I had been seeking the Lord for several long weeks about something very important. I wanted to quit what I had been doing for three years. I was someplace I believed God had sent me, but I didn’t really see any results from my hard work. I was tired of it! Stressed out! There were other things I’d rather do!
Finally, I realized God was saying, “No”.
For several days I felt really sad. What I thought I wanted and desperately needed was not to be, at least not right now.
Then yesterday, my daughter sent me a text that said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
It spoke directly into my life. I know God will give me the strength and enthusiasm I need to accomplish the task.
There are people all around us who need encouragement and support. They need inspiration and strength. Over the years, people have sent me a note or said something that was so encouraging to me. It was just what I needed that day.
I believe these acts of encouragement are orchestrated by God. The sender may just feel a nudge from God or hear the still, quiet voice. It is often unknown to the sender just how vital the message really is.
You may need the same encouragement that I did. You may pray and work hard in your mission field without seeing the results you so deeply desire. But, God’s Word challenges us to not give up.
Yes, we want to see big things happen. We want to see revival in our midst! That can only be accomplished by God. Our part is to be obedient, pray, and study His Word..
God’s timing is flawless. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
It is time for our hope and strength to be renewed. Remember! “… at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
With Love,
This is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus:Who Is Jesus?
One day, I was looking for a particular toy for my son. Stepping on my tippy toes, I blindly reached into a large box on a high shelf in my closet and scooped up a handful of small toys.
As I held it up to see if I had the desired toy, this is what I saw: Twined around the toys was a 3 foot-long snake skin! Startled and panic-stricken, I quickly threw it all into the air and screamed!
At this time in my life, I was terrified of snakes, mice, lizards, and all creepy creatures in general. I’m happy to report that 30 years later, not so much.
The problem was, I couldn’t sleep at night. What with (who knows how many) snakes loose in the house!
Now this happened during the days of heated waterbeds, and we slept in one. In my imagination, this would be the exact place a snake would slither into during the middle of the night.
What’s a waterbed, you ask? Well, you can google it. Now back to the story….
“Lucky” for me (tongue in cheek), I happened upon a Bible verse that set me free from this fear. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Every night when I went to bed, this was my prayer. I passionately thanked God for His promise and repeated it over and over until I went to sleep. I was putting my faith and trust in God and in His Word; it carried me through a very scary time.
This is why it is so important to make Bible study a priority. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart when I read this verse. God did keep me safe. I was able to sleep peacefully, and eventually we were able to move to a better house.
Wherever I go, and whatever comes my way, I will trust in God’s Word.
The more I study God’s Word, the more I trust in Him.
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Psalm 119:92
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105
“You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114
This is My Journey Unscripted.
With Love,
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
Whether I feel defeated or victorious, strong or weak, praying God’s Word is always effective. I wrote the following prayer so that I could remember to acknowledge God’s promises when I pray, regardless of how I feel.
Lord, I pray that you will send your workers into ______’s life to plant the seed and water it, for You, O Lord, will make it grow.
I pray that You will open _____’s heart to pay attention to what is said. Take out his heart of stone and give him a tender heart toward You. Lord, make your light shine in his heart that he may know Christ.
I pray You will grant him repentance and lead him to a knowledge of the truth. I pray he will come to his senses and escape from the trap of the devil.
I pray You will rip away the bondage that holds him away from You.
I know You are not slow in keeping your promise, but you are patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Father, help _____ see his need for a Savior and to know he must confess his sins, repent, believe, and live a fruitful life. Help him choose Your mercy and Your gift of grace, to believe with his heart and confess with his mouth, Jesus is Lord.
Heal his heart and heal his mind, O God. for You heal the broken-hearted. You bring rest to the weary.
I pray you will guide me and use me to show the love of Jesus to _____. Give me opportunities to be Jesus to _____. Help me to be loving, kind, and forgiving, showing compassion and patience.
Help me to be persistent in prayer daily and to never give up or become discouraged. Help me to pray with faith and trust, knowing you hear my prayers.
I pray Your will be done in _____’s life, just as it is in heaven. I pray that You will be glorified through his salvation.
I pray with confidence, knowing that Your Word says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Keep teaching me how to pray and make my ears attentive to your voice.
And I pray that _____may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that he may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Taken from Ephesians 3:20-21)
I ask these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen
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Are you praying for someone who is openly rejecting Jesus as Savior?
With little observable evidence that my prayers have been effective, I will pray in faith.“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrew 11:1
Even though it has been almost 3 years, I know God is working. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (He doesn’t say when.)
I pray God’s Word because the Word of God “is living and active and full of power. “Hebrew 4:12 AMP
God’s says, “(My Word)will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
And so, I wrote this prayer based on my faith in God’s Word. While still seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will pray it everyday for someone I love. You can pray it, too.
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
Scripture References
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6
” … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11:19)
“The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14).
“… the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Is your heart heavy because someone you love rejects Jesus as Savior? Perhaps he(she) calls himself an atheist. Or maybe, he just refuses to search for Truth and instead stands stubbornly in the darkness, clinging to “intellectual” arguments that support his atheistic beliefs.
