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Struggling with the idea of “forgive and forget”? In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy dives deep into what the Bible really says about forgiveness. Discover why God’s standard isn’t about erasing memories, but about choosing not to hold past wrongs against others. Julie shares personal insights, scriptural wisdom, and practical encouragement to help you walk in true forgiveness—setting healthy boundaries while letting go of judgment. Whether you’ve been hurt or are working to forgive, this episode will help you find confidence and peace in God’s mercy. 

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/

Timeline

00:00 – Introduction and welcome
 00:11 – The struggle with “forgive and forget” and scriptural context
 01:06 – What this episode will cover
 01:21 – Resource mention: Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God
 01:48 – God’s forgiveness in Psalms and Hebrews
 02:16 – God’s mercy and our standard for forgiveness
 02:48 – The challenge of forgiving and forgetting
 03:13 – God’s omniscience and what “remembers no more” means
 04:15 – Casting sins into the sea: literal vs. figurative forgetting
 04:36 – God chooses not to hold sins against us
 05:09 – God never changes His mind about forgiveness
 05:40 – The human struggle with forgiving and forgetting
 06:04 – God’s example: not holding sins against us
 06:26 – Our standard: not judging others after forgiveness
 06:48 – Setting boundaries while forgiving
 07:15 – Paul’s instructions to the Colossians on forgiveness
 07:41 – Encouragement to walk in forgiveness and gratitude
 09:16 – Episode summary: forgiving vs. forgetting
 09:45 – Invitation to share your story
 09:59 – Resource reminder
 10:20 – Subscribe, rate, and review
 10:36 – Closing encouragement

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Welcome to the Confidence in God podcast with your host, Julie McGhghy! In this episode, Julie explores how God stirs up our spirits to proclaim His will and act on His purposes, drawing inspiration from the minor prophets and her own experiences.

Key Topics Covered:

• The meaning and significance of the phrase “the Lord stirred up the spirit” found in Ezra 1:1 and Haggai 1:14
• How God stirred the spirits of leaders and people in the Old Testament to accomplish His will
• Applying these biblical lessons to our lives today—how God stirs our spirits to proclaim, pray, and act
• Personal stories of God’s guidance and stirring, including Julie’s mission work in Costa Rica
• Encouragement to pray for God to stir up your spirit and use your gifts for His purposes

Scripture References:

• Ezra 1:1
• Haggai 1:14
• 2 Timothy 1:6
• Matthew 6:21

Resources:

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/ 

Practical Guidance for More Confidence in Prayer 

Practical Guidance for Praying Powerful Prayers for Others 

The Truth About God's Desire to Save Unbelievers 

Timeline

• 0:00 — Introduction and welcome (Julie McGhghy, Confidence in God podcast)
• 0:12 — The challenge of reading the minor prophets; a phrase that changed Julie’s prayer life
• 1:03 — Resource mention: “How to Have Confidence in Your Prayer Life”
• 1:25 — The phrase: “The Lord stirred up the spirit” (Ezra 1:1, Haggai 1:14)
• 1:54 — God stirs up King Cyrus to proclaim God’s will
• 2:17 — God stirs up Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant to rebuild the temple
• 2:41 — Why does God stir up people’s spirits? To do His will
• 3:11 — Applying these verses today: Who does God stir up?
• 3:49 — What does God stir our spirits to do? Proclaim His works
• 4:57 — God stirs us to do His will: love, give thanks, pray, submit
• 5:24 — God’s specific will for each of us; personal example: mission work in Costa Rica
• 6:10 — How this knowledge impacts our prayer life; praying for God to stir up our spirits
• 7:05 — Stirring up the gifts within us (2 Timothy 1:6, Matthew 6:21)
• 7:46 — Julie’s personal story: giving to missions, then being called to serve
• 8:09 — Following God’s call to Costa Rica; investing in missions
• 8:39 — Encouragement: God can stir your spirit for any calling

Total duration: ~10:30

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy explores the powerful connection between the natural seasons and our spiritual journey. Drawing inspiration from the changing trees of the Midwest, Julie unpacks how Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter mirror the cycles of growth, nourishment, and rest in our walk with God. Discover how to prepare for spiritual “winters” by storing up God’s Word during times of abundance, and learn why rest is not a sign of weakness, but a beautiful, God-ordained part of spiritual life. With biblical insights, practical analogies, and encouragement for every season, this episode will help you find confidence and peace as you rest in God—no matter what season you’re in. 

