Tag: encouragement

encouragement

How To Write An Encouraging Blog

Cindy Dawson

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

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Christian

WARNING: THE DEVIL WILL LIE TO YOU! LEARN HOW!

Cindy Dawson

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, 

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This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

The $64,000 Question

Cindy Dawson

“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?

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Christian

The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

Cindy Dawson

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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, 

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This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

Where Is Your Treasure?

Cindy Dawson

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, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

Think You Can’t Hang On?

Cindy Dawson

Is your heart breaking? Are you in deep despair? Is depression crushing you? Even when you think you can’t hang on, God will hang on to you. No matter what life is throwing at you, no matter how weak your faith might be right now, God will hold you fast.

How do I know? I know because He has done this for me. It has been over 60 years since I asked Jesus to be my Savior. Through many trials, through many sorrows, through all my many failings, He never let me go.

He never said, “That’s it! I’m done with her. She’s gone too far now. Enough is enough!”

When I doubted, He held me fast. When I rebelled, He held me fast. When I went astray, He held me fast. When I was in deep despair, He held me fast. When my heart was broken, He held me fast. This is why I love Him and why I praise Him unashamedly.

It is when I acknowledge my own shortcomings, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses that I can grasp the depth of His great love and forgiveness and understand just how much I really need Him.

If you are searching for love, forgiveness, and mercy, come to Jesus. His love surpasses all understanding. He loves you, yes you.

Scripture for Meditation

“If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there … Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:10)

“Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

“You are not your own;  you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

When a Preacher Laughs at “Religious People”

Cindy Dawson

With a broad grin, the young preacher said, “I did it because I knew religious people wouldn’t like it!” And the audience chuckled.

I’ve heard remarks like this many times before. Preachers poking fun at their Christian brothers and sisters, referring to them as “religious people”. It’s meant as a put-down to Christians in mainstream churches, and it assures the audience that they have one up on the “unenlightened”.

I must speak out about this because it should be a red flag. It has certainly become a red flag to me.

What these preachers are really saying is that some Christians are not in tune with our superior revelation of the Scripture. It is a put-down that comes from a spirit of pride and self-importance, and it serves an important purpose. It labels all those faithful Christians who have walked with God and studied God’s Word for many years as people who don’t understand what we understand.

In effect, Christians who might caution you about false teaching are literally disinfranchised from the conversation.

It’s our human nature to want to feel smart. People like to feel like they know more and have inside information others don’t have. It’s a seduction, and it’s the oldest trick in the book.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.  “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:1-6 NIV

When I started writing this post today, I really didn’t want to discuss this topic again. (Is that all she thinks about?) So I decided to read for a while, thinking maybe God would lead me in a different direction. Instead, I came across an article that said,

“To critics of discernment in general (Oh, discerners are unloving and way too judgmental.), I would say that silence is compliance.” Pastor Larry Debruyn

If silence is compliance, then I must speak out. If you see a red flag, let it be a warning!

Unsound teaching calls out to anyone with Internet. Hopefully, you’ve never heard these kinds of remarks and have no idea what I’m talking about, but if you do, examine carefully what is being taught. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you today. Comments are welcome and appreciated.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

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Christian

Why What You Believe Matters

Cindy Dawson

What you believe will dramatically affect your life forever and those around you, too. As human beings, we like to go along with the crowd and just get along with everyone. We tend to believe what the people around us believe and that can be good, or bad.

Take, for example, a student who is surrounded by highly intelligent professors who are atheists. He might become an atheist, too. Why? Because intelligence is impressive and subconsciously he thinks that to believe in God would make him look less intelligent, so he doesn’t even search out the truth. Instead, he believes what is most comfortable.

In the same way, Christians might believe what those around them believe, even when it isn’t Biblically correct.

Why? Because religious beliefs that conform to cultural norms make life easier. In the Apostle Paul’s day, Judaism pressured Christians to conform to the law. Today, political correctness pressures us to conform to secular thought.

For example, some say, “I believe people of all faiths worship the same God.”

That sounds nice, and is very ecumenical, but it isn’t true. And truth is important because people’s eternity depends on it.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Another example is abortion. Being pro-life is unpopular in many circles. (Just ask a politician.) To say, “I think it’s a woman’s choice” may get you off the hook. It’s the easy way out. But is it true? If we don’t do it, but we condone it, are we still innocent?

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. Psalm 139:13&15 NLT

There are preachers today who teach false doctrines and many people follow them. The Bible warns us over and over about it. (If you don’t believe me, search the Scriptures for yourself.) My intention is not to tell you what is false and what is true, but to highlight the need to carefully and prayerfully examine what we hear to see if it’s true.

