Christian, DISCERNMENT

What About Harry Potter? You Decide

Cindy Dawson

I have avoided writing about Harry Potter for some time now. But today, I saw two different Christian children dressed in Harry Potter apparel, and it weighs heavily on my heart. I know that many Christians will reject my view. But, well, that never stopped me before.

A magical map that revealed the plan for Hogwarts School and tracked its human and ghostly inhabitants and their movements, using the Homunculus Charm. Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash

We all know that Harry Potter is deeply rooted in the theme of witchcraft. When considering whether to allow your children to read these books and watch the movies, ask yourself this question: Is it pleasing to God?

 Ephesians 5: 10-11 says, “… find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,”

In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, the Apostle Paul tells us, “So we make it our goal to please him … For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

“Now may the God of peace …  equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

To answer that question, we must search God’s Word. When we do that, we do not search for verses that will allow us to read these books. Rather, we must search for truth regardless of what we might find. Here are some verses to consider:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“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

As in so many decisions we face in this life, we must ask: Lord, Is this pleasing to you? You will find your answer in the Bible, God’s Holy Word. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks; only the Lord.

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture from NIV

Featured image by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

You Are Not Alone

Cindy Dawson

Encouragement for Friday, 7/17/26

In these last days, courage is a rare commodity – one that God expects, requires, and calls His people to demonstrate.

At times, standing for the truth may make us feel as though we are standing alone. Elijah felt exactly that way. Yet the Lord gently corrected him, reminding him that He had preserved a faithful remnant of 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). The same God who preserved a remnant then is preserving one today.

God has never needed the majority to accomplish His purposes. He has always worked through a faithful remnant. Our calling is not to be popular, but to be faithful – to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3), and leave the results to Him.

Amir Tsarfati

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 He (Elijah) replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:13-18 NIV Read full chapter

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Sandy Ravaloniaina on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Just As I Am, I Come

Cindy Dawson

Encouragement for Thursday, 7/16/26

She thought she was useless to God. She wrote the hymn that brought millions to Him.

Charlotte Elliott was born in 1789 in England and lived much of her adult life as an invalid, confined largely to her bed by chronic illness. She wrestled openly with feeling she had no purpose — that her sickness made her a spiritual burden rather than a contributor.

In 1834, after a conversation with a Swiss minister who told her that coming to God required nothing but coming “just as you are,” something shifted. She wrote it down as a hymn — not as a sermon, but as a confession of her own helplessness turned into an invitation for anyone else who felt the same.

“Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me.”

The hymn made no demands of moral cleanup before approaching God. That was the radical part. Worship culture at the time often emphasized preparation, worthiness, examination. Elliott’s hymn said: come now, broken, as you actually are.

A century later, evangelist Billy Graham adopted “Just As I Am” as the closing hymn for his crusades — sung softly while thousands walked forward to commit their lives to Christ. He used it at nearly every altar call across six decades of ministry, reaching tens of millions of people.

A woman too sick to leave her bed wrote the invitation that moved more people forward than almost any preacher alive.

Share this with someone who feels too broken to start over.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Source: #JustAsIAm#CharlotteElliott#BillyGraham#ChurchHistory

RealChristianWomen.blog

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Christian

Small Beginnings

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, 7/15/26

“Small numbers make no difference to God. There is nothing small if God is in it.”
― Dwight Lyman Moody

“For who has shown contempt for the day of small things? But these seven will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—they are the eyes of the Lord roaming throughout the earth.” Zechariah 4:10 NASB

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Rachel Reinhardt on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Bible and Scripture, Christian

Jesus’ Letters to the Churches

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 7/14/26

Nothing could be more relevant to the Church today than the message from Jesus to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. These letters reveal which things He approves of and which things they must repent of. (Revelation, chapters 2 and 3)

These letters are important. And they are just as applicable now as they were then. Jesus tells them they must repent or He will remove their lampstand!

