“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 NLT
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
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RealChristianWomen.blog
“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Some say, let’s all just get along. We all worship the same Jesus.
That’s certainly the easy road. But is it the right road? If you say, I don’t want to rock the boat, then ask yourself this: “Who will?”
The Apostle Paul wasn’t afraid to rock the boat. He spoke out boldly for the truth.
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:8-9 NIV
Wow! Isn’t that a little harsh, Paul? No. It is not. It is our example. Consider this Scripture verse:
“ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV
You may be wondering, What is she going on about? OK. Fair enough. I am going to share some information with you about “The Chosen” that you may be unaware of.
Get Ready. I’m going to “ROCK THE BOAT”!
The link below provides the most thorough, thought-provoking coverage of The Chosen that I have seen. I hope you will read it.
My question to you is this: Would we rather live in ignorant bliss, or are we willing to examine the facts?
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
RealChristianWomen.blog
“God takes our sins – the past, present, and future, and dumps them in the sea and puts up a sign that says NO FISHING ALLOWED.”
Corrie ten Boom
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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RealChristianWomen.blog
After reading the book of Job, I learned some things about how NOT to encourage others. As you probably know, Job’s friends were not encouraging! They made things worse! Here are some things we can do to encourage someone.
1. Listen. Listening is better than talking.
We need to give the person we want to encourage focused attention. That means we are carefully listening to them, not just waiting for our turn to talk. (Ouch!)
Having someone listen is the best medicine for a hurting heart. The thing your friend needs most may not be answers, but someone to talk to and share their hurts or worries with.
2. Provide affirmation.
3. Be compassionate and caring.
4. Do not pretend to know what they are going through or tell them what happened to you.
5. You might provide support by writing them an encouraging note.
6. Pray for them.
Maybe the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray in a certain way. Or maybe He will guide you in what to say. Or maybe He just wants you to show love and compassion. If your friend wants your advice, she will probably ask for it.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;” Romans 12:6,8 (Emphasis mine)
For some being an encourager is a spiritual gift, but it is something we must all do. Let the Lord guide you to those who need your encouragement.
I can’t tell you how many times a comment someone left me on my blog turned my day around. Many times, the Holy Spirit is encouraging me through their message, but they probably had no idea how timely it was. In fact, this happens quite often.
“encourage the disheartened” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Disheartened means to be discouraged. Do you know someone who is discouraged? You can encourage them.
The definition of encouragement is: “The act of inspiring others with renewed courage, a renewed spirit, or renewed hope.”
When I was a special education teacher, it was obvious to me that all my students needed encouragement. But children with special needs aren’t the only ones who need encouragement. Look around. People who need encouragement are all around you. Ask God to help you and reach out.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Note: I have learned a lot about encouragement from David Jeremiah’s book, The Joy of Encouragement. I think you would, too.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
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RealChristianWomen.blog
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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RealChristianWomen.blog
Are you unhappy about circumstances you can’t change? Maybe you are married to an unbeliever. Maybe you are a widow. Perhaps you are single and want to be married. Maybe, like Paul, you are in prison. Whatever your circumstances you can learn to be content.
I was listening to a Christian podcast as I walked my dog, Henry. I often listen to other Christian thinkers or pray as I walk my little buddy 2 or 3 times a day.
Something the speaker said really jumped out to me. He emphasized the word learned in the following passage.
“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)
Paul didn’t say, “I’m content in every circumstance.” He said, “I have learned to be content.”
Just like we learn to be discerning, patient, self-controlled, godly, etc., we must also must learn to be content in every situation. This was something I had never noticed before even though I have read the passage many times.
There are circumstances in my life that have kept me from being content. I am thankful for what God has given me. I can make a long list of the things I am grateful for in my life, but there is one thing that keeps me from being genuinely content.
When I realized that contentment is something I can learn, I was very encouraged. So I am asking the Lord to teach me how to be content in my present situation. I believe He will. In fact, I already have a different perspective on it.
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 how 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.
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.
My prayer is that this short lesson will give you hope, knowing that Jesus can and will teach you how to be content. Ask Him.
“ But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
“Teach me, Lord …” Psalm 119:33a
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
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RealChristianWomen.blog
It is God’s Word alone that enables us to “be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) Scripture provides all the instructions and training you need to meet the demands that will be placed upon you in everyday life. It’s your guide to righteous living in a dark age.
As this world goes from bad to worse, may we be among those who live “by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Steve Miller, from his excellent book FORESHADOWS
I highly recommend this book. Dr. Ron Rhodes writes, “A prophetic tour de force…unquestionably the most important prophecy book of the year.”
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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RealChristianWomen.blog
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Jem Sahagun on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Real Christian Women 