Author: Cindy Dawson

Christian, Christians and Jews

Do You Believe in Magic?

Cindy Dawson

For Tuesday, 10/20/26

Magic: the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces

Is magic real, or is magic just an illusion? Are there people who really call upon demonic forces to experience the supernatural?

God warns his people not to participate in such things, yet I fear that many Christians are unaware of the danger they put themselves in when they seek the supernatural.

Have you ever gone to a fortune-teller for fun? Have you read your horoscope and said, “That is so true!” Have you ever participated in a séance or played with a Ouija board?

You may be thinking, “There’s nothing wrong with a little fun. It’s no big deal.” But do you know what God’s word says about this?

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

What does that mean? It means you can do something you think is innocent even though it is very dangerous.

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;”

That is as clear as glass, but I wonder how many Christians know these verses. Fortunetelling is the art of forecasting the future, supposedly by supernatural means, and is an ancient practice, still popular today.

Fortunetelling is also known as divination. Fortune-tellers include anyone who claims to predict your future or advise your life through such means as Ouija boards, crystal balls, horoscopes, astrology, palm-reading, tarot cards, etc.

These practices take place today, just as they did long ago. Participating in these practices can bring you a lot of trouble. I know a person whose 16-year-old daughter was so filled with fear that she would not sleep in her own room. She said she saw ghosts. What did she do to open this door? I don’t know what she did, but I believe that someone did something that welcomed evil spirits into the home, probably an occult activity.

The Bible has plenty to say about witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. The Scripture I have shown you is just the tip of the iceberg. I urge you to study this for yourself. It is so important to be knowledgeable about God’s word in this day and time. We are living in a time when the world is fascinated with the supernatural. Therefore, these practices will become normalized in society. In fact, they already are.

“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.  She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”  She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.” Acts 16:16-18 NIV

All believers must discern for themselves what is right and true. Discernment comes from knowing God’s word, loving the truth, and protecting your heart.

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 AMP

“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” Psalm 119:24 NIV

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

“All your words are true. All your righteous laws are eternal.” Psalm 119:160

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165

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

Where Is Your Refuge?

Cindy Dawson

Meditation for Monday, 10/19/26

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10 NIV

Peace comes from trusting God.

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 simon on Unsplash

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Overcoming Depression

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Sunday, 10/18/26

One day recently, depression hit me hard. It was the kind of depression that was almost overwhelming. Was it a spiritual attack? I think it was. But the Holy Spirit reminded me of King David’s prayer when he was discouraged and depressed.

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3 KJV Read full chapter

King David’s prideful son, Absalom, exalted himself before the people of Israel and proclaimed himself king. King David and his officials were forced to flee for their lives. (2 Samuel 15-17)

David loved his son, Absalom. Can you imagine how depressing that would be? David looked to the Lord, the lifter of his head, and God strengthened him. He will do the same for you and for me.

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: Getty Images on Unsplash+

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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)

RealChristianWomen.blog

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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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

RealChristianWomen.blog

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)

RealChristianWomen.blog

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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+

RealChristianWomen.blog

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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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