“When the Bible repeats something, it should catch our attention. In Revelation 2 and 3, there is a phrase that is repeated seven times: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In other words, this message is for everyone. God wants every Christian to study prophecy.” David Jeremiah

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches…” Revelation 2:7,11, 17, 29 and Revelation 3:6,13, 22

May we have ears to hear!

Read Revelation chapter 2 HERE, and Revelation chapter 3 HERE.

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Encouragement

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Cindy Dawson

Devotion for Monday, 7/13/26

This post from Alan Kearns at Devotional Treasure impacted me in a powerful way.

“One may mourn over the loss of a loved one or of possessions, one can also mourn over sin, and the results of it in life…”  Alan Kearns

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – Repost

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Dima Kapralov on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Bible and Scripture, Christian

Transform Your Morning

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Sunday, 7/12/26

The first thing I do every morning is to read and study my Bible. (Well, after I feed and walk Henry, my Yorkie. As you know, he is very bossy.)

When we get back, he gets in his dog bed and sleeps for a couple of hours. And I open my Bible.

This is my favorite time of the day. Do you know why? It’s because the Bible speaks to me every day, and so it becomes more dear to me every time I read it.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV (emphasis mine)

No other book in the world can do that, only the Bible. The word translated as “alive” is the Greek word zao. It is the same word Jesus used when He said,

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 NIV (emphasis mine)

Scripture is life-giving, not merely instructive, because the Bible is God speaking to you and me.

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Encouragement

How To Encourage Someone

Cindy Dawson

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;” Romans 12:6,8 (Emphasis mine)

The Bible commands us to encourage one another. The following is a list of ways we can encourage someone.

HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ENCOURAGER

1. Listen. Listening is better than talking. We need to give the person we want to encourage focused attention. That means we are carefully listening to them, not just waiting for our turn to talk. (Ouch!) Having someone listen is the best medicine for a hurting heart.

2. Provide affirmation before offering help. This validates their feelings and struggles.

3. Be compassionate and caring. The thing your friend needs most may not be answers, but just someone to talk to, someone who cares, so they can share their hurts or worries safely.

4. Do not pretend to know what they are going through or tell them what happened to you.

5. Write them an encouraging note. Believe it or not, two or three sentences can turn a person’s day around. I have received many encouraging notes over the decades, and I have kept many of them to this day.

6. Pray for them and let them know you are praying.

Maybe the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray in a certain way. Or maybe He will guide you in what to say. Or maybe He just wants you to show love and compassion. If your friend wants your advice, she will probably ask for it.

For some, being an encourager is a spiritual gift, but it is something we must all do. Let the Lord guide you to those who need your encouragement.

I can’t tell you how many times a comment someone left on my blog turned my day around. Many times, the Holy Spirit is encouraging me through their message, but they probably had no idea how timely it was. In fact, this happens quite often.

“Encourage the disheartened” 1 Thessalonians 5:14

To be disheartened means to have lost hope, courage, or enthusiasm. It is a state of feeling discouraged, demoralized, or dispirited, often as a result of experiencing setbacks, failure, or unexpected difficulties. (Dictionary.com)

The definition of encouragement is: “The act of inspiring others with renewed courage, a renewed spirit, or renewed hope.”

Look around. People who need encouragement are all around you. Ask God to help you reach out to them.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Note: I have learned a lot about encouragement from David Jeremiah’s book, The Joy of Encouragement. I think you would, too.

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo: Getty Images for Unsplash+

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, hope

Hope for Victims of Trauma

Cindy Dawson

Reflection for Friday, 7/10/26

I experienced trauma over 20 years ago, but PTSD can linger for many years, causing anxiety and unwanted dreams. When I read these verses, I prayed, Lord, help me forget. They encouraged me, and I pray they will encourage you, too.

