Author: Cindy Dawson
Abundant Life is Relationship With God
I have a very specific reason for writing this post. A friend wrote to me and said she didn’t understand why God had not answered her desperate prayer. This post is for her.
Teach me about your love
the gift that's from above.
When sorrow fills my heart,
your comfort alone can part
the sea of pain.
You lead me on dry ground
to the Promise Land.
In this life, you will provide
the manna and the quail.
That nourishes my soul
until I see
the Promise Land.
” . . . as for me, I trust in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:6-7
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.“Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV
“Every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” refers to spiritual food. It is your relationship with God through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, who teaches us all things.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Abundant life is relationship with God. It is knowing the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, the King of King and Lord of Lords. It is being able to talk to Him at any time and in any place. It is the privilege of saying, “My Father” and knowing He is listening intently. It is for now and forever.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV
A relationship with God should never be trivialized. Nothing can compare to such a glorious blessing, certainly not things (cars, houses, etc.). Our God is not Amazon.com. He isn’t here to be our Cosmic Santa Claus. Jesus didn’t sacrifice His life in order for us to prosper materially here on Earth. He didn’t have to die to accomplish that. He died to give us eternal life through a right relationship with the Living God which will last forever. May we know the true gift of God.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV
“You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Psalm 73:24-25 NIV
Sometimes, God does not do things the way we want. Why? We may never know while here on Earth. But many times, we understand later, even years later. God is more interested in our character development than in giving us a cushy life here on Earth. We must trust Him.
I had a friend once who was desperate to save his marriage. He was convinced that by going to church and “believing” God, by having enough faith, God would save his marriage. He gave it his all.
But God did not save his marriage. No matter how hard he tried to “just have faith”, it didn’t happen.
Guess what happened to him? He left the church and was never seen again. From his perspective, God and faith didn’t work. That’s because he saw God and faith as a way to get what he wanted. He didn’t understand the true gift of God.
Do you see the disillusionment this can bring and why it causes people to abandon their faith in God? And this is the point! Truth is vital. That’s why we must be like the Bereans, who . . .
“received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11
Jesus said, We must “worship God in Spirit and in truth”. As you read the familiar passage below about the Samaritan woman, I want you to notice four things.
- Jesus reveals to her the “gift of God”. (v. 10)
- She thinks Jesus is talking about natural things, but he is talking about spiritual things. (v.11)
- Jesus shows her the superiority of a spiritual gift compared to a natural gift. (v.13-14)
- Jesus reveals to her the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. (v.23-24)
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4 NIV
Lord, Help us to study your Word daily and love the Truth. Help us to appreciate our relationship with you and to understand your love.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo
realchristianwomen.blog
Sunshine Blogger Award
I want to thank Vivian for this nomination! This is her blog. https://godswhispersoftruth.wordpress.com
If you haven’t visited Vivian’s blog, you’re missing out! Not only will you love the blog, you will love her as well! Vivian is a TBI warrior whose hope and strength comes from God.
” . . . the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Viv’s Questions for Me:
1) What is the bible verse/passage which you turn to the most for comfort?
(This one is easy.) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
2) What are you most thankful for today?
In addition to my wonderful family, I am thankful for the dear friends I have come to know through Blogging. Ya’ll are my BBF’s (Best Blogger Friends)! These are just a few. I like to print out your pics so I can see you when I read your blog! I think it will be so exciting when we all meet in Heaven! Hugs all around!
3) What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child?
I loved Popeye! But I hated The Three Stooges because they hit each other! They were both on the same program, The Sally Starr Show. I would go outside while the Three Stooges were on. When Popeye came on, my mom would call me from the window. One day I met Sally Starr and she gave me an autographed picture! (Don’t be jealous, now!)
3) When did you last clean out your closet? (hehehe, I tagged my daughter on this post)
2 weeks ago! (Sort of, kind of)
4) What is your primary love language ie, acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, or gift giving?
See for yourself: “Your Results: Physical Touch” (Hmmmm, That’s not right. I said I like it when somebody cleans my condo!)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV
5) Which Bible character can you relate to because of what they went through?
Joseph, because even though life wasn’t fair, God turned it around for good. And God will do that for every one who looks to Him! Joseph said to his brothers,
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 NIV
6) What is your favorite board game?
I love most board games, but not Monopoly because I never win! I like Scrabble and Ticket To Ride. I also love Sudoku. We used to have Bible Trivia when my kids were growing up. It’s a great family game!
7) What is or was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject was math because it made sense (unlike things like poetry). I didn’t develop a love for writing until I was a young adult. (Good thing I did my homework and listened to my teachers anyway!)
