Christian

More Thoughts on “Your First Love”

Cindy Dawson

Formerly titled What Easter Means to Me

In September, I wrote the post, “What Does It Mean to Forsake Your First Love?” I have continued to contemplate this question. Perhaps today’s post will give us greater insight into what our first love looked like.

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 NIV

Of the 2,565 posts I have written so far, this one, first posted in 2021, is my favorite:

Easter reminds me that because Jesus paid the penalty for my sins, I am free from guilt and shame. Have you ever felt such deep guilt that you couldn’t get over it? Most people probably haven’t done anything terrible enough to bring on that kind of deep shame.

For those of us who have been forgiven much, love for Jesus runs very deep because it changes our life in an indescribable way. It can’t be explained to someone who hasn’t experienced it. Maybe you could imagine what it would be like when you hear the hymn, Amazing Grace, written by John Newton, a slave ship captain who experienced God’s merciful forgiveness.

Another example is a woman known only as “The Sinful Woman” found in Luke 7:36-50.

This woman came to see Jesus while he dined with some religious leaders. The passage only tells us the bare bones of the story, but we can imagine what might have taken place. I have often wondered, what she was doing at the party!?

“But it was acceptable in Jesus’ day for people to come to a party to watch and listen to the conversation. They were not allowed to eat, but they could observe.” (Never Thirsty Ministry)

She was there to see and hear Jesus.

I have no idea what Jesus and the Pharisees talked about. Maybe Jesus talked about the forgiveness of sins. Perhaps, as she listened, she believed He was the Messiah and experienced the joy of receiving forgiveness.

Maybe Jesus quoted Old Testament Scriptures such as Isaiah 1:18:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Maybe He quoted Psalm 103:12:

“… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

And maybe, He looked right in her eyes as he did, not at the Pharisees, but only at her, and maybe that is why she cried so hard that she could actually wash His feet with her tears.

Verse 44 tells us that Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, 

“… her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Imagine how she felt, knowing He was talking about her.

She probably thought no one would pay any attention to her that evening. But Jesus looked right at her and spoke the words she longed to hear:

“Her many sins have been forgiven.”

Easter means forgiveness and cleansing to me. Anyone carrying guilt can be free from that heavy load, just like I was and just like slave ship Captain John Newton. Receive God’s gift of salvation by trusting in His son, Jesus, and giving your life to Him.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:5-8 KJV

Please watch this fascinating story about the song Amazing Grace.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

Did you know? The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Why Do We Need the Old Testament?

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Friday, 10/16/26

“The whole Bible, and particularly the Old Testament, is written for our instruction and guidance. One of the major lessons that we learn from the Biblical account of Israeli history is that there is no spiritual advance without conflict. Israel had to fight, pray and obey to succeed – the same is true of us today.” Alan Kearns, Devotional Treasure

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

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Christian

Do You Have Peace?

Cindy Dawson

Devotion for Thursday, 10/15/26

The following quote is from Bruce Cooper’s post, “Peace Be with You”:

Paul wrote,

“Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 NASB

“To let the peace of Christ rule is to allow it to govern what takes place within us. Fear may speak, but it does not have to rule. Troubling circumstances may demand our attention, but they do not have to become our master. The world may be loud, but it does not possess greater authority than the voice of Christ.

The risen Lord still speaks peace to His people. Not because every danger has disappeared. Not because every prayer has already been answered in the manner we desire.

Not because we understand everything God is doing.

But because Jesus Christ has risen, death has been defeated, our sins can be forgiven, the Holy Spirit has been given, and nothing can separate those who belong to Christ from the love of God.“

Read the entire post below.

“Peace Be with You”

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

Did you know? The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Wisdom for Wednesday, 10/14/26

Cindy Dawson

From the Proverbs of Solomon

“He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 17:9 AMP

The first thing people often do when they are offended is to complain to others about it. That’s why this is one of Satan’s favorite tricks, and he often uses it in the church. But when we love instead, that’s spiritual warfare!

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Know Your Enemy

Cindy Dawson

Bible Study for Tuesday, 10/13/26

Our enemy is Satan. We can learn about him through God’s Word, which teaches us everything we need to know. I want to focus today on one particular fact about Satan that we must never forget.

“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

These verses tell us that our enemy, Satan, appears to be something he is not. He makes himself appear innocent, just fun, and good even though his intentions are always evil.

In the past (long ago), we thought we could allow our children to watch anything Disney because it would be safe for children. This is no longer true.

