Category: Christians and Jews

Christian, Christians and Jews

What Does It Mean to Forsake Your First Love?

Cindy Dawson

Bible Study for Tuesday, 9/29/26

The exact meaning of a Scripture is not always crystal clear. In fact, the Bible says,

“For now we see through a glass, darkly;” 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV

Sometimes Scripture requires more than a quick overview. Sometimes it requires study and prayer. The book of Revelation is no exception. Chapters two and three are letters to the seven churches from Jesus Christ, delivered by the Apostle John. We can and must learn from these letters still today.

The first letter is written to the church at Ephesus. Jesus said, “Repent and do the things you did at first.“

I have studied this letter often, and the question that hounds me is this: What did they do at first that they stopped doing?

Jesus said,

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” Revelation 2:2-6 NIV (emphasis mine)

So what were they doing at first that they were no longer doing? The text doesn’t explain exactly what those actions were. We only know they had forsaken the love they had at first. The word translated as love is agape. Was He referring to their emotional response to Him? Maybe not. And here’s why.

1 Corinthians 13 provides a detailed definition of agape love.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 8 Love never fails.”

Agape love is not a feeling. It is action. Perhaps these are the things they no longer did. Is it possible to work hard, persevere, and have no tolerance for false teachers or wicked people, and yet forsake the agape love they once showed one another?

Had they become impatient with one another and easily angered? Perhaps they had become unkind and looked out only for themselves instead of others. Perhaps they had become envious and boastful. Perhaps they had forgotten how to love one another like they once did. The NLT says it like this,

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Revelation 2:4 NLT

The connection between love for Jesus and obedience to His commands is a recurring theme in the Apostle John’s writings. Jesus said,

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15 NASB

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV

Loving God is not merely a feeling; it is an active, ongoing relationship of following and obeying Jesus.

What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “You have forsaken the love you had at first?” I could be wrong, but it’s something to think about.

In His Love, Cindy

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

“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 Esther Vexler on Unsplash

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Christian, Christians and Jews

Finding the Narrow Gate

Cindy Dawson

Meditation for Monday, 9/28/26

Jesus said,

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 AMP

These words of Jesus are from the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, chapters 5-7. Read the entire sermon for insight into these two verses.

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)

Featured image by Annie Spratt on Unsplash+

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

What’s in an Eagle’s Egg?

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Friday, 9/25/26

“I would like to introduce the eagle’s egg. Is whatever that is inside that egg a clump of cells? It can’t be an eagle can it? You may know that destroying an eagle’s egg is against the law in the U.S. Why is that? As it turns out, eagles are an endangered species. So, as unbelievable as it seems, if one were to destroy an eagle’s egg, he would be destroying an eagle. Stunning reality, isn’t it? Why can’t people understand that “clump of cells” in a woman’s womb is a baby? It is astounding that people use that as a reason to kill innocent children. Dark times.”

You can read Jim Thomson’s excellent article here: Killing Babies, Sexual Identity, And The Truth by Jim Thomson

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

FACT: An estimated 1,126,000 babies were murdered by US clinicians in 2025.

What can we do? I support Pregnancy Help Centers, such as Preborn!, that show expectant mothers an ultrasound of their baby. PreBorn! exists to meet abortion-vulnerable women before it’s too late with life-saving ultrasounds, compassionate care, practical support, and the hope of the gospel.

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 from Unsplash+

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Christian, Christians and Jews

How to Trust God in Challenging Times

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Thursday, 9/24/26

We don’t really know how strong our faith is until it’s tested. And it’s hard to be joyful about our testing, but the Bible says,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2 NIV

My faith has been tested. It was so hard not to give in to fear and worry. Once, my daughter went to Kenya to help in a children’s hospital. Another time was when my son had to undergo back surgery. (You can read these stories at the links below.)

As mothers, it’s really hard not to worry about our children, even when they’re adults! So I had to ask myself, Will I choose faith or fear? It can’t be both.

I didn’t want my faith tested again. I didn’t care if it would make me mature and complete. I didn’t say it to God, but He knows what we’re thinking.

I knew I had to choose to trust God in both of these situations. It wasn’t easy because if I was worried and afraid, I wasn’t trusting God. But I was determined to not be afraid. I wrote out every Scripture that encouraged me to trust the Lord and to be unafraid. God’s Word strengthened me as I read these verses every day.

You have to CHOOSE faith! Refuse to be fearful. Pray and ask the Lord to help you.

This post was inspired by Alan Kearns’ post, Unshakable Faith on Devotional Treasures.

Choose Faith Over Fear
The Father’s Love: A Deeper Look at Sacrifice

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 Max Omen on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Why Do We Blog?

Cindy Dawson

2-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 9/22/26

 “If God has called you, do not spend time looking over your shoulder to see who is following you.” Corrie ten Boom*

Why do we blog? Why do we write? As Christian writers, we say it’s to tell people about Jesus and His love. But we must be careful that our ultimate desire is to follow Him, not to be followed. He has promised to guide us by His Word.

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

This is especially true for those of us who want people to follow our blog, Facebook, or Instagram. Although we are encouraged when readers decide to follow us, that cannot be our guiding force.

What good is it if millions of people follow your blog, but God isn’t in it? When we follow Him, God can use us to encourage and bring hope to others.

The Apostle Paul taught “from house to house”. (Acts 20:20)

Did you notice that he did not consider himself too important to reach out to a small number of people?

When we fix our eyes on Jesus and follow Him, He will accomplish His purpose in our lives and in our writing.

Should we develop our skills and study our craft to be the best writers we can be? Absolutely!  The Bible says,

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” Colossians 3:23

I am convinced that the closer we follow Him, the more He will use us for His purposes. We must not despise the day of small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10) If only one person is encouraged by what you wrote, God has used you! God cares about individual people.

Nothing thrills me more than when a reader tells me, “I needed this!” or “This spoke to me.” Then I know that God has used me.

May we always follow Him with our whole heart and pray as Jesus taught us:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
 Give us today our daily bread.
 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.”

Are you blogging to follow Him or to be followed?

In His Love, Cindy

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

*Corrie ten Boom is a Holocaust survivor and author of The Hiding Place.

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

Oh, Praise the Lord, He Lifted Me!

Cindy Dawson

Monday’s Meditation for 9/21/26

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
    out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
    They will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3 NLT

My Thoughts: This is King David’s testimony, but it is also my testimony. Is it yours?

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

Christians and Jews

Wisdom’s Call

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Sunday, 9/20/26

“Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11 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)

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Confidence in Prayer: Trusting God’s Will

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Friday, 9/18/26


“The content of all true prayer originates in the heart of God. So it is He who inspires the prayer in the heart of man.” Paul E. Billheimer

Prayer is not about convincing God, but about the desire to pray according to God’s will and trusting Him to guide you.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 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 Adedotun Adegborioye on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog


Christian, Christians and Jews

Do I Grumble? 😳

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Thursday, 9/17/26

After the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, they began to grumble against Moses and Aaron. They said,

“If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16:3

Moses told them,

“Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” Exodus 16:8

As I read this, I was convicted about my own complaining. I realized that when I complain, I am really complaining (grumbling) against the Lord. (Thank you, Moses, for pointing this out.)

Read what the Apostle Paul had to say about this very same event,

“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…” 1 Corinthians 10:11

As Christians, we have followed Christ out of Egypt (slavery to sin). Let us trust Him to lead us.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Philippians 2:14-15

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)

Scriptures from the NIV

Photo of the Red Sea from Pixels

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christians and Jews

Moving Beyond the Past: A Message of Hope

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, 9/16/26

“Wise Christians surround themselves with reminders of God’s goodness as a way to move beyond their pasts.” Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

Genesis 41:51 tells us that Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh; the Hebrew sounds like the word for forget. And he said,

“It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Genesis 41:52

Ephraim sounds like the Hebrew word for twice fruitful.

Learn about the fascinating events in the life of Joseph in Genesis, chapters 37-50.

The featured image shows Joseph’s brothers selling him as a slave to the Ishmaelites.

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)

Google Stock Image

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