Confidence...

Comment: Confidence has the ability to make even the toughest challenges seem more manageable. We are encouraged to have no fear by placing our confidence in the Lord. Our confidence can only grow stronger as we remember to praise and thank the Lord for his unwavering gift of salvation and mercy.

Verse: Hebrews 13: 6 - 8; 15 - 16.

 ⁶ So we can say with confidence,
   “The Lord is my helper,
      so I will have no fear.
      What can mere people do to me?”^[c]
 7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
 ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
...

 ¹⁵ Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. ¹⁶ And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

New Patterns

Commentary: We are encouraged to develop new patterns that begin by renewing our thoughts. We should find ways each day to reinforce new habits focused on grace, forgiveness, and mercy. These new habits may require sacrifice and letting go of areas in our life in which we feel most comfortable.

Scripture: Romans 12 

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.