Disney seems to be obsessed with witchcraft. Wicked, Hex, The Witch, Practical Magic, and many, many more movies entice children to believe in magic and the occult.

You could almost say that witchcraft has become mainstream. In many places, it has.

The Bible warns us that Satan and his forces will not be openly evil. Instead, they will make themselves appear like harmless fun. There is no clearer example of this than movies about witchcraft.

God says, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.” Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s view of the “ideals and objectives of normal adulthood” did not include being a Christ follower, but I agree with one thing he said: “Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives.”

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Getty Images on Unsplash+

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Why Attending Church Isn’t Enough

Cindy Dawson

Food for Thought for Monday, 10/12/26

You may be attending a good Bible-believing church. Maybe you’ve attended it since you were a child. Your church may even be Biblically sound in what they teach. But that isn’t enough if they avoid topics they deem controversial.

Does your church teach you about false teachers?

Does your church teach you Bible prophecy?

Does your church teach you about the dangers of the occult?

If your church avoids teaching anything controversial, you need to make sure you are studying your Bible for yourself, all of it. If they don’t teach the topics listed above, important Biblical teaching is being ignored. Consider this:

  1. False teachers and/or false prophets are taught in every book of the New Testament except for one. That sounds important to me.
  2. In the New Testament, almost every book contains some prophecy, with Revelation being wholly devoted to a prophetic vision. That sounds important to me.
  3. The Bible says that witchcraft is detestable to the Lord. That sounds important to me, too.

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord;” Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Your Bible is your guide to truth. Read it. Study it. Apply it to your life.

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9

“If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92

The Church must teach the whole counsel of God’s Word, even if it steps on some toes.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Why Are Teenagers Drawn to Witchcraft and the Occult?

Cindy Dawson

A Message for Sunday, 10/11/26

I am writing this post to warn parents that the occult is seducing our children every day. We must teach our children what the Bible says about occult practices.

“The influence of pop culture has made witches and witchcraft appealing to today’s teens. Growing up on Harry Potter books and movies has further opened doors for teens to experience both a curiosity and a familiarity with witchcraft. Increasingly, towns in the heartland of America, once known for their strong Christian heritage, are becoming hotbeds for Wicca, a pagan religion that emphasizes the worship of nature.” Focus on the Family

Not only that, but TikTok has become the home of modern witchcraft. TikTok’s algorithms make it a safe haven for those interested in the occult – and they’re drawing more and more people into the practice. It offers tutorials and shared experiences that make witchcraft seem approachable.

According to Newsweek, the practice of witchcraft in the U.S. has risen dramatically over the past few decades, with millennials turning to astrology, tarot cards, and Wicca beliefs as they turn away from Christianity and other traditional religions.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord;”

Fortunetelling, also known as divination, includes anyone who claims to predict your future or advise you through Ouija boards, crystal balls, horoscopes, astrology, palm-reading, tarot cards, etc.

Other New Age and occult practices include consulting psychics, reading tea leaves, horoscopes, zodiac signs, the occult, yoga, and drug use. You may be unaware that yoga is a pagan religion, but it is. There is also something called tapping, which is  a phenomenon during meditation where a feeling of tapping on the head might indicate kundalini activation, which is extremely dangerous.

The Bible warns us about these practices, but I fear that many Christians are ignorant of the dangers they pose.

It is vitally important to teach our children what God says about the occult in order to protect them from the schemes of the devil. Ignorance is not bliss!

“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.” Leviticus 20:6 NIV

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31 NIV

“Let no one be found among you . . . who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.” Deuteronomy 18:10 

See also Galatians 5:19-21, Acts 19:19, Revelation 21:8, ; 2 Kings 21:6; Leviticus 19:26, 31; Deuteronomy 18:14. 

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Sources: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/witchcraft-tiktok

newsweek.com/witchcraft-wiccans-mysticism-astrology-witches-millennials-pagans-religion-1221019

focusonthefamily.com/parenting/why-teens-are-attracted-to-wicca/

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Christian, Christians and Jews

The Old Testament Points to the Messiah

Cindy Dawson

An Overview of the Appointed Festivals and How They Point to Christ

As the Israelites wandered in the desert, God was pointing them to the coming Messiah.

“The Lord said to Moses,  “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.” Leviticus 23:1-2

  1. THE SABBATH is a day of rest. God said,

“There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly.” Leviticus 23:3

This pointed to Christ, who is our rest.

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;  for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10 Read full chapter

2. THE PASSOVER celebrated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Corinthians 5:7

“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child.” Galatians 4:7

3. FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD

Christ is our sustenance, our source of strength.