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/ 

https://www.sciencemadesimple.com/plants-in-winter.html 

Timeline

00:00 — Introduction & Welcome
 00:12 — The Principle: “As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual”
 00:24 — Road Trip Story & Observing Fall Foliage
 01:22 — Resource Mention: “How to Have Confidence in Your Prayer Life”
 01:57 — God’s Lesson on Rest and the Beauty of Fall
 02:45 — Eighth Grade Science Refresher
 02:58 — Spring: Growth, Renewal, and New Life
 03:20 — Summer: Photosynthesis and Storing Energy
 04:32 — Winter: Trees Rest and Live Off Stored Food
 04:50 — Autumn: The Abscission Layer and Color Change
 05:59 — Spiritual Analogy: Summer as a Time of Growth
 06:27 — Storing Up God’s Word for Spiritual Fall
 07:07 — Spiritual Winter: Resting in God
 07:59 — Preparing for Spiritual Winters
 08:47 — Psalm 34:8-10 and Blessings of Fearing the Lord
 09:24 — Proverbs 2:1-5: Storing Up God’s Commands
 10:08 — The Results of Devouring God’s Word
 10:55 — Spiritual Autumn: Knowledge and Understanding
 11:12 — Becoming Beautiful to God Through Spiritual Growth
 11:30 — God’s View of Us in Spiritual Winters
 12:21 — Gaining Wisdom for Spiritual Winters
 12:44 — Psalm 63:1 and Spiritual Thirst
 13:19 — True Rest: Being Well-Nourished in God
 13:38 — Continuing to Seek God in Winter
 14:04 — Encouragement: Wait on the Lord
 14:16 — Quick Summary of Spiritual Seasons
 15:14 — Confidence Through Spiritual Preparation
 15:37 — Resource Reminder & Call to Subscribe
 16:08 — Closing Blessing & Farewell
 16:17 — End of Episode

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy explores the profound message behind the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12—what it means to be “apprehended by Christ” and how we can pursue God’s unique purpose for our lives. Julie unpacks Paul’s journey from being apprehended by God to actively seeking and fulfilling his divine calling, and she encourages listeners to reflect on their own motivations for serving God. Through practical insights and personal stories, you’ll discover how to confidently walk in faith, embrace God’s will, and press toward the high calling in Christ Jesus. Tune in for inspiration, biblical wisdom, and actionable steps to deepen your relationship with God and live out your purpose with confidence.

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/

Reference: Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Westwood, NJ: Barbour and Company, Inc., 1963). 

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction & Welcome
 12:30 – The Question: What Does Paul Mean?
 27:55 – Paul’s Proclamation: Apprehended by Christ
 49:40 – Resource Mention: Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God
 77:20 – Philippians 3:12 Explained
 108:25 – Paul’s Transformation: From Apprehended to Active
 179:40 – Working Out Salvation: Philippians 2:12-13
 202:20 – Faith vs. Works: Clarification
 214:25 – The Role of Faith in Salvation
 256:20 – Gratitude for God’s Gift of Faith
 283:30 – A Warning from Oswald Chambers
 303:10 – Personal Story: Motivations for Service
 318:45 – Example 1: Service from Love 

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy explores the profound topic of free will and the power of choice in God’s plan. Drawing from biblical examples like Moses, Pharaoh, Nabal, and Abigail, Julie discusses what it means to be a “vessel of honor” and how our decisions and behaviors shape our spiritual journey. Listeners will learn the difference between honorable and dishonorable work, the importance of pursuing righteousness, and how even in brokenness, God welcomes us with open arms. Tune in for practical insights, encouragement, and a reminder that we all have the opportunity to choose a life that honors God. 

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/ 

• 0:00 — Introduction & Welcome
• 0:11 — Do we have a choice in following God?
• 0:53 — Why God wants us to choose Him freely
• 1:52 — 2 Corinthians 4:6-7: Treasure in earthen vessels
• 2:17 — God as the potter: Honorable vs. dishonorable vessels
• 2:46 — Proverbs 16:4: God’s purpose for everyone
• 3:29 — Pharaoh & Moses: Did they have a choice?
• 3:42 — Do we choose to be vessels of honor or dishonor?
• 4:16 — Paul’s teaching to Timothy: Our choice in how we’re used
• 4:54 — Moses as a vessel of honor, Pharaoh as dishonor
• 5:13 — Pharaoh’s choice and our own
• 5:42 — How do we make the choice? Behavior matters
• 6:12 — What is honorable work?
• 6:48 — Personal story: Pineapple juice & sharing the Gospel
• 7:48 — What is dishonorable work?
• 8:01 — Step 1: Separate from worldly things
• 8:23 — Step 2: Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace
• 9:23 — Nabal & Abigail: Choices and consequences
• 9:52 — Nabal’s dishonor, Abigail’s honor
• 10:29 — Results: Nabal’s fate, Abigail’s reward
• 11:42 — We have the same choice today
• 12:03 — Feeling ineffective? Paul’s encouragement to Thessalonians
• 12:26 — How to possess our vessels in honor
• 12:54 — God gives us strength to do His will
• 13:50 — For the broken: God accepts your brokenness
• 14:37 — Bring your brokenness to God; repentance and renewal
• 15:12 — Summary: Free will, behavior, and being a vessel of honor
• 16:22 — Listener call to action: Share your story
• 16:33 — Resource reminder: Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God
• 16:44 — Subscribe, rate, and review
• 16:58 — Closing encouragement