8) What do you enjoy doing during your down time?
Reading, and reading. I also like to read.
9) What major obstacle in your life has God helped you overcome?
Alcohol. It was nothing but trouble. Trust me.
10) What musical instrument(s) can you play?
A Recorder, you know, the one all kids in America learn to play in music class. However, I haven’t picked one up in about 60 years. (Does that count?)
11) If you could go back 10 years, what major decisions would you change?
The one thing I would change is this: I would live close to the Lord all the days of my life. I would have never wandered.
And now my nominations!! (In no special order)
- Yari https://yarigarciawrites.com She has great writing tips!
- Brenda http://becominghistapestry.com She makes me smile!
- Evette https://evettecollins.net She is a strong writer!
- Jennifer https://jenniferbrownjones.com You will learn a lot from Jen!
- Kate https://hisencouraginggrace.wordpress.com She has great insight.
- Annonymous writer https://faithfood.blog I call her Perth! She has a heart for God.
- Siphe https://godsanointedprincesses.wordpress.com Most wise for a teenage girl!
- Born Again https://bornagain732.wordpress.com/blog/ She has a lot to share.
- Lisa https://wordpress13730.wordpress.com She loves Jesus!
- Deborah Ann https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/27294617 Beautiful poetry!
- Emma https://myredemptionforhisglory.wordpress.com Her desire is to honor God!
My Questions For Nominees
- Name a blogger who makes you laugh. Include a link. (Because we all need to laugh more!)
- Do you know a pet that thinks he’s a person? (I know several.) Tell us about it!
- Give between 1 and 5 blogging tips that have helped you.
- What is the first word that comes to your mind when I say “JESUS”.
- What is your favorite book (besides the Bible), and in 3 sentences or less, tell why.
- What is your favorite “first sentence” from a book you read? You can give more than one answer. I love this question! (I stole it from Yari!!)
- What is your favorite book ending? (Searching for answers to 6 & 7 will make you a better writer.)
- What is a Scripture that you have memorized?
- If you were going to be the speaker at a Christian conference, what would be your topic?
- What part of God’s creation do you love the most?
- Quote a Psalm that you love.
This award is given to creative, positive and cheerful bloggers by other bloggers as a token of appreciation and admiration. Please do not feel pressured to accept this award. I just want to show my appreciation for you and tell a little something about you. Thank you and God bless you all!
Here are the rules:
• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to him/her.
• Answer the 11 questions provided by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify the nominees by commenting on one of their blog posts.
• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post.
THANK YOU!
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo
realchristianwomen.blog
The Kitten, The Junk, And A Guy Named Jake
A True Story of God’s Wonder Working Power
By Christina Dawson
It all started with that wild-eyed, gray kitten. Little did I know, that kitten was about to completely change everything!
****************
Yesterday morning I wrestled with the thought that our 30 day ‘Who’s Your One?’ prayer campaign was ending. My heart ached as I wrote down as many names as I could think of that didn’t know Jesus.
I prayed fervently, asking God to show me how to ‘carry the burden’ of all these souls. What was I to do to help these people see the truth?
I prayed that I would no longer be only a light. I asked God to make me strong enough to carry a flame . . . kind of intense, I know, but none-the-less it’s what I prayed.
On the way to church I was brought to a sudden halt in the alley by a tiny gray kitten lying in the middle of the road. I had no choice but to pull over by the piles of junk I’ve been so curious about for the past couple of years.
I couldn’t catch the kitten to save my life. He was having nothing to do with me. I was so intent on catching it, I didn’t notice that a man had walked up. “You can’t catch that kitten,” the man said, making me jump!
At first, I was frightened, but I quickly realized he was no danger.
“I live in that house right there with my wife”, he said pointing past the piled up junk. “My name’s Jake. That’s the only kitten left alive. You can’t catch him.”
“Hello, Jake,” I replied as I continued trying to catch the kitten (not sure what I would do with it if I did!)
For about 15 minutes, Jake talked on and on while I tried to catch the kitten. Then I stopped and just listened. I could see that he needed a kind person to talk to. He was broken, both physically and spiritually. He gave me permission to come back later and try to catch the kitten again.
Now very late, I headed to Sunday School. I wanted so badly to invite him to church, but I just couldn’t. For some reason, in that particular moment it didn’t seem genuine, but I intended to do it when the time was right.
As I walked into church, I was deep in thought. What was I to do? Add Jake’s name to the list in my prayer guide? Then what? My heart was heavy.
I headed for the stairs. I was 20 minutes late. Becky called to me as I passed the church office, “I’ll add your name to your Sunday School class, Christina!”
Oh no, I was intending to skip the embarrassment of my egregious lateness and head to the choir suite, but now I couldn’t cheat the numbers. I reluctantly made my way toward my Sunday School class and sat down next to my teacher. She was already deep into the lesson.
Suddenly, to my shock, my emotions began to well up. I was completely consumed with thoughts of Jake and all his junk. Tears poured down my face. I was so embarrassed, but I couldn’t stop them. The more I tried to quiet myself, the more upset I became. It wasn’t long before the whole class was staring at me bewildered, and one lady ran across the room with a package of tissues.
I blubbered on and on, through my tears, about the kitten. (I know they were probably thinking I had lost my mind.) Finally I got to the part about the man at the junk house. Eventually, I regained my composure enough to explain that my heart was heavy for the lost. All of these precious women began to chime in, encouraging me and each other. Just then, the door opened and a woman walked in.
The poor woman must have thought I was crazy. She sat down. Class was nearly over. Our teacher wrapped up, thanked the woman for joining us, and we all prayed together.
As I was heading to the bathroom to fix my makeup, that was certainly destroyed, the Holy Spirit stopped me. I looked at the woman again, more carefully this time. Wait! I know this woman! She looked different, but it was her. It was Beth.
The only reason we know one another is the result of brokenness. There are so many convoluted divorces and circumstances that make us “family” I will not even attempt to explain. I spoke to her. She remembered me, too.
I wasn’t sure why, but I was compelled to talk to her, stay by her side, and make sure she was comfortably seated in the sanctuary before going to the choir room to put on my robe. I told her I was glad she was joining us and then rushed upstairs. Little did any of us know, the Lord was about to do something wonderful!
At the end of the service, the pastor invited people to come forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Then he did something he had never done before. Before he dismissed, he said, “I’m going to be standing right over there by the baptistry. If anyone just wants to talk or ask questions about being baptized, come on over and talk to me.” Church was dismissed.
Later that afternoon, I got a text from the pastor. “Your friend came up after the service and gave her life to Jesus! She is getting baptized tonight!”
The Holy Spirit spoke very clearly in my heart. I knew in that moment that I didn’t have a burden to carry because Jesus already carried it. I didn’t do anything at all for her to accept Christ, but I got to walk her to the sanctuary and make sure she felt comfortable and safe, the same way someone did for me when I first came to church.
The sermon that day was about the Samaritan woman at the well. The story isn’t that she ran back to Samaria and became an evangelist, giving her testimony and preaching the gospel. She simply said, “Its okay, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done! Come and meet my Savior, Jesus.” She made them feel comfortable. She invited them. That’s all we can do. The Lord will do the rest.
And now I know how important it really is, when they come, that we make them feel comfortable. Our kindness can help the Holy Spirit work in their hearts and keep them coming back so He can do even more, just like He did with me because of my church family. I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.
God used this church to rescue me, and lead me into an abundant life. I have been completely changed and I am so grateful for the opportunity to build the kingdom along side my church family.
Now, about Jake . . . I’ll let you know what happens, but I know God is up to something.
Thank you for reading Christina’s testimony.
With Love, Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash
realchristianwomen.blog
For more information on the booklet titled, Who’s Your One?, call 770-410-6000 or visit namb.net
How To Write An Encouraging Blog
Dear Blogger Friends, Many of you have the gift of encouragement! How do I know? Because you encourage me all the time! So many times, I have read your blog and it hit me right between the eyes! It was just what I needed that day!
But you don’t have to be a blogger for God to use you to encourage others. God will use you to encourage others in many different ways, but today’s post will focus on written encouragement.
” . . . so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:5-8 NIV
The gift of encouragement is more important than ever in the church today. Between the pressure of political correctness, the increase of Christian persecution, and the flaming arrows of the evil one, Christians need encouragement to fight their battles. God did not intend for us to fight alone.
It is our faith in God’s Word that protects us from the enemy! It is our shield. So don’t hesitate to quote the Scripture in your written encouragement.
” . . . take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 NIV
When you write God’s Word on your blog or written note, there is power in those words and they bring encouragement to the reader by the power of the Holy Spirit.
” . . . the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled..” Romans 15:4 NLT
We all need to encourage each other!
“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NL
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Believers through his letters, written while he was in prison. (Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon) In fact, he wasn’t known to be a good speaker, but he wrote with power! (See 2 Corinthians 10:1 NIV.)
“I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!” 2 Corinthians 10:1 NIV
And don’t forget Barnabas!
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’ ) . . . ” Acts 4:36 NIV
Can you imagine? This Joseph was such an encouraging believer, they changed his name to Son of Encouragement! Most Christians have heard of Barnabas, but they don’t know his real name.
This is my favorite verse because I know my personal suffering will bring about comfort for others through Christ my Lord.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
“Encouragement is transfusing some of your courage into another life.” *
If that desire is in your heart, to encourage and comfort others, use that gift freely! Fan it into flame by using it often!
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
*Dr. David Jeremiah, THE JOY OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
realchristianwomen.blog
WARNING: THE DEVIL WILL LIE TO YOU! LEARN HOW!
When we set out to accomplish what God has called us to do, the enemy will tell us that we can’t (because we’re not good enough) or we shouldn’t (because God’s didn’t really tell us to do it). In my life, this has happened over and over.
At first, we might not realize that it’s the devil telling us lies. That’s because we think it’s coming from our own thinking, but it isn’t. It’s coming from the Father of Lies, the devil. He puts these thoughts in your mind! Jesus said:
“. . . the devil . . . was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV
It doesn’t matter what it is, how big or how small. Whether it’s writing a blog, leading a women’s Bible Study, or teaching three little children in a Sunday School class, thoughts of inadequacy will attack my mind. Somebody else would do a lot better job, I think.
There have been moments in the past when I literally began to panic. Thoughts racing through my mind … God didn’t tell you to write a blog! You shouldn’t be doing this! This is all your own idea!
Have you ever experienced this deceitful kind of attack on your mind? God didn’t send you here! God didn’t say …
Do you remember what the Serpent said to Eve? “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1
This is the Deceiver in action: making you question what God has said. It is nothing new.
After reading Nabeel Qureshi’s book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, I have thought I should prepare myself to minister to Muslim women (in case the opportunity should arise). But then I thought, I’m too old now (67). If only I would have done this earlier in my life. (There goes that liar, the devil, again.) But, guess what happened?
While reading my Bible, I read that Joshua led the Israelites until he was 110 years old! (Joshua 24:29) And Joshua was between 68 and 78 years old when he took over for Moses, before they even entered the promised land.
That’s why we need to read our Bible every day. God might want to show us something! In addition to that, I learned that Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt when he was 80 years old and Aaron was 83!
All of these great men of God were used mightily by the Lord into their old age. God never does things the way we think He will, or like we would. (So much for the “You’re too old theory”.)
As my friend, Annie https://seekingdivineperspective.com recently said, “He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” This theme is repeated over and over in the Scriptures (Moses, Gideon, and David, to mention a few.)
“Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 NIV
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15 NIV
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV (referring to David, the shepherd boy)
Whatever it is that God is calling you to do, He will be right beside you, giving you wisdom, strength, and guidance. It is for His glory. If we were qualified, we would get the glory. But the battle is the Lord’s! To Him be the glory!
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Ryan Holloway on Unsplash
realchristianwomen.blog
The $64,000 Question
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 NIV
On July 6, I published a post titled “Where is Your Treasure?” It is based on Jesus’ words,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6: 19-21 NIV
Emma posed this question, “Any advice for someone who needs to be able to support themselves financially and yet, also needs to be careful about how much time is spent on working towards (worldly) success?”
That’s the $64,000 question, isn’t it? Let’s examine God’s Word to find the answer.
The Pharisees asked Jesus’s disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11) Jesus answered,
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 NIV
Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6 which explains the meaning of the verse a little more.
“I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 NLT
I think Jesus is teaching that we can’t live by a set of rules to be checked off. To please God, we must know God, and allow God to change us into the likeness of Christ. Later, the Apostle Paul writes,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
We please God when we seek to be like Him through prayer, Bible study , and obedience.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
That tells me that I should do my job with all my heart, as if I was working for the Lord. If we are honest, conscientious, hard-working, and kind to those we work with, it is a testimony to others. Jesus said,
“. . . let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is . . . giving, then give generously” Romans 12:6-8 NIV
My Thoughts
I believe the answer to Emma’s question is different for every person. Based on my study, here are some thoughts for you to consider as you study God’s Word.
- We all have responsibilities, some more that others. Some have a family to provide for, others do not. I certainly don’t think the Lord calls everyone to live in poverty. Some are given the ministry of giving. How could they give if they didn’t have resources?
- We need to be aware of what our spending says about us. If I wear $1,000 sneakers while those around me have holes in their shoes, then something’s not right. I must continually ask God to purify my heart. On the other hand, if I dress similarly to other people I work with, well that seems appropriate.
- If my job keeps me so busy that I don’t attend church and don’t have time to read my Bible, something needs to change because I am not being obedient to what God has said in His Word.
