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You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:1 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control . 2 Timothy 1:7 True Confidence Confidence is a big topic these days. The world tells says to be confident, believe in yourself, and live boldly. Our society puts great emphasis on self-confidence and "thinking positive thoughts" about oneself. Does the Bible align with this "positive thinking" approach about self? If the Bible advocates for confidence, what or Who should we place our confidence in? For starters, the Bible tells us not to put our confidence in certain things. Scripture says, Have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Paul wrote this to challenge those who believed they were acceptable to God due to their background, education, or religious zeal. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34), and our backgrounds and lineages hold little significance to Him. Next, Scripture says that a righteous person avoids evil, while a fool is reckless in his self-confidence (Proverbs 14:16). Essentially, believing that sin carries no consequences is an arrogant and foolish type of confidence. If we are to be confident in anything, Psalm 118:8, 9 tells us where it should be: It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.  Those who put their confidence in the government, other people, or themselves will ultimately be disappointed. On the other hand, those who put their confidence in the Lord will never be put to shame (Romans 10:11). Psalm 16 is a great example of confidence in God. David doesn't take any credit for his own righteousness, (v 2) talents, or abilities. Instead, he attributes every good thing to the Lord (v 6), and all his hopes are grounded in God's goodness and unchanging nature (v 1). Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), David can always walk with true confidence because his soul is eternally secure in the Lord (v 8-9), regardless of the many challenges he faces in life. He Works All Things Together... True confidence does not come from our own intelligence or abilities, nor does it come from our earthly status, finances, appearance, background, or achievements. These things are all gifts. They are given in certain measures, to certain people, at certain times, by God’s grace and for His glory, purposes, and for our benefit. Ultimately, true confidence comes from having a right relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When we first come to believe in Jesus, our lives take on a whole new sense of purpose, stability, focus, and confidence. Through faith, we surrender our lives to God in loving obedience, and our confidence now flows from Jesus being our Savior. Humility is key to experiencing true confidence. The biggest enemy of true confidence is pride and the focus of self. Humbly trusting the Lord dispels all pride, the fear of man, and self-doubt, defined here as  the state of uncertainty about the truth of anything . With pride being the root, all these sins become intertwined and feed off each other in a vicious cycle. When I am humble and trust in Jesus with childlike faith, I can confidently obey Him wherever He leads me. I can be confident in what He thinks of me rather than care about the opinions of others. I can be confident in knowing that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life because the Bible tells me so(John 14:6). Finally, I can be confident that Jesus knows what is best for me. He knows exactly what I need, when I need it, and in the right measure for me. I can be confident in all things because Scripture says,  God works all things together for good for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son,   (Romans 8:28-29). God works the good, the bad, and the ugly all together for my good. I can be confident that no matter what trials I face, rest assured, the Lord is conforming me into the image of Christ, the main goal and sum of the Christian life. As a believer, I can confidently depend on God's word, wisdom, and power. I can confidently trust His plan, even when it’s painful or I don't understand it. According to Scripture, nothing that the Lord allows to happen to me is truly bad since He works all things together for my good. That truth ought to give me great confidence in every trial that comes my way. He Who Began a Good Work in Me... Having a clear conscience also boosts my confidence, leaving me with nothing to hide or fear. I can live boldly when I turn away from sin and look to Jesus.  The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion  (Proverbs 28:1). True confidence comes from loving and obeying my Lord Jesus, in which He often blesses me in my obedience and also gives me assurance of my salvation (1 John 2:3). What greater confidence is there than to know I am eternally secure in Jesus? Knowing I get to live forever should give me immense confidence in everything in life!!! Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ  (Philippians 1:6). The Bible says that the Lord will complete in me the good work He began. Unlike myself, God always finishes what He starts. The Lord will work His divine grace in my heart to continue conforming me to the image of Jesus, and one day He will call me Home, where I will finally be like Jesus because I will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). To know the Holy Spirit is working in my heart every day ought to give me lots of confidence in everything I do! I have the Best Helper ever! Jesus is my Savior I can be confident in my Heavenly Father’s promises to me. I can be confident in His provision, protection, and plan, namely that He loved me and chose me before the foundation of the world to be saved and set apart (See Ephesians 1:3-14). In His glorious plan of redemption, the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world to save me from my sins and gift me with eternal life, by grace through faith. I can be confident in Jesus’ perfect life and finished work on the cross through His death and resurrection. I can be confident that Jesus is my Savior. I can be confident that Jesus paid my debt for me. I can be confident that all my sins are forgiven, and I am clothed in Jesus' perfect robe of righteousness. I can be confident that eternal life is a free gift, and Jesus gave it to me. Furthermore, I can be confident knowing that Jesus never changes. He will always be with me (Matthew 28:20). He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). He will never cast me out (John 6:37). And no one can snatch me out of His hand (John 10:28). Now that kind of confidence ought to flow from everything I do in life! True confidence comes from knowing that Jesus is my Savior. I shouldn’t ever put my confidence in myself or in the abilities God has gifted me with. Rather, I will have true confidence in Jesus, who created me, died for me, called me, saved me, keeps me, helps me, knows what's best for me, and one day will call me Home to live and reign with Him forever in perfect joy, peace, and love. True Confidence My confidence is not in myself. My confidence is this: I am saved by grace. I am in Christ. All my sins are forgiven. I have eternal life. I am confident because Jesus is changing me to become more like Him every single day. I belong not just anywhere; I belong to Jesus who is my Creator & Lord of Heaven and Earth. I am confident because Jesus is my Savior. Jesus loves me. My confidence is in Him. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure (confident!) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,   nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (emphasis added) God is within her, she will not be shaken; God will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46:5

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (I recommend listening to this song while reading this post) Who I am Not My identity is not in the temporary. My identity is not in my career, in degrees, titles, or achievements, or in my talents and skills. My identity is not in my marital, economic, or social status. My identity is not how I look, how I talk, or how old I am. My identity is not where I’m from, where I live, what I drive, or how much stuff I own. My identity is not my personal preferences, quirks, habits, or behavior. These things are temporary. They are given to me along with the fleeting time I have on this Earth . They are given to me as gifts to be thankful for. They are given to me so that I may turn to God in faith. They are given to me to use as a good steward and to the glory of God. These things are given to me, but these things are not who I am. All these things can shift, change, or be taken away at any moment, and they are all passing away in the next 50 or 60 years at best. Who I am My identity is in the eternal.  I believe in Jesus. I am saved by grace.  I am in Christ. My identity and value are found in Jesus. Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Earth, and He is my Savior. Jesus never changes. He will never be taken away. He always has been. He always will be. Jesus is eternal. Jesus is the One and Only, “I AM.”   (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:9,11, 11:25-26, 14:6, 15:5, 8:58). Jesus will always be with me, and I will always be in Him. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). I am not my own. I was bought with a price. ( 1 Cor 6:19-20) My identity is in my Creator, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am in Christ. I am a believer. I am a follower and disciple of Jesus. I am a child of God. I am saved by grace. That’s who I am, and it’s only because of Jesus I am who I am. Therefore, the only thing I could ever boast in is in the Lord and His amazing grace (1 Cor 1:31). Dear Heavenly Father , I praise You for loving me and choosing me before the foundation of the world, that my name is written in Your Lamb’s Book of Life. I praise You for sending Your beloved Son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for the multitude of my flagrant and secret sins, past, present, and future. Jesus paid my tremendous debt for me. Jesus saved me from an eternity in hell where I would’ve had to pay for my sins myself, justly. But God had mercy on me. Jesus loved me so much that He died on the cross to save me from my sins. In three days, Jesus rose again from the dead, and He valiantly triumphed over sin, Satan, and death. Oh death where is your sting? Oh death where is your victory?..But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:55-57). Jesus Christ is Lord over everything, including death itself. Jesus is the Light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12). I am eternally free and secure because I am saved by grace. I am saved by the blood of Jesus. I am in Christ. I am who I am for all eternity only because of Jesus. He is my Creator, Lord of my life, and Savior of my soul. An eternity of love, joy, peace, purpose, and new discovery awaits me because I am in Christ. I am saved by His grace alone. The best is always yet to come because I am who I am. I am in Christ. All glory belongs to my Great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. In Jesus’ name, I pray amen.   But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31 The world is passing away and also its desires; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. 2 John 5:17 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” John 8:58

