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God’s Word: My Personal Testimony

Cindy Dawson

For Sunday, 8/9/26

More and more each day, I sense that God is speaking to me as I read His Word. I have known this to be true in my intellect for many years (decades). The Bible is God’s Word. But something has changed, and I’m not sure how to describe it. Imagine the difference between getting a letter from someone you love and actually being with that person and hearing their words in person. That’s what it is like. That is my testimony.

You may be wondering why I would share this with you. I share it because I want to encourage you to read your Bible every day. Even if it is not something you really want to do, do it as an act of discipline. The more you read God’s Word, the more precious it will become to you. Read Psalm 119 HERE.

These are some of my favorite verses from Psalm 119, written by King David, whom God called “a man after my own heart”

“I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:16

“Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.” v. 18

“Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.” v.24

“The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” v.72

“Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.” v.89

And I have many more!

I know what you’re thinking. But you DO have time, and I can prove it. If you get up 20 minutes earlier each morning to read your Bible, you can read it cover to cover (OT and NT) in one year. I tried it nine years ago, and I have done it every year since. It has become my favorite time of the day!

Ask the Lord to give you a love and hunger for His Word. The reward will be amazing!

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 Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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GPS to the Narrow Road

Cindy Dawson

Imagine you are sitting in church, listening to your pastor’s message, and he says,

“By the way, a lot of people around here aren’t going to Heaven!” (Everybody perks up and starts to pay attention.)

He continues, “The door to heaven is pretty small. So, many people are going to go through the wrong door. In fact, only a few people will find the right door, only a few.”

The people are thinking, “What? Is that really true?”

He continues, “You better make sure you are studying your Bible, or you won’t find the small door. Instead, you’ll follow the crowd through the big door. Some of you tend to do what sounds good, instead of carefully studying your Bible.” (People start to fidget because they don’t have time to read their Bibles. They’re really busy!)

The pastor exclaims, “Now that big door is not only the wrong door, it is the door that, once opened, will take you down a big, wide road that looks like a good road, but it isn’t! It leads to devastation and disaster!” (This isn’t what the people want to hear. They think he is too negative.)

He ends by saying, “Make sure you find the small door. Like I said, study your Bible. It is the GPS to the small door.”

Will the people start studying their Bibles, or will they dismiss the pastor’s warning?

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14  

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 Michael Scott on Unsplash

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Do You Need Strength Today?

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Friday, 8/7/26

“Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT

Are you trusting in the Lord? Or do you think He isn’t powerful enough to give you strength?

He is more powerful than you can comprehend! So trust Him now, and you will find new strength!

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

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Visit Those In PRISON?

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Thursday, 8/6/26

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:34-36 NIV

Over 25,000 comments have been posted to this YouTube video. I encourage you to read some of them on the YouTube channel.

Many people in prison are looking for answers.

Share Jesus with them or pray for those who do.

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 from Unsplash+

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Interpreting Our Circumstances

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, 8/5/26

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,  and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:14-15 NIV Read full chapter

Jesus knew that when He raised Lazarus from the dead, His disciples’ faith would grow. But there is an even bigger lesson in this story:

“The healing of Lazarus did result in greater faith among them. In all circumstances – even in times of waiting – believers should interpret circumstances by the love of Christ rather than trying to interpret Christ’s love by the circumstances.” Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

Lord, teach us to see life through your perspective, through Christ’s love.

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

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Feeling Rejected?

Cindy Dawson

2-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 8/4/26

Rejection wounds the heart like no other sword. If you have been rejected by someone you love, you know what I’m talking about. This wound can take a long time to heal. But healing will come. David knew where to turn. He wrote,

“When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10 NKJV

David was rejected by his family. His father didn’t even invite him to meet the Prophet Samuel when he came to anoint the next king. All of David’s brothers were there, but David was not included. (1 Samuel 16)

David’s own son, Absalom, whom he dearly loved, conspired to take the kingdom away from David. (2 Samuel 15)

There are more examples of David facing the pain of rejection, but the one that speaks the loudest is the rejection of Jesus, the Messiah.

“He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah 53:3 NIV

When we face rejection, we crave the comfort of someone who understands. That person is Jesus. We are never alone in our suffering.

“You may not be intellectual or well thought of in your family circle; you may be despised by others for your faith in Christ. Perhaps you had only a little share in the love of your parents, as David did. But remember that those who are rejected of men often become beloved of the Lord.” Alan Redpath.

I have felt the pain of rejection more than once in my life, but I know Who understands and heals my heart.

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 Daniel Martinez for Unsplash+

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The Light Within You

Cindy Dawson

2-Minute Devotion for Monday, 8/3/26

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.  Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.  See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.  Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Luke 11:33-36 NIV

Each of us is controlled either by light or darkness. The frightening thing is that some people have so hardened themselves against the Lord that they cannot tell the difference! They think they are following the light when, in reality, they are following the darkness. The scribes and Pharisees claimed to “see the light” as they studied the law, but they were living in the darkness. NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible

How can we ensure the light within us is not darkness?

