank You for Your words
which remind me that not only am I important to You, but You have
plans for me that will include new blessings for me and others. Help
me to discover the good works You have begun in me and to diligently
pursue them with Your guidance and encouragement. Thank You for
loving me and for Your plans for me.”
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BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
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