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Tag: hope
A Broken Heart
A friend of mine lost her husband in a motorcycle accident. He wasn’t racing. He wasn’t even speeding. He was riding in a charity event for abused children. It happened in front of her eyes. The man she loved, gone like that in a freak accident. How quickly our lives can change.
Many of us have experienced great loss, or we will at some time in the future. It has happened to me. How does anyone survive without the Lord? He is the only one who can comfort and heal our hearts.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn … ” Isaiah 61:1-2
A broken heart is like a giant wave, drowning you in sadness and pain, but God’s word is a soothing salve that heals. Not only will God heal your broken heart, He will care for the wounds left behind. Healing may not happen overnight. It didn’t for me. Deep wounds heal over time, but they do heal. The Great Physician will bandage your wounds and heal your broken heart. Ask Him.
“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him …. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars, and calls them each by name. Great is our God and mighty in power, His understanding has no limit …. The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:3-5 and 11)
He is able! He knows the number of stars and has called them all by name. How much more does He know every detail of your heartache! Sing praises to His name and put your trust in His unfailing love. I believe that praising Him and spending time in His presence delivers the soothing balm that heals. He is delighted when you put your hope in His love. Spend time with Him by prayer, studying His Word, and singing praises.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you..” Psalm 55:22
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
I pray for my friend that she may know the comfort that only He can provide.
With Love, Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash
Promises That Will Encourage You To Keep Praying for Someone You Love
Is your heart heavy because someone you love rejects Jesus as Savior? Perhaps he(she) calls himself an atheist. Or maybe, he just refuses to search for Truth and instead stands stubbornly in the darkness, clinging to “intellectual” arguments that support his atheistic beliefs.
If you’ve been praying for someone for a long time, don’t give up now. Be encouraged and strengthened by the promises of God.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
For a long time, I have been praying faithfully everyday that Jay would accept Jesus as Savior. Becoming weary, my prayers have been reduced to “God please help Jay. I don’t know how to pray for him. I don’t even know where he is. You know, Lord.” That is the prayer of someone who is weary in prayer.
After searching God’s Word for encouragement, I was not disappointed. This is what I learned. It is not meant to be a “formula” for prayer, but rather, an encouragement that you are praying according to God’s will and being led by the Holy Spirit. So don’t give up!
Following Paul’s example, simply pray that he will be saved. “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 NIV
Pray that the Lord will send Christian workers into his life. God uses people to accomplish his will.“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual understanding and that the Lord will lead him to repentance. ” … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26 NIV
Pray that God will open his heart. “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” Acts 16:14 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual sight and make His light shine in his heart, as He did yours.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Continue to pray with perseverance. God has called you to pray for this person. As you pray, remember to thank God for His love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2 NIV
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV
Pray with the knowledge that his salvation is God’s will.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
(Where did we get the idea that God should be on our time table?)
Therefor pray, “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 NIV
Pray with confidence, remembering that our God is a God of mercy, love and faithfulness.
“The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP
Your prayer for someone’s salvation is most definitely a spiritual battle. Do not listen to the devil’s lies. Of course Satan will try to discourage you and make you give up. Instead, obey God’s Word and keep praying.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
From this study, here is what I have learned: God hears my prayers. It’s not that He isn’t answering them or that He doesn’t hear me. (The devil will try to tell us that!)
My “assignment” to pray for Jay has not ended. The battle is not over. In fact, I am in the heat of the battle. I will keep praying.
When I am praying God’s will, I know He is working even though I haven’t seen the final result yet.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
God’s Word encourages me and strengthens my faith! It will do the same for you.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
You Are an Overcomer
Are you struggling? Are you overwhelmed? Ready to give up? God says you are “more than a conquerer“! Whatever you are going through – Be encouraged! God is with you!
Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, remember that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us …” Ephesians 3:20
I want to share with you Mandisa’s song, Overcomer. Mandisa auditioned for American Idol in 2006. Idol judge Simon Cowell made several comments about Mandisa’s weight after her successful audition. He first quipped, “Do we have a bigger stage this year?”
When Mandisa presented herself to the judges prior to the final cut-down to the season’s 24 semi-finalists, she told Cowell: “What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you.” Cowell told Mandisa that he was “humbled” and apologized to her immediately.
Mandisa was eliminated from the top 9 American Idol finalists even though she had never landed in the lowest three. However, she went on to be nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Album five times. She won the Grammy in 2014 for the album Overcomer.
Mandisa – Overcomer
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up …” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“… everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4
” … in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that 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
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Just Don’t Say “Jesus”
You can say “God”. You can say “the Lord”. You can say “God bless you.” Just don’t say “Jesus”. Did you ever notice what happens when someone mentions Jesus? A tension fills the room. It’s true. I wonder why that is.
I guess we don’t want to offend anyone. I suppose we don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Maybe we want to be politically correct. Whatever the reason, I think we need to think again.
The problems of the world seem hopeless. Watching the news is depressing. Crazy people kill the innocent. Gangs rule neighborhoods. Children are abused and neglected, starving for food and love.