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 Free to Obey So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-36 Truly His Disciples According to Jesus, He says that we are truly His disciples if we continue in His Word / adhere to His teachings. True disciples of Jesus go beyond mere intellectual assent to the historical facts of the gospel. Through authentic faith, true disciples demonstrate  our trust by not only acknowledging Jesus’ words as truth but also by putting them into practice. This highlights the importance of actions as evidence of faith, as clarified in James 2:14-26. True disciples of Jesus believe that He speaks the truth about God and the Scriptures. True disciples also know that Jesus is who He claims to be: The Messiah. Therefore, true disciples trust everything Jesus says and commands, and we desire to demonstrate that trust. (Of course, not perfect trust and obedience, but genuine trust and loving obedience, by the power of His grace). True disciples of Jesus will practice righteousness rather than sin. We will live out the Truth by our actions. What's in our hearts will be manifest in the way we live and conduct ourselves. We won’t merely profess Jesus as Lord with empty words and continue to live in sin and unbelief (Titus 1:16). True disciples will show the evidence of the grace of God working in our hearts and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit through His Word. Jesus says, “Then you will know the truth.” (v 32) “You” refers to those who are true disciples of Jesus. True disciples will not only know the Truth, but our eyes will be opened to a greater and greater understanding of it (1 John 5:20). Free from What? Jesus’ disciples find freedom in the truth they receive. Jesus goes on to say, “And the truth will set you free” (v 32). During that period, the Jews were living under Roman rule. They were under Roman oppression through soldiers, governors, and kings. Jesus, however, was not referring to political freedom when He spoke about the truth setting them free. In verse 34, Jesus clarifies His statement by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Being enslaved by sin represents the ultimate form of bondage. The freedom Jesus offers is not an earthly freedom from government oppression but a spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin— the ultimate release from a lifestyle of sin (freedom from living in unbroken patterns of ongoing, unrepentant sin). Jesus continues with the analogy:  “The slave does not remain in the house forever, but the son remains forever ” (v 35). Someone is not a member of God’s family simply because of their biological offspring to Abraham (v 37). Someone is not a member of God's family simply because they profess to be one. Someone is not a member of God's family who is a slave to sin. If we are to become true disciples of Jesus, we would know the truth of our sinful condition and the truth about Jesus, and we would believe in Him, and Jesus would set us free from the bondage of sin. As believers, we are freed from our bondage of sin and welcomed as members into God's family, where we live under grace; where we are finally free to obey Jesus. Before we believed in Jesus, we couldn’t obey Him because we were enslaved to another master…sin. We can only have one master, and as believers, our Master is Jesus now. Amen! We are now obedient from the heart, committed to the teachings of Jesus, set free from sin, and slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). Christian Liberty Jesus died for our sins and rose again, so that by grace through faith in Him, we may have eternal life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:16) Believing in Jesus brings freedom — freedom from sin, freedom from the tyranny of the Law and working for our salvation, freedom from God’s righteous judgment and eternal wrath against sin, freedom from His condemnation, and freedom from death itself (Romans 6:22, 8:1-2). We are free because Jesus paid it all on the cross for us, and we believe in Him. Jesus came to earth to proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). We all were once captives, working for our salvation under the high demands of the Law, but now as believers, we are free to obey God. We are no longer under the Law. We are under His grace. Our faith demonstrated through our actions is evidence that we have been given new hearts, new natures, and new desires through the new birth. We once didn’t desire to obey God, but now we do. Now we are members of God’s family, children of God, servants of God and slaves of righteousness, and we are truly Jesus' disciples. This is the Christian's liberty. We are free to obey Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we demonstrate our freedom in Christ by obeying our Lord Jesus, through the kind of faith that works through love  (Gal 5:6). But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,    and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.  Romans 6:17-18 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