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy explores how people react after receiving salvation. Through the stories of the man delivered from demons in Mark 5 and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Julie highlights two common responses: clinging to Jesus or going out to share the good news. She also discusses the importance of both personal devotion and sharing your testimony, drawing on additional examples from Matthew 28. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to deepen your walk with God, this episode will encourage you to embrace your salvation and confidently share it with others. Resources and ways to connect are shared in the show notes. 

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/ 

Recognizing Jesus 

Timeline

00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Confidence in God podcast with Julie McGhghy. 

00:12 – Listener Appreciation: Thanking listeners and inviting contact. 

00:23 – Episode Overview: Exploring reactions to salvation through biblical examples. 

00:52 – Resource Mention: “Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God” and contact info. 01:21 – Invitation: Encouragement for those seeking salvation to reach out. 

01:35 – Reflection: Asking listeners to recall their own salvation experience. 

01:52 – Two Reactions: Clinging to the Lord or going to tell others; preview of biblical stories. 02:46 – The Man with the Legion: Jesus delivers a man possessed by demons (Mark 5). 

03:24 – Clinging to Jesus: The man’s desire to stay close to Jesus after his deliverance. 

03:51 – The Woman at the Well: Jesus meets the Samaritan woman (John 4). 

04:16 – Jesus Reveals Himself: The woman learns Jesus is the Messiah. 

04:41 – Sharing the News: The woman tells her city about Jesus, leading many to believe. 

05:24 – The Value of Clinging: Why we seek closeness with Jesus. 

05:39 – Is It Okay to Cling?: Jesus allows clinging for a time, then instructs to go and share. 

07:01 – The Purpose of Testimony: Sharing our story helps others believe. 

07:29 – After the Resurrection: Women at the tomb meet Jesus and are told to go (Matthew 28). 

08:15 – The Great Commission: Jesus instructs disciples to go and teach all nations. 

08:39 – Our Mission: Jesus wants us to share what He’s done for us. 

09:04 – Summary: Two reactions to salvation—cling or go tell others. 

09:26 – Final Encouragement: Both reactions are valid, but we’re called to share. 

09:52 – Listener Engagement: Julie invites listeners to share their stories. 

10:09 – Resource Reminder: “Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God” and contact info. 

10:28 – Closing: Subscribe, rate, and review the show. 

10:41 – Final Blessing: Confidence that God will complete His good work in you.

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy explores the important distinction between religion and Christianity. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical examples, and cultural observations, Julie discusses how religion often emphasizes rule-following and earning salvation through human effort, while Christianity centers on a loving, grace-filled relationship with God made possible through Jesus Christ.

Julie addresses common misconceptions about legalism and the fear of losing salvation, encouraging listeners to move beyond a checklist mentality and embrace the freedom and confidence that comes from God’s unconditional love. The episode highlights the difference between living by rules to earn favor and living out of gratitude for God’s grace, ultimately inviting listeners to deepen their relationship with God and live with assurance in His promises. 

Wearing the Life Jacket 

https://www.amazon.com/Hey Dad 

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This episode of the Confidence in God podcast, hosted by Julie McGhghy, explores how to walk with confidence in God by sometimes going beyond the literal requirements of scripture. Julie discusses her favorite groups from the Bible—the Rechabites and the Bereans—and the practical lessons they offer about obedience, spiritual authority, and personal conviction. Through personal stories and biblical examples, she illustrates how God may guide individuals to take extra steps for their own protection and spiritual growth, even when not explicitly required by scripture. The episode encourages listeners to seek what is beneficial, not just permissible, and to be open to God’s unique guidance for their lives.