Jesus is the answer to the problems of the world. He is Love. He is the Healer of the brokenhearted and gives hope to the hopeless. He is rest for the weary, and peace for the anxious.
Imagine what the world would be like if everyone were a Christ-follower – If the whole world loved the Lord with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves?
Imagine a world that loves Jesus.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Luke 10:27
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Eliminate Stress
1. Pray
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6 & 7
2. Memorize God’s Word
Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (verses 1 & 2)
If you make the Most High your dwelling … then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (verses 9-12)
‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’ (verse 14)
3. Praise God
Today, we are blessed to have access to so many beautiful songs of praise to our God. I play Christian music through Pandora every day. It puts my focus on the Lord and gives me peace. Try some of these stations on Pandora:
The Hymn (O What Mercy) Radio
Bill and Gloria Gaither
Christian Contemporary Radio
Hillsong United Radio
Hymns 4 Worship Radio
Laura Story Radio
Phillips Craig & Dean
Praise & Worship Medley Radio
Sandy Patty Radio
Selah Radio
Today’s Christian Hits Radio
Kari Jobe Radio
Laura Story Radio
Hymns on Piano Radio
Country Hymns Radio
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
It’s Time to Fight Back!
Have you wondered lately, “What is wrong with me? Why am I so discouraged and depressed?
If so, you could be under attack by spiritual forces of evil! The apostle Paul wrote about it in the book of Ephesians. He said,
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12
Recently, a friend said to me, “I think I’m under the attack of the devil.”
I thought, “I think I am, too!”
Thinking about how we both had really geared up our efforts to be obedient to God’s will in our lives, I realized that Satan wasn’t taking it lying down! He was trying to discourage us both! He was trying to steal the Word and wear us down.
He was putting negative thoughts in our minds! Remember: Satan is the Accuser. (Revelation 12:10) He is also the Father of Lies. (John 8:44) He will attack your thoughts. Jesus said,
“Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word …” Mark 4:15
Did the devil attack Jesus? Yes, he did. Did Jesus fight back? Yes, he did. Did the devil finally give up and leave him alone? Yes, he did!
After fasting forty days and forty nights, (Jesus) was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Mathew 4: 3-4
Three times the devil tempted Jesus, and every time Jesus quoted the Word of God to him. That’s how Jesus fought back! Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword of the Spirit (our powerful weapon) is the is the Word of God. Jesus fought the devil’s schemes with the word of God. We can, too!
Let us praise and thank the Father, in prayer, for all the promises that contradict the discouragement and lies that come from Satan.
It is written, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
Jesus has promised that if I remain in His love, my joy will be complete. (John 15:11)
It is written “God gives us endurance and encouragement.” (Romans 15:5)
By your grace, you have given us eternal encouragement and hope. (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
It is written, when I am weak, then I am strong because your power is made perfect in weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
I thank you, Father, because you are able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, I will have all that I need, and I will abound in every good work! (2 Corinthians 9:8)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength! (Philippians 4:13)
WOW! I feel better already! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Bible is full of encouragement and love for you and for me!
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Photo by Henry Hustava on Unsplash
Lord, Teach Us to Pray… (Luke 11:1)
I urgently feel the need to learn how to pray more effectively for the people God has laid upon my heart. Sisters in Christ, Join me as I ask Jesus to teach me how to pray.
O Lord, my God, teach me to pray the effective prayer that avails much! Teach me to pray in full surrender to your will! I confess that I don’t know how to pray as I should. Reveal the sin that hinders my prayer. Give me the humility to learn from You. This is the cry of my heart! I pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Although I do not want to suggest that there is a “formula” for prayer that we must adhere to, I do want to search the Word of God for direction and help to pray in the way that I should and that is pleasing to Him. After all, there are numerous references to prayer and many examples of prayer in the Scripture. Let’s look first at Jesus’ teaching on prayer:
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.” Matthew 6:6
Although I know that God hears me when I pray in my car on the way to school, I think that we must remember that we also need to make time to pray alone in a special place where we can take time to worship and listen. Jesus said, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8
” And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Answers to prayer depend, not on me, but on the love and power of the Father. And He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” Ephesians 3:20
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 KJV
So let us go to the Secret Place of the Father’s presence and speak with Him, not just to Him. Let us seek His presence and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in prayer.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Photo by Olivia Snow on Unsplash
Letters to the Atheist I Love
Do you know someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus? Maybe it’s someone you love very much. You may have prayed for this person for a long time. Maybe it’s your husband.
Someone I love very much calls himself an atheist. I want to share with you some of the letters I have written him in response to his explanations of why he doesn’t believe in God. I pray that they may help you in some way.
Dear J, You claim to be an atheist, but I don’t believe it. I think that deep down you know the truth. I’ve been through a time of doubt myself, and I think everyone has to go through doubt before faith becomes genuine.
I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. Just like you, I have also had serious problems connected to work and making a living. The only way I have been able to make it through my tough times was (and is) through my relationship with Christ.
