Tag: encouragement

Christian, Jews

Understanding Joel 3: A Divine Promise for Israel

Cindy Dawson

1-minute read for Monday, 5/5/25

“In those days and at that time,
    when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
 I will gather all nations
    and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
There I will put them on trial
    for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel,
because they scattered my people among the nations
    and divided up my land (v. 1-2)

The Lord will roar from Zion
    and thunder from Jerusalem;
    the earth and the heavens will tremble.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people,
    a stronghold for the people of Israel.” (v.16)

Judah will be inhabited forever
    and Jerusalem through all generations.
 Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged?
    No, I will not.” (v.20-21) Emphasis mine Read full chapter

In Joel, chapter 3, God describes Israel as “my people”, “my inheritance”. God proclaims, through the prophet Joel, that He will avenge the wrongs done to Israel.
Hatred of Jews is so wrong that, according to Joel 3, it will be a criterion by which God judges all nations. (Amir Tsarfati)

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

All Scripture from NIV.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

The Messiah’s Prophecies: Insights from Isaiah 9:6

Cindy Dawson

Sunday’s Memory Verse, 5/4/25

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV Read full chapter

Commentary: Written seven hundred years before Christ, this verse caps a remarkable passage of prophecy about the Messiah to come. (Robert J. Morgan)

One scholar, J. Barton Payne, has found as many as 574 verses in the Old Testament that somehow point to or describe or reference the coming Messiah. Alfred Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referring to the Messiah or His times. Conservatively, Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.” (GotQuestions.org)

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

What is Agape Love? Exploring Its Meaning in the Bible

Cindy Dawson

1-minute read for Friday, 5/2/25

 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres… Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a NIV

Commentary: The Greek word for love used here is agape. Agape love is one of the rarest words in the Greek language and is found almost nowhere in Greek literature apart from the New Testament. But it is one of the most common words within the New Testament. It is totally unselfish love. Christ’s sacrifice and His love model what it means to choose love. (Jeremiah Study Bible Notes)

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Servant Leadership: Lessons from Jesus

Cindy Dawson

Verses for Meditation, Thursday, 5/1/25

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 NIV Read full chapter

“The more useful people want to be to Him, the greater responsibility they have to serve others.” David Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Quote of the Week, 4/30/25

Cindy Dawson

The difference between faith and fear is focus.” Pastor David Jeremiah

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:25, 28-31 NIV Read full chapter

Commentary: Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus… What people focus on becomes magnified, especially in fearful circumstances. Peter decided to leave the apparent safety of the boat and rely totally on Jesus – until the wind caught Peter’s attention. Whenever believers divert their eyes from Jesus in the midst of a storm their circumstances assume prominence, and they, like Peter, lose heart and begin to sink. The difference between faith and fear is focus. Pastor David Jeremiah

For more on faith vs. fear see my post Choose Faith Over Fear.

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Psalm 23: A Source of Comfort

Cindy Dawson

Sunday’s Memory Verses, 4/27/25

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

“Spare no effort to learn this Psalm.” Robert J. Morgan

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Showing God’s Love in Today’s World

Cindy Dawson

Jesus told His disciples,

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

This was Jesus’ last command to His disciples. In a world characterized by violence and hate, the world will see Christ in His followers by their love.

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

What Does the Bible Teach Us About the Holy Spirit?

Cindy Dawson

Verses for Meditation, 4/24/25

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:26 AMP

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

 “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NIV

These are just a few of the Scriptures verses that teach us about the Holy Spirit.

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Quote of the Week, 4/23/25

Cindy Dawson

There’s something awe-inspiring about truly studying the Scriptures. The more time we spend in the Word, the more we begin to see the connections—passages that echo across generations, prophecies fulfilled in ways no human author could have orchestrated, themes that thread their way from Genesis to Revelation with breathtaking cohesion. It’s hard to miss the divine fingerprint behind it all.”
Bruce Cooper, Reasoned Cases for Christ, When God Speaks… and When He’s Quiet

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Finding Contentment in Any Situation

Cindy Dawson

1-minute read for Monday, 4/21/25

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:11-12, The Apostle Paul speaking (emphasis mine)

My message to you: If you aren’t content in your present situation, ask the Lord to teach you how to be content. Tell Jesus you want to learn to be content. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t pray for God to change our situation. But sometimes, our need is to be content where we are. This truth has been very helpful to me in my walk with God.

If Paul could learn to be content when in prison or when going hungry, we can also learn to be content no matter what our circumstances happen to be.

I pray that this short lesson will give you hope, knowing that Jesus can and will teach you how to be content. Ask Him.

(This is an excerpt from a longer post, Can We Learn To Be Content?)

Featured Image: My dog Henry in his comfy bed, with his blanket, and some favorite toys. Totally content!

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog