Christian

Reflecting on God’s Creation

1-minute devotion for 10/26/25

“When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4

Facts you may not know:  

  1. Every star you see in the night sky is bigger and brighter than our sun! (according to NASA)
  2. Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars – that’s a one followed by 24 zeros.

How great is our God!

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

How Can I Effectively Engage in Conversations About God?

Have you ever tried to engage in a conversation about God’s Word with someone who held a different view, only to be shot down before you even got started? I have – on more than one occasion!

I have discovered that taking an authoritative stance usually shuts down any further discussion. And interrupting is a huge mistake. So what should we do?

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone..” Colossians 4:5-6 Read full chapter

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1Peter 3:15 Read full chapter

Greg Koukl, in his book TACTICS says this,

“Using simple leading questions is an almost effortless way to ease spiritual topics into a conversation…without seeming abrupt, rude, or pushy. Questions are engaging and interactive, probing yet amicable.”

Jesus often used questions in His interactions with a hostile crowd. Here are a few examples:

 “I will also ask you a question. Tell me:  John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” Luke 20:3-4

“He saw through their duplicity and said to them,  “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” Luke 20:23-24 Read full chapter

“Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” Mark 2:9 Read full chapter

We can learn a lot about why a person believes what he does by asking questions. Most people are only too glad to have an opportunity to express their beliefs.

When you ask a question, you are showing interest in that person, and it’s an invitation to thoughtful dialog. Koukl suggests nicely asking questions like:

  1. How did you come to that conclusion?
  2. Why do you say that?
  3. I’m curious, What do you mean by that?
  4. What do you mean by (fill in the blank) evolution, evil, etc.

“It is not the Christian life to wound, embarrass, or play one-upmanship with colleagues, friends, or even opponents, but it’s a common vice that anyone can easily fall into.” Hugh Hewitt

I used to think that if the conversation didn’t go anywhere, the other person was just unreasonable. In other words, it was their fault we couldn’t have a friendly discussion. But now, I realize that it was really my fault because I didn’t know how to engage in a conversation with someone who has differing views. But I am learning.

The big takeaway for me was this: Instead of immediately correcting or quoting Scripture, ask questions. That way, you will have a better understanding of why they believe what they believe and where the weaknesses are in their viewpoint. I have barely touched the surface on what Koukl can teach us. I hope you will look at the free sample.

I highly recommend Greg Koukl’s book TACTICS. Read a sample HERE.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

To Be Approved by God

1-minute devotion for Friday, 10/24/25

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

The Greek word translated be diligent is spoudazo. It means to be diligent, eager, earnest, or to exert oneself with haste and zeal to accomplish something. It encapsulates the idea of giving one’s best effort, not just working hard but doing so with a focused intention, often driven by a desire or need. 

What is it we are trying to accomplish? It is to accurately handle the word of truth and so be approved by God. And what if we don’t? Someday we will stand before God and be ashamed.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

A Word of Wisdom

Quote of the Week for 10/22/25

Footnotes

  1. Genesis 41:51 Manasseh sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for forget.
  2. Genesis 41:52 Ephraim sounds like the Hebrew for twice fruitful.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Finding Hope: A Personal Testimony

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 10/21/25

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2 NIV

I remember the first time I read these verses and the awe I felt knowing this was my testimony. In one of my oldest Bibles, it was dated 1984, 1986, and 1988. God’s Word is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Storing God’s Word in Our Hearts

1-minute devotion for Monday, 10/20/25

“I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11 NIV Read full chapter

May our hearts be a storehouse of God’s Word so that the Holy Spirit can bring to mind the verses necessary for our guidance.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Where Hopes Lie (a Lament)

By Craig Sabin

I never knew, how my hopes grew,
so silently they spread.
Like ivy leaves on chimney wall
they grew inside my head.
Until the bitter breezes blew,
and left them all for dead.
I felt them shrivel up and fall,
and it was then I knew,
that down inside my hopes had died,
and they were mine
no more.
Whole fleets of expectations, 
like hungry merchant ships,
had sailed into my harbor heart, 
and docked among the slips.
They'd tied themselves with sailor's art 
to wait their promised store.
And when, with hulls still empty,
they were ordered to depart, 
they rose in bloody mutiny 
and stormed upon the shore. 
Oh how they wailed, 
and loud their cries 
for longings unfulfilled, 
as vacant satisfaction's lies 
slipped through their hands 
like desert sands, 
to lie 
upon the floor. 
Enough. 
Delib'rately 
I turn my eyes 
away from where 
lament was spent, 
and to the place my certain home 
lies high above the skies, 
where moth and rust do not destroy 
and thieves can steal 
no more. 
The kingdom of the Righteous One, 
whose lips can form no lies,
prepares for me a mansion, grand,
and beckons me with outstretched hand
up where ev'ry shattered hope
becomes a bright kaleidoscope,
there stands, for me,
an open door.

"See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Chapter 3, Verse 8

Craig Sabin is my favorite poet. His poetry touches my heart. It will touch your heart, too. Read Craig’s story at the post below.

https://brocraigblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/30/where-hopes-lie-a-lament/

In His Love, Cindy


Christian

A Letter To Persecuted Christians

1-minute devotion for Friday, 10/17/25

Today, I am writing specifically to persecuted Christians around the world. My prayer is that these precious Words from God will encourage you and strengthen you through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 Read full chapter

“To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:1-4

I noticed that James’ letter is addressed to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” They were scattered throughout the Roman world because of persecution. Some of you know that kind of persecution today. There are many Christians around the world who are praying earnestly for you.

” … we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:18-19

May God bless you and keep you. May He strengthen you and give you hope as you trust in Him.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

God Is With Us in Every Trial

1-minute devotion for Thursday, 10/16/25

“Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me” Psalm 23:4a (emphasis mine)

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of Auschwitz Concentration Camp said,

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

How Can We Become the Mature Body of Christ?

Quote of the Week for 10/15/25

“Open war is upon us and has been for a number of years. But we possess a power that no other in the world can rival. … We have the objective source of truth. We have a North Star that pulls us back when we wander too far afield, that ensures that we fight the right battles in the right way. We have the Word that is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12) The time has come to pick up that sword and unashamedly use it against the cunning and craftiness of people who would see us blown here and there by every wind of teaching, and to pursue what our Lord calls us to in Ephesians 4:15-16.

 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Megan Basham, from her excellent book, SHEPHERDS FOR SALE

Read a sample HERE.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.