Author: Cindy Dawson

Christian

How to Fight Depression

Cindy Dawson
 A reader recently  shared that she was struggling with depression. I have to fight depression from time to time, too. It’s like a sad situation or thought gets stuck in my mind. Do you know what I’m talking about?

The first thing I do is ask the Lord to help me. Depression may seem like it is stronger than you, but remember, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 KJV
Nothing is too hard for God to do. In fact, “He can do immeasurably more than all that you ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20

Second, Negative self-talk can send you spiraling down, but I’ve discovered that if I can laugh, (I mean really laugh) my sadness will disappear. Watch a funny movie or tell someone a funny story. Find a way to laugh! The Bible says “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 KJV

Listening to Christian music is also helpful. It gets my mind on the blessings of God, and those negative thoughts begin to fade away. “Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:2 NLT

Depression is fueled by negative self-talk, but it is defeated by the promises in God’s Word. Let God’s Word be your weapon against depression. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Verse 92 says, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” And verse 165, “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

Be around other people. One time when I was sad, I went to Pet Smart and just walked around and started up casual conversations. Everyone wants to talk about their dog, so it wasn’t hard! I watched the dog trainer work with the puppies. They were so cute! I couldn’t help but smile.

If you need to see a doctor, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. God has never said that we shouldn’t get help when we need it.

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever. If you have already asked Jesus into your heart, He is still there and He knows what you are going through.

Jesus said,  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

The closer I walk with Jesus, the less I have to deal with depression. Jesus is my healer and yours. Looking to Him is always the right answer. His love never fails.

With Love, Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

Bible, Christian, women

What’s In Your Heart?

Cindy Dawson

Over the last few months, I’ve thought a lot about what I look at and listen to. For example, television, music, news, talk shows, Facebook, etc. How does it all affect me? How does it influence my thinking and my attitudes?

 The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

What does that mean exactly? I decided to dig in.

A wellspring is the source of a spring or abundant supply. OK. Above all else, I should guard my heart because it is a spring of abundant supply of something called “life”. Hmmm. I still didn’t get it, so I dug in more. I found some clues.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” NLT

So, how well I guard my heart determines the course of my life. Well, that’s certainly been true enough (and sometimes in a bad way).

“. . .  out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

My mouth reveals what’s in my heart. Can’t argue with that, either.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Sometimes we think God only looks at our actions, but what he really examines is our heart. Well, that’s certainly something we should think about! That tells me that no matter how many good works I perform, He is still going to look at my heart.

“. . .  the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28: 9

He knows me better than I know myself.

If I’m to guard my heart, I must be careful what I allow to influence me. After years of being a “news junkie”, I rarely even look at the news anymore. Honestly, it doesn’t do anything positive for my attitude. However, I’ve learned that the more I listen to and sing Christian music, the closer I feel to God.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 146: 1-2

My heart is the spring that nourishes my life. Is that spring sparkling clean or is it  polluted by  the things of this world? Well, I guess that depends on how well I guard my heart.

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Christian

No One Can Snatch You Out of His Hand

Cindy Dawson

Is backsliding forgiven? Is there anything in the Bible about it? Is there any example of a Christian backsliding and then being restored? I don’t think so! I can’t think of anyone! As these thoughts crept into my mind, a panicky feeling started to embrace me.

In church Sunday, The Lord let me know right away that He absolutely does forgive us when we stumble.  My pastor said something in his sermon that spoke to my heart. He said, “No one can snatch you out of His hand.” 

I know God was speaking these words directly to me. A peace came over me instantly. (That’s the great thing about hanging out where God can speak to us.)

The Lord reminded me of the Apostle Peter. He denied Jesus 3 times. Peter said, “I don’t know him! . . . I’m not one of them! . . . I don’t know what you’re talking about!”  Then he left and wept bitterly. The Amplified Bible says, “with painfully moving grief”. (Acts 22:57-59) I wonder if a panicky feeling started to embrace Peter.

Peter denied he even knew Jesus. Yet we know, the Lord forgave Peter and used him mightily.

Saul (who would later become The Apostle Paul) gave approval to the stoning of Stephen for speaking the truth about our Lord Jesus. That very day, great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem. “Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” Acts 8:3

Yet we know, the Lord forgave Saul and used him mightily.

King David stole another man’s wife (Bathsheba) and then had the man (Uriah) killed!

Yet we know, the Lord forgave David and used him mightily.

“(God) testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart ..’.” Acts 13:22

No matter how bad our sin, His love is greater! His mercy is greater! I don’t think we will really truly understand how much He loves us until we go to Heaven. 

It doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences to our actions. There will still be consequences. But we can be sure of this: No one can snatch us out of His hand.  

I testify that He has surely done this for me. And so, I share with you, “My Journey Unscripted”.

God has used imperfect people through out history, and He does still today. 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Christian, women

Sins Like Scarlet

Cindy Dawson

Have you ever thought, “I love Jesus, but I’ve lived a sinful life. I’m divorced, I was a prostitute, a thief,  a liar, a drunk, Fill in the blank.

Does that mean church people won’t accept me? Do I have the right to be in church? Will I be punished for the rest of my life? Will I be shunned? Could Jesus ever use me?

Jesus said this about the woman who had lived a sinful life, “Because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47 (Berean Study Bible) 

Honestly, I would be more worried if I had lived a so-called “perfect” life! If I was really proud of myself for following all the rules, would I be as thankful for Jesus as I am now? Would I judge those who had not followed the rules? Would I look down on them? Let’s consider some other things Jesus had to say about this.

“Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” Luke 11:39 NIV

Basically that means they did things for show and they were very legalistic, but there was no love in their hearts and they only thought about themselves!

In verse 42 He adds, “You give God a tenth . . . but you neglect justice and the love of God.”

“You load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.” (verse 46)

In other words, you give people a lot of rules to follow, but you don’t care anything about them and you couldn’t be bothered to help them.

If you have had “Pharisees” in your life, or if you are just afraid that church people will judge you, listen to  the words of Jesus.  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The Scripture says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43: 25

If you have given your heart to Jesus, but you have a past, remember this. He forgave you when you asked him to. He remembers your sins no more. It’s like you never did them in his eyes. Being a Christian means you are a Christ-follower. Pleasing Him is what matters.

 The Rest of the Story

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7: 36-48

With Love, Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

 

 

Christian

Eliminate Stress

Cindy Dawson

1. Pray

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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

2.  Memorize God’s Word

Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (verses 1 & 2)

If you make the Most High your dwelling … then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (verses 9-12)

‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’ (verse 14)

3. Praise God

Today, we are blessed to have access to so many beautiful songs of praise to our God. I play Christian music through Pandora every day. It puts my focus on the Lord and gives me peace. Try some of these stations on Pandora:

The Hymn (O What Mercy) Radio

Bill and Gloria Gaither

Christian Contemporary Radio

Hillsong United Radio

Hymns 4 Worship Radio

Laura Story Radio

Phillips Craig & Dean

Praise & Worship Medley Radio

Sandy Patty Radio

Selah Radio

Today’s Christian Hits Radio

Kari Jobe Radio

Laura Story Radio

Hymns on Piano Radio

Country Hymns Radio

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Christian

Distractions

Cindy Dawson

Is something distracting you from your purpose? The devil is very crafty. The Scripture is clear about this. 

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

The Greek word for cunning here is panourgia. It means trickery, craftiness. Crafty means skillful in evil schemes. When Satan attacks, it won’t be obvious. It may take days or weeks before you realize that you are caught up in something that is a result of Satan’s crafty scheme to lead you away from “your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”. I’m not talking about leading you into sin. I’m talking about distracting you from God’s purpose for your life – your ministry, your calling, your gift.

One way Satan does this is by getting you overly involved in something that is taking you away from what God wants you to do. The devil knows how to distract you from your purpose. He knows this distraction must appear to be a good thing. Today the Lord brought this Scripture to my remembrance:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi while he was in prison in Rome. It would have been easy for the Philippians to be so worried about Paul that they were distracted from God’s purpose, but Paul talks to them about joy and peace. He tells them to dwell on good things, not bad things.

When I start to question my purpose and my relationship with the Lord, I know it is coming from Satan, the Father of Lies, the Deceiver. God is faithful and He will use His Word to guide you, and me.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

With Love, Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash

Christian

It’s Time to Fight Back!

Cindy Dawson

Have you wondered lately, “What is wrong with me? Why am I so discouraged and depressed?

If so, you could be under attack by spiritual forces of evil! The apostle Paul wrote about it in the book of Ephesians. He said,

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12

Recently, a friend said to me, “I think I’m under the attack of the devil.”

I thought, “I think I am, too!”

Thinking about how we both had really geared up our efforts to be obedient to God’s will in our lives, I realized that Satan wasn’t taking it lying down! He was trying to discourage us both! He was trying to steal the Word and wear us down.

He was putting negative thoughts in our minds! Remember: Satan is the Accuser. (Revelation 12:10) He is also the Father of Lies. (John 8:44) He will attack your thoughts. Jesus said,

“Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word …” Mark 4:15

Did the devil attack Jesus? Yes, he did. Did Jesus fight back? Yes, he did. Did the devil finally give up and leave him alone? Yes, he did!

After fasting forty days and forty nights, (Jesus) was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Mathew 4: 3-4

Three times the devil tempted Jesus, and every time Jesus quoted the Word of God to him. That’s how Jesus fought back! Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword of the Spirit (our powerful weapon) is the is the Word of God. Jesus fought the devil’s schemes with the word of God. We can, too!

Let us praise and thank the Father, in prayer, for all the promises that contradict the discouragement and lies that come from Satan. 

It is written, the fruit of the Spirit is  love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Jesus has promised that if I remain in His love, my joy will be complete. (John 15:11)

It is written “God gives us endurance and encouragement.” (Romans 15:5)

By your grace, you have given us eternal encouragement and hope. (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

It is written, when I am weak, then I am strong because your power is made perfect in weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

I thank you, Father, because you are able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, I will have all that I need, and I will abound in every good work! (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I can do everything through him who gives me strength! (Philippians 4:13)

WOW! I feel better already! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Bible is full of encouragement and love for you and for me!

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Henry Hustava on Unsplash

Christian

To the Atheist I Love (Continued)

Cindy Dawson
Dear J,    I continue to pray for you daily. I know that someday you will come to your senses and trust the Father and His son, Jesus Christ. God loves you and wants to carry your burdens. For some time, I have asked the Lord to teach me how to pray the effectual prayer that avails much, so that my prayers for you will be answered. It is God’s will for you to believe in Him. The wonderful blessing of having a relationship with Him is there, waiting for you to take it. 
I have thought a lot about what you said, “I’d like to have the comfort of believing what you believe, it simply doesn’t exist for me.” If that were true, you would believe, because unlike believing in Buda, or any other false god or false religion, Jesus Christ is true and the Holy Spirit is working to bring you to a knowledge of the truth. You only have to seek truth.
It is hard for you because you have hardened your heart. Ask God to soften your heart, so that you will be open to truth. I urge you to read the New Testament and ask God to reveal Himself to you.
I love you dearly and nothing you say to me will change that.

Love,    C

Jesus said to them, 14“The farmer sows the word. 15Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”      Mark 4:15-20

With Love, Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

Christian

The Devil is Still Around!

Cindy Dawson

“… that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world … ” Revelation 20:2

Have you ever wondered how the devil attacks Christians? The Bible says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) I think Peter used the roaring lion illustration for a reason! 

I Peter 4:1 says to “…arm yourselves with the same attitude (that is in Christ)…”  It doesn’t say to have the same attitude as Christ. It says to ARM yourselves with it!

I haven’t been able to get those words out of my mind for days. To arm yourself means to equip yourself with weapons.  The mind of Christ, or having the same attitude as Christ, is our weapon against the devil!

I knew I needed to learn more about the attitude that equips me for battle with the devil. After all, a “roaring lion” is prowling around, looking for someone that is unprotected and unarmed! To prowl means to search stealthily, implying he is difficult to detect. He is sneaky.

What is the mind of Christ? What is His attitude? First of all, the mind of Christ is completely unselfish. He gave His life for us. He loves us. He put us above His own needs and desires. He sought the will of the Father, not His own. He had no time for sin. He sought the glory of God the Father. He was willing to suffer. Early in the morning, He prayed. In humility, He became a servant.

When we obey God and allow Him to transform us into a new creation, we begin to think like Jesus. We become less self-centered and begin to care for others more than ourselves.

I realize that there have been times when the devil tried to “devour” me. He attacked me with the purpose of dragging me away from God and what God called me to do. Because I was not thinking with the mind of Christ, the devil was able to get a foothold. I was focused on what I wanted (what I thought I needed.)  I clung to my selfish desires because, well, I needed to! (It was a big mistake!)

But when we think like Jesus, we are well armed against the devil’s schemes. I see it now. I wish I had seen it earlier. 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)  The Bible tells us how to protect ourselves against the devil. He tells us how to arm ourselves. 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ” Philippians 2:5-11

I pray that my blog will inspire you to search God’s Word and learn more about the mind of Christ, the attitude that was in Christ. His Word is filled with precious promises and leads us faithfully to Jesus. 

With Love, Cindy

This is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.

“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.”   ROMANS 10:9-11

realchristianwomen.blog

Christian

Lord, Teach Me to Pray

Cindy Dawson

Two years ago, I had no idea I was going to write a blog. I had no idea my daughter would lead worship in my church. I had no idea God was getting ready to change my life.

But God had His plan working all along, even though I was completely unaware of what He was doing! He already knew these things would happen. I have prayed frequently and asked God to do many things, but I haven’t always seen the answers I hoped for. Finally, I asked Jesus to teach me to pray.

I learned I was right to ask Jesus to teach me how to pray. He has already taught me something new! Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…: Matthew 6:9-10 NIV

What does that have to do with effectual prayer? Everything! Because, I don’t need to go to God with a list of things for Him to do. What do the words mean “hallowed be your name”? Hallowed means: honored as holy, blessed, greatly revered, respected, honored and worshiped.

Let’s think about that for a minute. When we go to the Father in prayer, let us worship Him. Let us adore Him and recognize the character of our God. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Then Jesus said, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” 

God has shown me that the key to effectual prayer is not about me. It’s not about my ability to pray. It’s about Him! I’ve been too focused on myself instead of on Him!  

Let Jesus teach us to pray. Let us worship the Father. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise. Then, let us pray for His will to be done in our life, in our church, in our city, and all over the world. He has a plan that is better than all we can ask or imagine! 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

The words of the hymn are true, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” But, let us have a new and deeper revelation of His greatness and love. Let us revere and love Him as we should. We can find words to praise Him throughout the Psalms! Here are just a few key verses:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens…. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him… that you care for him?” Psalm 8:1-4 NIV

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise….” Psalm 18:1-3a NIV

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.” Psalm 25:1-2a NIV

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep…. How priceless is your unfailing love!” Psalm 36:5-7 NIV

Ask Jesus to teach you to pray!

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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