The Apostle Paul chided the Church at Corinth:

“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. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.  I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”   I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-6

Paul insinuates that these false teachers were trained speakers. (Probably very entertaining and popular!) Are we drawn to a preacher by his charisma and personality?

Loving the truth is vital to living a life that brings glory to God. Therefore the importance of studying God’s Word and knowing it well cannot be overstated. If we serve a “Jesus” that we have designed to fit our wants and needs, one who serves our purposes and selfish ambitions, that is idolatry. That is another “Jesus”, not the one who said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11

If a “Jesus” was preached that appealed to human greed, would I blindly accept it?

If a “Jesus” was preached that appealed to my pride and self-interests, would I blindly accept it?

If a “Jesus” was preached that appealed to my fleshly desires, would I blindly accept it?

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:13-15

The more I study God’s Word, the more I understand that this life is but a whisper. It’s not about me, it’s about the Savior. My purpose is to bring glory to God. The message is simple. It’s not about new revelations and hidden symbolic meanings to make our life here on Earth free of trials and hardships. Jesus sumed up the message of God’s Word like this:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (and) Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:28-31

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you, today. Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

All Scriptures are NIV unless otherwise noted.

With Love,

Cindy

My Journey Unscripted

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

Are You Going Through Change?

Cindy Dawson

Today is my first day of retirement!

I’ve had a lot of big changes in my life: moving 1,000 miles away from my hometown the day after high school graduation, going 300 miles away from home to college, divorce after 26 years of marriage, then, a big “Empty Nest” when 5 changes to 1, and now retirement. All of these changes came with a lot of emotion.

As I reflect on this new stage of my life, I realize that it is nothing like I imagined it would be when I was young (if I even thought about retirement when I was young).

I know that God has plans for me. And I am excited to follow that path. I will admit that it is a little scary for a “planner, list-maker, organized day” kind of person like me because I don’t know exactly what lies ahead.

But this I know: If there was ever a time to be fully devoted to the Lord, it is now. I have no excuses anymore. I don’t have to get up at 5 am every morning. I won’t come home from school exhausted any more.

I can spend my mornings with my Savior. I can study God’s Word. I can read. I can “stop and smell the roses”.

I hope to improve my writing skills and spend more time preparing my posts. I hope you will notice a difference.

I am thankful for all of my BF’s (Blogger Friends). I will have more time to read all of your wonderful posts and get to know you even better.

I cherish your prayers and I, also, will pray for you.

” The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV

Jesus said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NLT

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
    and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
    for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

With Love, 

AA55AA1F-EA36-49A9-92BE-41FD67348618

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

Faith in God During American Slavery

Cindy Dawson

African-American slaves wrote many heartfelt songs, often referred to as Negro Spirituals. Perhaps it is surprising that the people who enslaved and and oppressed them are the same people who introduced them to Christianity.

One would think these slaves wouldn’t be open to hearing about Jesus from their oppressor, but Jesus opened their hearts to believe the Good News. That’s the only plausible explanation for it.

The Bible says of Lydia, ” The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:14.

Yes, He can do that, even under the most desperate and cruel circumstances. Just as the Lord opened the heart of Lydia, He opened their hearts as well.

One of my favorite hymns is Give Me Jesus. The words are simple, yet they are deeply moving. I was not surprised to find out it is an African-American spiritual, written by slaves looking to our Lord and Savior for deliverance. Just as He brought deliverance to Israel through the leadership of Moses, they believed He would deliver them from slavery. And He did.

In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,
You may have all this world,
Give me Jesus.

I can imagine these desperate Christians singing these words from their heart, looking for deliverance when Jesus comes to take them home. This exemplifies loving God with all your heart and soul, strength, and mind.

When I come to die
When I come to die
Oh, when I come to die
Give me Jesus

Many of the spirituals and songs were birthed out of the trials and struggles of those in slavery. “Give Me Jesus” is an excellent example of how the victims of American slavery were able to express in song God’s presence and care in the midst of heartache and pain.

“Give Me Jesus” is but one of many spirituals written during slavery with no known composer or text writer.  “Persons in slavery, deprived and besieged in this life, might have nothing earthly to hold on to. But, if they were Christians, they believed they had an inheritance in God” (Warren, 1997, 37). 

The tune GIVE ME JESUS, written by African-American slaves, appears in nineteen hymnal collections and supplements today.

Dear Lord, May we cling to you, seek you, and worship you with the same devotion and love as our brothers and sisters in Christ who cried out to you in their pain and trusted you in the midst of cruelty and injustice. Forgive us for our petty complaints and help us to be thankful for all our many blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

All Scriptures are NIV unless otherwise noted.

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Bibliography

Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Christian Worship, 2nd Edition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007

Warren, Gwendolin Sims, Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit: 101 Best-Loved Psalms, Gospel Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the African-American Church. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1997.

http://www.negrospirituals.com/singers.htm