I have a very specific reason for writing this post. A friend wrote to me and said she didn’t understand why God had not answered her desperate prayer. This post is for her.
Teach me about your love the gift that's from above. When sorrow fills my heart, your comfort alone can part the sea of pain. You lead me on dry ground to the Promise Land. In this life, you will provide the manna and the quail. That nourishes my soul until I see the Promise Land.
” . . . as for me, I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:6-7
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.“Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV
“Every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” refers to spiritual food. It is your relationship with God through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, who teaches us all things.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33NIV
Abundant life is relationship with God. It is knowing the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, the King of King and Lord of Lords. It is being able to talk to Him at any time and in any place. It is the privilege of saying, “My Father” and knowing He is listening intently. It is for now and forever.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV
A relationship with God should never be trivialized. Nothing can compare to such a glorious blessing, certainly not things (cars, houses, etc.). Our God is not Amazon.com. He isn’t here to be our Cosmic Santa Claus. Jesus didn’t sacrifice His life in order for us to prosper materially here on Earth. He didn’t have to die to accomplish that. He died to give us eternal life through a right relationship with the Living God which will last forever. May we know the true gift of God.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:24-25 NIV
Sometimes, God does not do things the way we want. Why? We may never know while here on Earth. But many times, we understand later, even years later. God is more interested in our character development than in giving us a cushy life here on Earth. We must trust Him.
I had a friend once who was desperate to save his marriage. He was convinced that by going to church and “believing” God, by having enough faith, God would save his marriage. He gave it his all.
But God did not save his marriage. No matter how hard he tried to “just have faith”, it didn’t happen.
Guess what happened to him? He left the church and was never seen again. From his perspective, God and faith didn’t work. That’s because he saw God and faith as a way to get what he wanted. He didn’t understand the true gift of God.
Do you see the disillusionment this can bring and why it causes people to abandon their faith in God? And this is the point! Truth is vital. That’s why we must be like the Bereans, who . . .
“received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11
Jesus said, We must “worship God in Spirit and in truth”. As you read the familiar passage below about the Samaritan woman, I want you to notice four things.
Jesus reveals to her the “gift of God”. (v. 10)
She thinks Jesus is talking about natural things, but he is talking about spiritual things. (v.11)
Jesus shows her the superiority of a spiritual gift compared to a natural gift. (v.13-14)
Jesus reveals to her the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. (v.23-24)
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4 NIV
Lord, Help us to study your Word daily and love the Truth. Help us to appreciate our relationship with you and to understand your love.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
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.6We 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?
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.
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.
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.
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,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you . . . Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” Job 12:7-9
Watching the birds from my porch always brings me closer to God. I wrote a poem this morning based on what I saw.
Lord, Thank you for my birds so sweet. Thank you for the food they eat.
Thank you that she has a mate. A lovely male to share her plate.
Thank you for the songs they sing – praises to our Lord and King.
Doves pick up the seed below. Your plan, O God, that all will grow.
The Crows, they are so very smart. They make a tool to get all parts.
Purple Martins dart about. Eating insects – without a doubt.
I say, my birds – but they are yours. Shared with me, all doubts to cure.
Did You Know?
When Bluebirds have an early brood, chicks of the first brood may stay back and help raise the young of the second brood.*
New Caledonian crows can make and use hook tools – the only species other than humans to do so!**
Mockingbirds can precisely imitate the complex songs of hundreds of other species.* When I was a little girl, my dad passed by a mockingbird every morning on his walk to work. He started whistling to the bird, and then one day the bird whistled the exact same song back to him!
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
I was eavesdropping on a conversation recently (couldn’t help it – I was at the hair salon!) Anyway, one lady was complaining about her husband and another woman. The stylist listened attentively and threw in an occassional “Ohhh!” or “No!!” The complaining lady was really angry (and I could see why!)
I couldn’t stop thinking about what I overheard because it related to the subject of today’s post. When we’ve been deeply hurt and can’t forgive, it will lead to bitterness of heart.