- If I make a lot of money, but I am a generous giver, helping those in need and seeking God’s will in giving, well that seems right to me. If I make a lot of money and spend it all on lavish gifts for myself, I need to start reading my Bible!
Prayer
Father, Help me to be more like Jesus. Give me a hunger for your Holy Word and teach me to pray. Create a pure heart in me that I might be pleasing in your sight. I want to know you and walk in love with those around me. Give me a heart like David, a man after your own heart. Then I will know how to walk in your ways and bring honor and glory to your precious name. Amen
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you, today. Your thoughts and comments are welcomed and appreciated.
With Love, Cindy
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Church of the King on Unsplash
realchristianwomen.blog
The Holy Spirit, Our Helper
I went to my office, laid my head down on my Bible and sighed in defeat, “Lord, I don’t know what to do.” As soon as the words slipped from my mouth, I remembered something that I had read earlier in the day.
When King Jehoshaphat was warned that a vast army was coming against him, he was alarmed and resolved to inquire of the Lord. He called a fast for all of Judah and the people came together to seek God.
King Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly and cried out to God in prayer. He ends the prayer with these words:
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you!” 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV
I quickly found the passage in my Bible and read it over and over. God was telling me what to do: Keep my eyes on Him! I can do that! Immediately my anxiety melted away. My fear disappeared and I felt the comfort only God can provide.
I also remembered, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 NIV
What does it mean to keep your eyes on the Lord? Here are some thoughts.
- Acknowledge that you can’t fix this in your own strength. Jehoshaphat knew that he was in for a battle that he was not strong enough to win and he didn’t know what to do. The enemy was getting closer every minute.
- When we realize that it isn’t within our own ability to fix the problem, only then can we really depend completely on the Lord.
- These kinds of opportunities will stretch our faith and bring us closer to God.
You might be wondering what happened to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah when they fixed their eyes on the Lord instead of the problem.
This is what the Lord said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (v15) Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.”(v17)
“Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. . .Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord . . . ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (v18&21)
Take away: They depended completely on the Lord. They worshipped Him. They thanked Him. They praised Him. The Lord threw their enemies into confusion and they were defeated.
Read more about Jehoshaphat’s battle here. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
When our battle is too hard, let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us worship His holiness, thank Him, praise Him, and give Him glory. When you read God’s Word, God Himself will teach you and encourage you because He says,
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 NIV
Thank you for letting me share my journey with you, today. Comments are welcomed and appreciated.
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
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Where Is Your Treasure?
Are we me-centric or Christ-centric? In other words, does what I believe about God focus on what’s in it for me, or does it focus on Christ?
From Genesis to Revelation, everything in the Bible points to Christ and God’s plan to bring salvation to a lost and dying world. The Bible teaches us to die to our old self and become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says,
“He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
The more I study the Bible, the more I see that it isn’t about how God will make us rich, happy and without hardship in this life, for this life is just a whisper. It’s about our life to come, with Jesus in Heaven. In this life, we should strive to be more like Jesus, love God with all our heart, and love our neighbor as ourself.
It’s easy to get caught up in teaching that is all about this life and finding fulfillment and happiness in the here and now. After all, that’s what people want to hear. It’s very appealing and draws huge crowds. But is that what Jesus taught? In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus told the crowds,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This changes our focus from this present life to the life that is to come, with Christ in Heaven. We must ask ourselves this question, “Where is my treasure?”
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Dmitry Moraine on Unsplash
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My Morning Prayer of Thanks
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you . . . Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” Job 12:7-9
Watching the birds from my porch always brings me closer to God. I wrote a poem this morning based on what I saw.
Lord, Thank you for my birds so sweet. Thank you for the food they eat.
Thank you that she has a mate. A lovely male to share her plate.
Thank you for the songs they sing – praises to our Lord and King.
Doves pick up the seed below. Your plan, O God, that all will grow.
The Crows, they are so very smart. They make a tool to get all parts.
Purple Martins dart about. Eating insects – without a doubt.
I say, my birds – but they are yours. Shared with me, all doubts to cure.
Did You Know?
- When Bluebirds have an early brood, chicks of the first brood may stay back and help raise the young of the second brood.*
- New Caledonian crows can make and use hook tools – the only species other than humans to do so!**
- Mockingbirds can precisely imitate the complex songs of hundreds of other species.* When I was a little girl, my dad passed by a mockingbird every morning on his walk to work. He started whistling to the bird, and then one day the bird whistled the exact same song back to him!
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Photos from Unsplash
*Birds of Kentucky Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
**The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
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