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Website Design Need a Website? Hi, I'm Jenna. I'm an artist, and I love designing websites. I would like to offer you my website building and design skills to help you further enhance your business, practice, or ministry, or simply establish an online presence. Website Basics One of the first ways people learn about who you are is through your website. It's important to have a clear description of who you are and how others will benefit from knowing you or using your products/services. It's one of the first impressions a person has of your professionalism, your personality, and your expertise in the field. It's a place where people can first learn about you and what to expect before connecting over the phone, on Zoom, or in person. Good design is key. Looks are important when it comes to your online presence. It's important to have a professionally designed website; one that visually expresses who you are and navigates with ease. A well-designed website plays a major role in building an initial connection that could potentially turn into a successful business relationship or lifelong customer. With all the cookie-cutter websites out there, I'd like to design you a contemporary and unique website that stands out from all the rest. Website Objectives • Makes a great first impression, which often c reates a lasting impression • Builds credibility and trust • Places you as an expert in your field • Offers information, knowledge, and expertise to educate and benefit others • A main platform that allows you develop, track, and manage leads Website Design • A design that is current, clean, and cohesive • A design that has character - It's uniquely designed just for you and not from a cookie-cutter template • A look that brings the "wow" factor, engages your visitors, and creates a lasting impression • Contains strong visual design with purposeful elements that are simple and elegant, without compromising the site's function or content. • Typefaces are complementary and enhance the qualities of each other • Copy is cohesive, easy to read, and is paired with strong visual content that supports it • Good use of negative space • A seamless balance of copy, visual and interactive design • The interface is user-friendly. Simple navigation designed to keep a viewer on your site and engaged Other ideas to consider when building a website • Specific ways on how you can serve and help your clients • Specific outcomes your clients can expect from your services • Email opt-ins throughout your website • Proper flow and ease of navigation throughout site • Call to Actions (CTAs) that help a visitor take action steps towards becoming a subscriber to your site or a client of your business • Testimonies from current or previous clients / fellow colleagues or mentors • A regularly updated blog that shares valuable information and gives you credibility as a trusted source of knowledge and solutions • Freebies that entice potential clients to subscribe to your blog or sign up for your mailing list - i.e. tools, handouts, free ebooks, guides, or any sort of downloads that may benefits your visitor Custom Website Building & Design Services Plus • Building and designing a brand new website or a redesign of a current website - Includes both a new desktop and mobile site • Graphic design & photography - Custom logo design and graphics created in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, imagery selection or custom photography, image editing and optimization • Content writing for your website - Blogging, content and copywriting services, including creating an SEO friendly website to be found on Google and other search engines • Setting up a new domain name of your choice (A domain is the name of a website, and a URL is how to find a website) Or, connecting or transferring your current domain to the new domain host • Coaching for your business - Would you like to have a session with me to help uncover any obstacles or barriers that may be holding you back from where you would like to be with your business? There is a lot that goes into brainstorming, building, and designing a website for your business, but it's also very exciting! I'm here to offer my skills, talents, and expertise as a designer, writer, and Christian life coach. I'd love to build you a beautiful website for your business, brand, or ministry so that you can even better guide and serve your clients. Interested in learning more how I can help you with building a new website? Let's talk more about your specific website needs and what you're looking for. Schedule a free consultation with me by filling out the form below. Sign Up for a Free Website Consultation Do you need a new website for your business or a redesign of your current website? I'd love to hear more about your website needs and ideas and offer you my website building and design skills. Fill out your contact information and website needs below, and we will schedule a time to discuss more what you're looking for. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about how I can help you with designing your website! First Name Last Name Email Phone Please share some of your ideas, what you're looking for in a website, your budget or cost range, and any preliminary questions you may have for me. Submit Thank you for reaching out. I'll be in touch with you shortly.