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/

Timeline

• 0:00 – Introduction by Julie McGhghy; episode goal: walking with confidence in God.
• 0:12 – Julie introduces the topic: learning from her favorite people in the Bible, which are lesser-known groups.
• 0:24 – Discussion of well-known biblical figures: David and Joseph, and the lessons from their lives.
• 1:31 – Julie shares her actual favorites: the Rechabites and the Bereans.
• 1:43 – Introduction of a resource: “Five Steps to Experience More Confidence in God.”
• 2:21 – Personal story: family fishing trip and the lesson of the life jacket as a metaphor for extra protection.
• 3:15 – How God sometimes asks us to go beyond scripture’s literal words for our own protection.
• 3:56 – Example: a friend’s conviction to avoid certain environments for spiritual safety.
• 5:41 – Introduction to the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35): their obedience to stricter rules than required.
• 6:22 – The result of the Rechabites’ obedience: God’s commendation and promise.
• 7:09 – Application: following spiritual leaders and personal convictions, not just minimum requirements.
• 8:04 – The Bereans (Acts 17:11): praised for searching the scriptures and confirming teachings.
• 10:28 – Life jacket metaphor revisited: the value of going beyond the minimum for spiritual safety.
• 11:11 – Encouragement to seek what is beneficial, not just permissible, for a closer walk with God.
• 11:27 – Quick summary: God sometimes calls us to go beyond the letter for our own good and to be a light.
• 12:18 – Final encouragement: ask if something is beneficial and glorifies God, not just if it’s allowed.
• 12:50 – Invitation for listener feedback and sharing personal stories.
• 13:10 – Resource reminder: “Five Steps to Experience Confidence in God.”
• 13:22 – Closing: subscribe, rate, and review the show.
• 13:36 – Final encouragement: God will be faithful to complete His work in you. 

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In this episode of the Confidence in God podcast, host Julie McGhghy shares personal experiences and biblical insights on how to build confidence in hearing God's voice. She recounts a recent conversation with friends about the common struggle of discerning whether God is truly speaking to us. Julie emphasizes the importance of turning to scripture for assurance, citing passages that affirm believers can know and follow God's voice.

She discusses the role of prayer—especially praying God’s Word—in strengthening trust and confidence in divine guidance. Julie encourages listeners to take small steps of faith, trust that God will correct their path if needed, and to acknowledge Him in all decisions. She shares practical examples from her own life and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of hearing God’s guidance. The episode concludes with a reminder to access additional resources and an encouragement to remain confident in God’s faithfulness.

https://confidenceingod.com/resources/

Timeline

• 0:00 — Introduction: Welcome and episode goal (Julie McGhghy)
• 0:11 — Personal context: Motorcycle ministry event and ladies’ breakfast
• 2:00 — Discussion: Fear and doubt about hearing God’s call; encouragement from friends
• 2:40 — Julie’s struggle: Lacking confidence in hearing God’s voice
• 3:20 — Invitation: Resource on confidence in prayer (https://confidenceingod.com/resources/)
• 3:32 — “Is that you, God?” and learning to discern God’s voice
• 3:50 — Turning to scripture for assurance
• 4:16 — Key scriptures: Psalm 95:7, John 10:14, John 10:27
• 4:40 — Reflection: Knowing and obeying God’s voice
• 5:04 — The real struggle: Trusting God's Word
• 5:18 — More scriptures for trust: Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 63:8, Psalm 73:23
• 6:17 — Building trust by praying scripture
• 6:52 — No longer paralyzed: Moving forward with confidence
• 7:22 — Sample prayer for guidance
• 7:53 — Trusting God to correct your path
• 8:13 — Summary: Steps to build confidence in hearing God’s voice
• 9:05 — Starting small: Everyday examples of seeking God’s guidance
• 10:05 — Listener invitation: Share your experiences
• 10:19 — Resource reminder: How to Have Confidence in Your Prayer Life
• 10:40 — Closing: Subscribe, rate, and review
• 10:54 — Final encouragement: God will complete His work in you

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In this episode, Julie explores the promise of Romans 8:28 and how it applies to our lives, even in the midst of hardship. Through the stories of Joseph and David, we see how God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Julie offers encouragement, practical application, and a reminder to remain humble, faithful, and repentant during difficult seasons.

www.Confidenceingod.com 

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Romans 8:28 and its meaning
• The story of Joseph: From betrayal to blessing
• The story of David: From humble beginnings to king, through trials and failures
• How God’s promises apply to us today
• Practical steps for holding on to faith in hard times
• The importance of humility, faithfulness, and repentance