It is knowing that God loves me, even though I don’t deserve it, that I find comfort and strength to endure the difficult times. Whenever I turn to Him, He never fails to comfort and encourage me.
During one particular crisis, I happened upon a radio station, seemingly by accident. I began to listen every morning as this minister taught about the struggles of Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37). It was amazing how this pastor encouraged me through his lessons day after day! These lessons were exactly what I needed to face my arduous situation each day.
God didn’t answer my prayers the way I hoped (and thought) He would. No, He didn’t stop the injustice. In fact, my situation ended up worse than I even imagined! But He made His love and faithfulness known to me in an awesome way. I knew in my heart and soul that He was along side of me.
Since then, I am trusting God in a way I never have before. I’m going to write down a couple of Scriptures that have given me peace. (There are many more.) I hope they will encourage you, too. I love you and I will keep praying for you.
Love, C
Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
PS: My heart has been broken many times, but the Lord has always helped me through. That is the truth.
Letter 2:
Dear J, You said you would like to have the comfort of knowing what I know and believing what I believe. You can. It is a choice to believe in Jesus, not a feeling. Anyone can know the love of God. The Bible says, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
Everyone who seeks God will find Him, but if we don’t keep in the Word of God, we won’t do very well in our walk. The Word of God is what strengthens us and it is how God encourages us. There have been many times when I prayed that God would help me believe and strengthen my faith…
I wish I could scoop you up out of your pain, but I can’t. Please start seeking God. You don’t have to be perfect. He loves you and me the way we are.
Maybe you think my life has been perfect. I can assure you it has not. God has not kept bad things from happening to me, but every time I turn to Him, I find Him. He is waiting for you to seek Him. This is what you must do.
I love you, C
Letter 3:
Dear J, I would like to have an intellectual discussion with you concerning your comment that the peace of God does not exist for you. You say you’re not an atheist by choice. Does that mean you didn’t choose to be an atheist? How is that possible? Have you made a decision that even if Christianity is truth, you don’t want any part of it? Or, have you sought God with all your heart but did not find Him? Or, did you make a decision that God does not exist based on your intellect? Or is there another reason?
I love you, C
Letter 4:
Dear J, So, my question for you is: Aren’t you curious as to why millions of people are Christians? Isn’t it at least possible they know something you don’t? You said, “I just don’t see any compelling evidence that God exists.”
You can’t determine if God exists based on the actions of “Christians”, the history of the church, the Roman Empire, Constantine, or any other historical facts and/or statistics. Knowing God is a matter of the heart. Do not be afraid to soften your heart toward God.
Love, C
Letter 5:
Dear J, I don’t know how anyone survives hard times without a relationship with Christ. (Don’t you dare stop reading this!) You keep telling me of all the misfortune and injustice in your life. I have had many experiences that were devastating at the time, but my relationship with God is what carried me through. You don’t even know about them and you don’t want to. Every time I was at one of these lowest points, God encouraged me in such a way that I knew, without a doubt, that God was there and I was not alone. Minute by minute, God knows every detail of what is going on in my life. It is God who holds my future.
It’s being able to see the blessings in my life, in spite of the negative circumstances, that enables me to endure the tough times. Later, I always realize that I have become a stronger woman because of them.
I chose to believe Him. I chose to take Him at His word. Following Jesus is not a feeling that comes over you, it is a choice. Once you make the decision to believe in Him and follow Him, then you will be able to see the compelling evidence you seek. Then you can have the comfort of knowing what I know and believing what I believe.
I love you and pray for you. C
I hope you will be encouraged to keep praying for the unbeliever you love.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Does God Really Love Me?
What would you do if you lost a 5 carat diamond ring? Would you just say, “Well I don’t see it. I guess it’s gone.” Or, would you look for it for as long as it took? Would you look everywhere or just where you stood? Would you give up after a few minutes? Of course not! You would look for it with every bit of energy in your body! How much more should we seek God with all our hearts!
Maybe you’re thinking that it’s impossible to know for sure if God is real. But, you can know! God says you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart. If you don’t know Him, you haven’t searched for Him with all your heart. But if you will seek to know Him, you will find Him. I think people who say they don’t believe in God haven’t taken God at His word and opened their hearts so that they might know the One true God and Jesus Christ His Son.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Jesus taught His disciples saying, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God]…” Matthew 6:33
God loves you more than you can imagine! He loved you enough to die for you, knowing you could reject Him and His love. How do I know that? The Scripture plainly tells us of God’s great love.
“But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Amplified Bible
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 1:9 NIV
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV
Did you know that you cannot love God if you don’t love Jesus? “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” 1 John 5:1
“The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] 1 John 4:8 AMP
The Psalmist writes, “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 108:
With Love, Cindy
This is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, you can do it now. He loves you more than you can comprehend, and it will change your life forever.
“IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, ‘JESUS IS LORD,’ AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED. FOR IT IS WITH YOUR HEART THAT YOU BELIEVE AND ARE JUSTIFIED, AND IT IS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOU CONFESS AND ARE SAVED. AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.” ROMANS 10:9-11
realchristianwomen.blog
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