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry…” John 6:32-35

4. OFFERING THE FIRSTFRUITS

Points to Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20

5. FESTIVAL OF WEEKS

Celebrates the harvest. It occurred fifty days after the Passover Sabbath. It was also called Pentecost. At the Pentecost following Christ’s resurrection, the Church was born.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 [a] Or languages

6. FESTIVAL OF TRUMPETS

Marked the beginning of ten days of consecration and repentance before God. It points to the Rapture of the Church. However, it does not point to a specific date or time because Jesus said,

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

“According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

7. THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Signifies atonement from sin, a covering. It points to Christ’s atoning death on the cross.

“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:24-26

8. FESTIVAL OF TABERNACLES

Celebrated God’s provision in the wilderness.

God said,

“On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.  Live in temporary shelters for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 23:40-43

These flimsy booths serve as a reminder to Israel that they once dwelled in makeshift huts during the forty years of wanderings in the Wilderness. It was a harsh environment and they were totally dependent on the Lord. Yet during that time, God was ever faithful to provide water, manna, quail, and every other thing they needed to sustain them in the barren desert.

This pointed to Christ as our provision.

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32-33

In His Love, Cindy

Sources: Jeremiah Study Bible Notes, Gotquestions.org, ICEJ, and the NIV Bible

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Artem Labunsky on Unsplash

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Why We Must Love Truth

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Friday, 10/9/26

“Love for the truth is not optional for believers; it’s the safeguard the Spirit Himself provides.” M. Wiley Wilson

“… wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

God’s Word is truth!

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Love in a Hate-Filled World

Cindy Dawson

Reposted from January 2024

The photo above is of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage taken into Gaza by Hamas terrorists. His first birthday was not celebrated with his mother and father. No, little Kfir had his first birthday in captivity.

I cannot imagine the unbearable pain and horror his parents and family are experiencing right now. Pray for them and all the hostages and their families.

The savage attack on Israel on October 7th portrayed human depravity at its worst. But in spite of this reality, terror organizations are influencing people all over the world to protest against Israel! They are easily manipulated to hate the Jews because they are ignorant of the truth. This is evil and is inspired by Satan.

Similarly, when protestors chanted and held signs that said “From the River to the Sea. Palestine will be free”, they were asked what river? and what sea? They didn’t know. Nor did they know that the chant implicitly advocates for the dismantling of Israel and a call for the removal or extermination of the Jewish population of the region.

Map showing Israel and the Palestinian Territories as outlined by the Oslo Accords. The Jordan River is on the right, and the Mediterranean Sea is on the left.

Anti-semitism is at an all-time high. Pro-Hamas protests are occurring in cities all over the world! It is unthinkable, but it is happening nonetheless, even in U.S. cities.

Thousands of Pro-Hamas Protesters in London

Do you know what else is at an all-time high? DECEPTION! Ignorance of the truth is widespread and deception is rampant.

In a world often characterized by intolerance and hate, God has called His people to love. The Woke crowd hates anyone who won’t get on board with their agenda. They will curse you and call you a racist, transphobic, or a Nazi. Protestors try to shut down free speech when the speaker is pro-life. Speaking the Truth takes courage and many Christians stay silent because speaking out may cause them to be hated. They could even lose their job.

The following verse takes on new significance in today’s world.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Christ-followers are to be identified by the way they love one another. Just think of it. Some groups are identified by their head covering. Some are identified by the color of their skin, their language, their food, their flag, or their culture. Of all the ways we might identify a particular group of people, only Christ-followers are identified by their love. That’s amazing when you think about it.

Our human perspective is limited. Paul said,

“We see through a glass darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)

But God’s perspective is without limitations. He is all-knowing. That’s why we must trust and follow Jesus, even when we don’t understand His ways. How do we do that? By obeying His Word.

Jesus prayed, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:14-17 NIV (emphasis mine)

There is already tremendous pressure to accept an unbiblical worldview. But if you read your Bible, you know this pressure is only going to get worse.

The Apostle John warns us that a time is coming when people won’t be able to buy or sell unless they worship the Antichrist, and have a specific mark on their hand or forehead. That’s a lot of pressure to conform! Revelation 13:16-17 NIV

Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 14:1 NASB

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:14 NIV

“Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 NASB (emphasis mine)

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page: Who Is Jesus? A Message For the Skeptic

Pray for Israel

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Sources:

Amir Tsarfati, Telegram

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_the_river_to_the_sea

Sky News