Tag: hope

Christian

Praising God Through Music

Cindy Dawson

“I don’t care where it is, what part of the world it’s in, if we have a praise church we’ll have successful Christianity.” Dwight L. Moody 

I believe that today, more than ever, God is calling us to praise and worship Him with our whole heart. The Bible says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise…” Psalm 100:4

When I studied this verse, I discovered something interesting. “Courts” in Hebrew is chatser. Strong’s Hebrew dictionary defines it “a yard (enclosed by a fence)”. The definition of gate is, “a movable barrier, usually on hinges, closing an opening in a fence, wall, or other enclosure”.

Through thanksgiving and praise, we open a gate and enter a place of nearness to God.

I thank God for the special closeness I feel when I praise and worship Him in song. I thank Him for all the words of encouragement He has so clearly spoken to my heart during these times of worship.

Recently, as I sang these words, I understood deep in my heart that God has been watching over me, through it all, for the last six decades. It couldn’t have been any more powerful if an angel had appeared and spoke it aloud.

“No power of hell, No scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand!” 

(from In Christ Alone, by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend)

Although he has tried relentlessly, Satan has not been able to take me away from God.  When circumstances were cruel, God was stronger. When my flesh was weak, God was stronger. When I stumbled, God picked me up.

I believe that anointed worship leaders are a gift from God to the Church. They are using their gifts to build up the Church. Embracing this gift is my gift to Him because I love Him.

I would like to thank Sue Love for asking me to participate in the 3-Day Challenge. Sue writes with the insight that comes from suffering abuse; and the healing that comes only through Christ.  She is a Christian woman who has learned to lean on Jesus to survive. She has also been a minister her whole life. You will be blessed by her blogs Walking Wounded and Run With It.

And now, I would like to nominate Vickie for the 3-Day Challenge. Her blog is a book review that I was very excited to discover! If you like to read, this is the place to go!  Vickie’s Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Be sure and visit these great blogs today!

With Love, 

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This is My Journey Unscripted.

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

realchristianwomen.blog 

1st photo credit Matt Botsford on Unsplash

Christian

What’s Your Story?

Cindy Dawson

“Our stories matter … Your stories matter … for you just never know how much of a difference they make, and to whom …” Caroline Joy Adams

God teaches me through the many stories I read on WordPress. Recently, God showed me how easily I can misjudge someone. (Ouch!)

I made an assumption about a blogger, only to find out later that the exact opposite was true. How? By reading her story. This taught me something important about myself that I needed to know: Don’t think you can size someone up based on outward appearance.

Over the last year, God has been teaching me about judging others. We can not influence someone if we are judging them.

God’s Word says, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Thank you, Sue Love, for sharing your story.

As we share our hearts and our love for Christ through our blogs, may God use our words to bring encouragement and love to those who need it most.

This is Day 1 of my 3-Day Challenge. I would like to nominate Emeka Ofili. Emeka  shares inspiration, teaching, and music, but most importantly news stories about the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ that you won’t read about in the news.

With Love, 

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This is My Journey Unscripted.

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

realchristianwomen.blog 

photo credit: eye for ebony on unsplash

Christian

He Remembers Our Sins No More

Cindy Dawson

Today’s post isn’t for everyone. If you grew up in church and lived life on the straight and narrow, this post may not interest you. But if you made major detours from the right path like I did, this is for you. Or if you know someone who thinks their sin is too great for God to forgive, pass this on.

In your past, did you commit a sin that haunts you? You may have asked Jesus to forgive you, but you can’t forgive yourself. I’m not talking about some little thing. I’m talking about something big, something that you can’t believe you were capable of.

Let God’s Words speak to your heart today:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love…
 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;  Psalm 103:8-13

Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

 

All of us are capable of doing things that we would like to forget (usually done to save ourselves from pain or trouble). We justify our behavior in our mind. “I had to do it. There was no other way. I needed this.”

King David committed adultery and murder. Yes, a man “after God’s own heart” did this! In Psalm 51:14-17 David wrote,

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
 Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

A Prayer

Dear Lord,     I stand in awe of your great love. You forgive my sins and remember them no more. Great is your love, O God. Who can understand your great mercy? Without it surely I would die in anguish, but your forgiveness and mercy washed over me and made me clean.

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7 NLT

No matter how great your sin, God will forgive you. God isn’t waiting to judge you. He isn’t waiting to condemn you. He wants to receive you – with mercy, with love, with open arms.

With Love, 

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This is My Journey Unscripted.

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

realchristianwomen.blog

Christian

Don’t Give Out (Or Give Up!)

Cindy Dawson

I had been seeking the Lord for several long weeks about something very important. I wanted to quit what I had been doing for three years. I was someplace I believed God had sent me, but I didn’t really see any results from my hard work. I was tired of it! Stressed out! There were other things I’d rather do!

Finally, I realized God was saying, “No”.

For several days I felt really sad. What I thought I wanted and desperately needed was not to be, at least not right now.

Then yesterday, my daughter sent me a text that said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

It spoke directly into my life. I know God will give me the strength and enthusiasm I need to accomplish the task.

There are people all around us who need encouragement and support. They need inspiration and strength. Over the years,  people have sent me a note or said something that was so encouraging to me. It was just what I needed that day.

I believe these acts of encouragement are orchestrated by God. The sender may just feel a nudge from God or hear the still, quiet voice. It is often unknown to the sender just how vital the message really is.

You may need the same encouragement that I did. You may pray and work hard in your mission field without seeing the results you so deeply desire. But, God’s Word challenges us to not give up.

Yes, we want to see big things happen. We want to see revival in our midst! That can only be accomplished by God. Our part is to be obedient, pray, and study His Word..

God’s timing is flawless. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

mathew-schwartz-625805-unsplash

It is time for our hope and strength to be renewed. Remember! “… at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

With Love, 

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This is My Journey Unscripted.

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

realchristianwomen.blog 

Eagle Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

Raccoon Photo by Successfully Canadian on Unsplash

Christian

Captured Teen Refuses to Deny Christ

Cindy Dawson

via Warning to President Buhari over kidnapped Leah

Christian

A Broken Heart

Cindy Dawson

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

Christian

Promises That Will Encourage You To Keep Praying for Someone You Love

Cindy Dawson

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  

Christian

You Are an Overcomer

Cindy Dawson

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  

Christian

Just Don’t Say “Jesus”

Cindy Dawson

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  

Christian

Eliminate Stress

Cindy Dawson

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