Christian

Trusting God in Discouraging Times

Meditation for Thursday, 8/28/25

“Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”?  And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.  And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11:2b-6

My thoughts: These verses remind me that, like Elijah, sometimes we don’t see the whole picture. Elijah was so discouraged that he was about to give up. He thought he was the only one left, but there were 7,000 other faithfuls he didn’t know about. So when you’re discouraged and think all is lost, remember Elijah’s prayer and God’s response!

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Satan’s Blocks: Recognizing Spiritual Challenges

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 8/26/25

“For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

My thoughts: As I read Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, these words stood out to me: “Satan blocked our way.” Don’t be surprised if Satan tries to block your way! Press on!

Jeremiah Study Bible Notes: “Satan blocked Paul from coming to visit the Thessalonians. The Greek word for blocked is a military term used when armies put barriers in the roadway to impede enemy forces. Satan takes extreme measures in his attempts to prevent God’s people from doing his will. As believers labor for Christ, they may encounter challenges … but nothing brings joy like seeing the fruit of one’s labor … “

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Stay Vigilant: The Devil’s Prowl and Our Faith

Sunday’s Memory Verse for 8/24/25

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

How to Season Your Conversations with Salt

1-minute devotion for Friday, 8/22/25

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV Read full chapter

My thoughts: Salt makes food taste better, and when seasoned properly, you might even ask for more. But if you went to a restaurant that didn’t season its food with salt, would you ask for more? You probably wouldn’t go back!

To be seasoned with salt means to use wisdom, to be gracious (pleasant and kind), and to be prepared to answer questions about Jesus and the Gospel.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

How To Bear Much Fruit

1-minute devotion for Thursday, 8/21/25

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:5 AMP Read full chapter

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Quote of the Week, 8/20/25

“The Scripture does not call you to be looking for esoteric experiences. The Scripture calls you to discipline and study in the Word of God.” Dr. Tony Wood, Pastor, Mission Bible Church

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

The Greek word translated study is spoudazo. It means: to give diligence, labor, study (Strong’s).

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Rejecting Profit Motives in Gospel Ministry

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 8/19/25

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

This verse stood out to me because today, many so-called “ministers of the Gospel” who are greedy for luxuries have made themselves multi-millionaires through their “ministry.”

Comments: Christians are responsible to present the Word of God with sincerity. To speak out of pride or any motive other than the glory of God hinders the spread of the Gospel. (Jeremy Study Bible Notes)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Forgiveness: Overcoming Satan’s Tricks

1-minute devotion for Monday, 8/18/25

“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV (emphasis mine)

My Thoughts: One of Satan’s dirty tricks is to encourage us to hold unforgiveness in our hearts. Don’t do it! He’s a liar!

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Are You Worried or Anxious?

Sunday’s Memory Verse, 8/17/25

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Bear not a single care thyself.
One is too much for thee.
The work is Mine and Mine alone.
Thy work is rest in me.


Hudson Taylor

God spoke to my heart loud and clear when I read Cindi’s post, Casting, on God Still Speaks. You can read it HERE. It might be the very word you need today like it was for me!

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Encouragement for Writers

2-minute devotion for Friday, 8/15/25

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. Matthew 25:14-15 Read full chapter

Words of Encouragement from Hannah Ruth from her blog: In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus emphasizes the importance of using the resources given to us wisely. While the parable uses the example of money and investments, it also applies to skills and actual talents… like singing, or painting, or computing, or accounting, or… you know, writing.

If God has given you the ability to write, write!

It’s a blessing to have these abilities, and when we ignore them, we:

a) miss out on the joy and fulfillment in using the talents we’ve been given and

b) neglect the gifts that God has given us. I don’t think He likes it much when we shy back from using the talents He’s blessed us with!

I was greatly encouraged by Hannah Ruth’s post, Is It Worth It? 4 Reasons Why the World Needs You to Keep Writing. I think it will encourage you, too!

Has God given you the desire to write? I have learned a lot since I began writing. Good writing begins with a desire. Your skills will develop over time.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.