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
    Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
    and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. … Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” ” Isaiah 54:4 & 10 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

The Hebrew word for forget is šākaḥ. In Biblical Hebrew, šākaḥ is not just a passive cognitive slip of the mind. Instead, it signifies willfully moving past a trauma, letting go of a previous status, or no longer acting in accordance with past grief. (David Guzik)

We can’t do this in our own strength, but we don’t have to.

Although these verses are speaking directly to Israel, they reveal the heart of God. His compassion and unfailing love are beyond comprehension. With the help of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may those who have experienced trauma remember no more.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

This is the first step toward healing.

In His Love, Cindy

P.S. If this doesn’t apply to you directly, may you use it to comfort and encourage someone who needs hope.

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Bible and Scripture, Israel & the Jews

The Babylonian Exile: Fitting the Pieces Together

Cindy Dawson

Bible Study for Thursday, 7/9/26

This post was first published in 2022 and continues to be viewed frequently even today.

You are probably familiar with the stories of Queen Esther, Nehemiah rebuilding the wall, Daniel in the lions’ den, King Nebuchadnezzar, and other Old Testament figures. But how do these stories relate to each other?

The story of the Jews who were exiled to Babylon and then returned to Jerusalem can be confusing. At least it was to me. I had a lot of pieces to the puzzle, but I didn’t know how they fit together. So I did a little research and came up with a timeline and a summary that can help us fit the pieces together.

In order to get a better grasp of the timeline, I have renamed the years. I have called 606 BC (the date the first exiles were taken to Babylon) Year 1. You will see that 161 years will pass before the third wave of exiles returns to Jerusalem.

Babylonian Exile Timeline

606 BC (Year 1)   Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem. Daniel and Judean nobles are exiled to Babylon.

586 BC (Year 20) Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians. Solomon’s Temple is destroyed.

539 BC (Year 67) Cyrus, King of Persia, conquers the Babylonian Empire

537 BC (Year 69) The 1st group of exiles returns to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. 42,360 exiles return (plus slaves and singers) – a small remnant.

520 BC (Year 86) The Temple is completed.

486-465 BC (Years 120-141) Xerxes is King of Persia. He makes Esther the new queen.

458 BC (Year 148) The 2nd group of exiles returns to Jerusalem with Ezra. Artaxerxes is the King of Persia. Only 1,754 exiles return. *Including women and children, the total number would be about 7,000 to 8,000. (Jeremiah Study Bible Notes)

445 BC (Year 161) The 3rd group of exiles returns with Nehemiah to restore the walls. The walls were restored in 52 days.

 Summary

In 606 BC, the deportation of Judean nobles to Babylon begins. This group included Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The people of Judah were not exiled all at once but were taken captive over a period of several years. Twenty years after the first captives were taken, Jerusalem and the Temple were completely destroyed by the Babylonians.

Sixty-seven years after the first exiles were taken to Babylon, Cyrus, King of Persia, conquered the Babylonian empire. Only two years after he became king, he allowed the exiles to return to Jerusalem. A small remnant of 42,360 people returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel to rebuild the Temple.

First, they rebuilt the altar. Then they began to rebuild the temple, but opposition stopped the building for about 16 years. Rebuked and encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people finally completed the construction of the Temple.

About 79 years after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem, a second group returned with Ezra, the priest. Only 1,754 returned this time. (Including women and children would increase that number to 7,000 to 8,000.) The new Persian King is Artaxerxes, son of Xerxes and Vashti. Vashti was the queen before Esther.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the Israelites have taken foreign wives. Ezra leads the people to cry out for forgiveness and mercy. They turned from their wicked ways.

Thirteen years after the second wave of exiles returned, the third wave of exiles returned with Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s mission was to restore the walls and gates. They accomplished this in 52 days. It had been 161 years since the first group of captives was taken to Babylon!

Sources:

Jeremiah Study Bible

Old Testament books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Haggai, and Zechariah

The Babylonian Captivity

GotQuestions.org

In His Love, Cindy

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photos from Google Images

Updated 6/19/26

RealChristianWomen.blog