Ask God to create in us a pure heart.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV

Love the truth. Love God’s Word.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

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 Zac Cain on Unsplash

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Why Israel Remains God’s Chosen People

Cindy Dawson

Devotion for Sunday, 8/2/26

The Jews are still God’s chosen people and always will be. This is clearly stated in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

As I began studying the book of Luke this morning, I noticed that the first chapter stated this truth three times!

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33 NIV

“He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:54-55 NIV

“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David
 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
 salvation from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
     the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:67-75 NIV

Some people falsely claim that the Church has replaced Israel. But God’s Word is clear. His Covenant and promises to Israel are everlasting. They are forever! Nothing anyone says can change this fact.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of this debate. God has clearly said,

“I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:3 NIV

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

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Should the Church Preach Politics?

Cindy Dawson

One Sunday morning, I attended church virtually. The pastor delivered a powerful message that pointed to Christ. After that, another church service started. That pastor presented a powerful message, too, but powerful in a different way. I listened for a while, but I could hardly believe what I heard coming from the pulpit. It sounded more like a political rally than a church service.

I think we should carefully consider whether the local church should take a political stand. The United States is very divided right now along political lines.

The political preacher I referenced above really got under my skin because his beliefs were the opposite of mine. I know of another case where a Sunday School teacher took a political stance, but not everyone in this adult class agreed. This caused conflict between class members.

The temperature of political talk in the U.S. right now is hot! You can easily get into an argument, even with people in your own party! Emotions are high, and people are opinionated and outspoken.

So the question arises: Is the local church the place for political discussion and persuasion?

The U.S. is pretty much divided 50/50 politically. The way I figure it, a politically opinionated church will turn off all visitors of the opposite side. Do we really want to do that? Is our purpose political persuasion or sharing Christ? Does political persuasion turn people of differing opinions away? You bet it does!

I would suggest that preaching politics only encourages people who agree, and does nothing to change anyone’s mind.

The local church should be open to people of all political persuasions in an effort to lead people to Christ, disciple them, and teach the Word of God.

The point is this: If a church takes a political position, it shuts the door to about half of the people who might potentially attend and be led to Christ. Wouldn’t that slam the door in the face of many lost souls?

Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus preach politics, nor does He command His disciples to do so. He is our example. His purpose was to save the lost, not to change the government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was brutal and cruel, yet Jesus did not set out to change it. He was changing hearts.

We are commanded to love: Love our neighbor, love the Body of Christ, and even love our enemies. Our assignment is clear.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

The only hope for our nation is Jesus Christ. And not Jesus Christ dictated from Congress or the White House, but Jesus alive in us and our neighbors. And the only way for that to happen is for you and me to focus on making disciples by loving and reaching to people of all walks of life and background, regardless of their lifestyle, choices or political opinions. And, in order to do that, we have to tone down our politics and turn up our Jesus.”

Daryl Fulp, Missionary

Let us strive to obey the commands that Jesus has given us, and put our trust in Him alone.

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 Ernie Journeys on Unsplash

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This Story Could Transform the Way You See Others

Cindy Dawson

Devotional for Friday, 7/31/26

Do you see others the way Jesus sees them? After you read this story, you may change your answer.

As I waited for my daughter in the Walgreens parking lot, I noticed a young man walking up and down the busy street carrying a sign that said, “Homeless”. I tried to dismiss the idea of talking to him, thinking my daughter would walk out of the store any minute.

But she didn’t. I kept waiting, and finally, I grabbed a $5 bill out of my purse and stepped out of my car to talk to him. I asked him if he was from around here. He wasn’t. I asked him about his parents. He said his father was deceased and his mother wouldn’t have anything to do with him because of drugs. I asked him what brought him to town, and he said he was here for the methadone clinic. I gave him the $5 and told him I would be praying for him. He seemed very grateful. His name is Michael.

I rarely do this kind of thing. I give to the poor through other means. The thing is, I can’t get Michael out of my mind. God keeps reminding me to pray for him. I don’t know what makes him special; I just know that I’m supposed to pray for him. I may never see him again, but if I do, I trust God to help me know what to say and do.

The next day, I ran across the following story, and it made me think about Michael in a completely different way.

As a man explored caves by the seashore, he found a canvas bag full of hardened clay balls. Apparently, someone had rolled the clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn’t look like much, but intrigued, the man took the bag. 

As he strolled along the beach, he threw the balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it until he dropped one and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Delighted, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each one contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so balls he had left.

Then it struck him. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 balls with their hidden treasure out into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

This story made me think. Michael is like one of the clay balls. He doesn’t look like much on the outside, but there is treasure on the inside for the simple reason that he is loved by God. And God has a purpose for his life. We can look at someone and think we see all there is to see. But the truth is, there is always a lot more that we don’t see.

I pray that this story will change the way we see others, making us more approachable so that we can better love like Jesus. Because isn’t judging what makes us unapproachable? It’s something to think about……

May we be transformed!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 NIV

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

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