Listen

Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, and we have a great high priest over God’s house.

Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:19-22

Think

What does confidence do for you? I know when I’m confident, I am more relaxed, I perform better. Once, I was invited to speak at a conference. While there, I was asked to give the keynote (the main presentation) due to the illness of the invited speaker. Eight hundred people were to attend – did I mention the speaker who could not come was famous? I was anything but confident, but I got through it.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that our salvation should give us confidence. We are encouraged to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance. We are welcomed, accepted, and fully embraced. That applies to ALL of us living under God’s grace.

The confidence God provides makes me smile. How about you? Live this day in full assurance of God’s grace.

Bill Ogletree

Pray

Lord, it is easy for me to doubt myself and even your love for me. Remind me that we enjoy confidence through Christ Jesus and his sacrifice for us. Help me to share this with others. Amen.

Go

Stay focused on Jesus, and work to play your position with boldness.

Consider the words of Trappist monk and theologian Thomas Merton:

“My Lord God […] I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.”