ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

experienced shame, they sewed fig leaves together to cover them- selves. Later, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Although this might seem insignificant, it’s a matter of eternal significance.The animal skins provided something the plant leaves did not – blood and sacrifice. Even early in Genesis we can see a vital connection to Christ – the spilling of blood, a sacrifice being made, and His life given to atone for our sins. Figuratively speaking, millions upon millions of people across this land are still trying to cover their sins with leaves – human effort and works of the flesh rather than Christ’s finished work on the Cross. Which begs the question: Has there been a specific time in your life when you asked God to forgive you of your sins and, by faith, received His Son Jesus into your life? Once Jesus challenged Thomas, the former doubter exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Can you confidently make that claim? If not, go to Appen- dix 1 at the back of the book and go through God’s simple steps to salvation. This isn’t something you should be unsure about.TheWord says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). It’s not thinking or hoping, but KNOWING! This assurance is the first line of defense against doubt and seg- ues into the second – confidence. As Scripture challenges, “Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Hebrews 10:35). The word in the original language for confidence, parresia, means we display “cheerful courage and boldness,” especially in the area of speech. I love this story about one of my favorite presidents,Ted- dy Roosevelt – a considerably confident man. One day he told his friends how keenly he was anticipating heaven because he looked forward to joining the great choir there. “Why,” he said, “in my mind’s eye I can picture it.There will be 10,000 sopranos,” naming

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