The problem with bitterness is that, even though your anger and resentment may be justified, it will destroy you. Stephen Diamond, Ph.D., describes bitterness as “a chronic and pervasive state of smoldering resentment,” and deservedly regards it as “one of the most destructive and toxic of human emotions.”
He says, ” if we repeatedly ruminate over how we’ve been victimized, our “nursing” our wrongs may eventually come to define some essential part of who we are. Take hold of our very personality. And so we’ll end up becoming victims not so much of anyone else but, principally, of ourselves.”
Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Since a root is the hidden part of a plant or tree, we can think of a bitter root as being the hidden source of bitterness. What is the seed from which that bitter root sprouts in our heart? It’s that tiny speck of unforgiveness, that tiny speck of indignation that we allow to remain in our hearts. It’s that tiny speck of resentment that we justify in our mind.
Let’s call this tree Bitterness. The function of it’s roots are the same as other roots. Roots can keep a tree in place for hundreds of years and nothing can move it . Winds and storms won’t dislodge it!
Secondly, the roots nourish the tree to make sure it keeps growing stronger and stronger.
And lastly, roots can cause trouble when they grow where they aren’t wanted – like when they invade water pipes or sewer systems.
Is it any wonder that God used the analogy of roots when warning us about bitterness? But where He gives a warning, he provides an answer.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1 NIV
As we humbly come to Him, seeking His way and His will, God will provide the grace to forgive and let go. Many times, the injustice we must forgive cannot be forgiven in our own strength, but God’s grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9) And what is the opposite of bitterness? Contentment, Happiness, Sweetness! That is God’s plan for you.
“Grace be with you all.” (2 Timothy 4:22 NIV)
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
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.
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 2:9NIV
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
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?
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.
In spite of what people think, ignorance is not bliss!
People like to think it is – when the truth is too hard to face. Selah* (Pause and calmly think of that.)
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18
This topic is heavy on my heart because many devout Christians are being led astray because they are naive. When I listen to various popular Bible teachers on YouTube, I’m shocked at how ignorant the audience is of Biblical Truth. I’m shocked at how blind they are to a spirit of pride from the pulpit.
Well, I guess I’m not really shocked since I was taken in by it myself once. Yes, in fact, I had to “unlearn” a lot of teaching, and that is not easy to do.
You’re probably thinking, “What did you have to unlearn? What false teaching did you buy into?
Well, I’m not going to tell you.
Why? Because you must identify false teaching yourself through studying the Word of God. If I told you that a Bible teacher you liked taught false doctrine, I know what you would think because it’s what I used to think: “They don’t understand because they’re in a dead church.” OR “They don’t have revelation.” OR, my favorite: “They’re religious.”
I assure you, I am not dead or religious! (Isn’t that judging someone’s heart?)
All this stems from pride – the false assumption that I have revelation of the Scripture others don’t have. Selah
I would venture to say that all those “old, religious people at the church down the street” have more experience walking through trials with the Lord at their side than some of us ever will.
How I wish I could talk to my grandmother about God, again. She would be about 130 years old now. If only I would have known to seek her wisdom when I was a youth and she was still around.
But, alas, when we’re young we think we know it all. I know this because I teach in a middle school! Students will argue about anything, even how to do a math problem! (Are you kidding me?)
Why just today, a student tried to prove to me that you didn’t have to start a 2-digit plus 2-digit addition problem in the ones column. He thought he proved it to me by getting the right answer even when he started in the tens column. You guessed it! There was no regrouping involved. (No carrying.) He hadn’t thought of that!
You can think you’re right “til the cows come home”, but that doesn’t make you right.
My point is, if you are learning about God from a Bible teacher, instead of from the Bible, be careful. Check the Scriptures given to see if they have been taken out of context. (That happens a lot and is the basis of much of the false teaching accepted today!)
Respect those “old Christians” you think are dead or religious. It’s wise to listen to the elderly with respect.
Have you ever heard someone say, “I wish I knew then what I know now.”? Selah
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12
Did my journey with false teachers and prophets affect my life?
Yes! It almost shipwrecked my faith. It took many years for me to recover. (That’s a story for another time.)
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
Lord, Guide us and teach us to walk with you in truth and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Real Christian Women 