If you’ve been praying for someone for a long time, don’t give up now. Be encouraged and strengthened by the promises of God.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
For a long time, I have been praying faithfully everyday that Jay would accept Jesus as Savior. Becoming weary, my prayers have been reduced to “God please help Jay. I don’t know how to pray for him. I don’t even know where he is. You know, Lord.” That is the prayer of someone who is weary in prayer.
After searching God’s Word for encouragement, I was not disappointed. This is what I learned. It is not meant to be a “formula” for prayer, but rather, an encouragement that you are praying according to God’s will and being led by the Holy Spirit. So don’t give up!
Following Paul’s example, simply pray that he will be saved.“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 NIV
Pray that the Lord will send Christian workers into his life.God uses people to accomplish his will.“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual understanding and that the Lord will lead him to repentance.” … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26 NIV
Pray that God will open his heart. “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” Acts 16:14 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual sight and make His light shine in his heart, as He did yours.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Continue to pray with perseverance. God has called you to pray for this person. As you pray, remember to thank God for His love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2 NIV
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV
Pray with the knowledge that his salvation is God’s will.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
(Where did we get the idea that God should be on our time table?)
Therefor pray,“your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 NIV
Pray with confidence, remembering that our God is a God of mercy, love and faithfulness.
“The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP
Your prayer for someone’s salvation is most definitely a spiritual battle. Do not listen to the devil’s lies. Of course Satan will try to discourage you and make you give up. Instead, obey God’s Word and keep praying.
“Finally, 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 NIV
From this study, here is what I have learned: God hears my prayers. It’s not that He isn’t answering them or that He doesn’t hear me. (The devil will try to tell us that!)
My “assignment” to pray for Jay has not ended. The battle is not over. In fact, I am in the heat of the battle. I will keep praying.
When I am praying God’s will, I know He is working even though I haven’t seen the final result yet.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
God’s Word encourages me and strengthens my faith! It will do the same for you.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
The first 11 days I was running on adrenalin. I arrived in town the night before he came home from a 6-day hospital stay resulting from complications of a severe bout with the flu. Extreme coughing had broken a vertebra in his back and caused a huge hematoma that resulted in a 40% blood loss. All this left him too weak to even stand up. It’s amazing how sick a person can be and still be released from the hospital!
Sleeping on a couch right outside of his bedroom, I heard every cough, every stir, every sound he made. I feared that we could lose him. He was very, very ill. For almost 2 weeks, a heightened seriousness griped my mind that I could not allay. I could not quell the adrenalin rush. I was afraid.
I have always had my dad on a pedestal, the man in a suit who always knew what to do, the smartest man in the world. It was a new experience for me to see him in so much pain, vulnerable, and needing 24/7 care.
It’s been an honor to be caregiver to my 83 year-old dad. It’s been a privilege to take care of him. After all, he took care of me my whole life! He has given me some of my best memories … catching my first fish … getting a hole in one … rocking me when I was broken-hearted … and teaching me about life and the things that are important, like honesty, integrity, and truth.
I put myself in his place. How would I feel if I was dealing with these health issues? How would I feel if suddenly I became dependent on another person in order to live in my own home?
What would it be like to depend on another person for everything? (to go to the bathroom, find things I need, prepare my food, make sure I got the correct medication at the right time, get a blanket when I’m cold, get me a drink, or monitor my blood pressure)
Would I be stressed out? Would I feel frustrated? Would I be depressed? How would I feel if I knew my care giver’s life was being disrupted because of my illness?
Would I be angry because my life had been turned upside down? Would I be grumpy and irritable if I was in pain? How would my health problems affect me emotionally? These are the questions that motivated me to do the best I possibly could – to be loving, kind, and patient.
It’s hard to be those things when you’re sleep-deprived and feeling so much responsibility on your shoulders. Sometimes it was hard to be focused because I was so tired. But I had to get it right. I administered his medication and recorded the times in my computer along with blood pressure readings and notes.
One day ran into another. I just kept going. But after 3 weeks, he was much better and well enough to be alone at night with only wellness checks during the day. I returned home, 450 miles away.
This experience taught me something. The most important thing needed by a caregiver is the empathy that flows from love and respect for the one receiving your care. Caregiving is a gift of love. To me, there is no better reward than knowing I have had the opportunity to give it to someone I love.
PS: On January 7, I celebrated Christmas with my 3 adult children, their spouses, and my 3 grandchildren. It was a very special Christmas, indeed. All the decorations were still up, we exchanged presents, and I was deeply moved by the sweetness of all the love shown to me. I am exceedingly thankful for the blessings God has showered upon me.
Scriptures for Meditation
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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“Treat men exactly as you would like them to treat you.” Luke 6:31 Phillips
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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:34-40 NIV
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“In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 NIV
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With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
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
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 knowGod 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?
“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?
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
Real Christian Women 