Tag: love

Christian

Parenting Teens Isn’t For Wimps

Cindy Dawson

Do your kids have secrets they don’t share with you? Well, I don’t know about you, but I certainly didn’t tell my parents everything I did! And I was a “good” kid (well, at least until I went away to college).

In the day we live it is more important than ever to talk to your kids and build up trust so they will tell you about school and their friends. Your kids need to be unafraid of how you will respond. They need to be able to voice their concerns to someone they know loves them.

If they say something shocking, don’t overreact! Take a deep breath and try to keep the conversation calm so you can discuss what they said. (Kids have been known to try to shock their parents.)

Consider this snippet from a real conversation between a mother and her young married daughter, Jane. (Names have been changed.)

Mom: “Are you and Bob going to church?” (This isn’t the first time Mom has asked this question!)

Jane: “Not really.”

Mom: “You need to go to church! It’s really important. Blah, blah, blah”

Jane: “I don’t know if I even believe in God!”

Mom freaks out and starts yelling! “You’re not my daughter! I don’t have a daughter!”

Jane storms out of the house, and they don’t speak for over a year!

Now here’s the backstory: Jane was a Christian, but she was seriously questioning her belief in God. She accepted Jesus as a child, but she never had the support she needed to grow and mature in Christ. She needed someone to listen to her concerns.

Jesus didn’t abandon Jane. He watched over her for many years until she found her way back to Him. (He is the most faithful friend you could ever have.) Not many years later, Jane returned to church and eventually became involved in ministry.

So, if your child says something shocking that makes you want to scream, see it as an opportunity for them to think through what they said with someone who loves them.

“Be merciful to those who doubt” Jude 1:22 NIV

 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

The demands on parents today can be overwhelming, especially on moms. I know what it’s like to lose my cool. We’ve all done it!

My advice is to prepare ahead of time for how you will respond to an outrageous remark from your teen, because it will probably happen eventually. When something comes at us out of the blue and we are caught off guard, our response may be less than stellar.

“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,” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

Did you know? The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Wisdom for Wednesday, 10/14/26

Cindy Dawson

From the Proverbs of Solomon

“He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 17:9 AMP

The first thing people often do when they are offended is to complain to others about it. That’s why this is one of Satan’s favorite tricks, and he often uses it in the church. But when we love instead, that’s spiritual warfare!

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Remember October 7

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, October 7, 2026

“October 7 was not merely a massacre of Jews. It was also an assault on common sense, decency, truth, and history. For some, “Free Palestine” has become a new religion, invoked to justify violence and extreme cruelty. It has become an identity for those who feel alienated, offering a cause to embrace while rejecting the love of the truth that could save them.”

Amir Tsarfati, from his Telegram page

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

Did you know? The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

RealChristianWomen.blog


Christian, Christians and Jews

Love Your Enemies

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Thursday, 10/1/26

Sometimes, people change God’s Word just a little to make it say what they want it to say.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” Matthew 5:43-46

This correction came as a result of the Jews changing Leviticus 19:18 from

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” to “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”

Because they had suffered so much oppression from their enemies, they decided it was God’s will to love Jews but hate everybody else!

But God said what He meant and meant what He said. God’s Word is true. You can put complete trust in His Word.

“May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;
 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.” Psalm 119:41-42

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

All Scriptures from the NIV. Emphasis mine.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Seek God With Diligence

Cindy Dawson

Wednesday’s Wisdom for 9/30/26

“I love those who love me;
And those who diligently seek me will find me.” Proverbs 8:17 NASB

“If you wish to know God, you must know his Word. ” Charles Spurgeon

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Worshae on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Christians and Jews

Oh, Praise the Lord, He Lifted Me!

Cindy Dawson

Monday’s Meditation for 9/21/26

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
    out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
    They will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3 NLT

My Thoughts: This is King David’s testimony, but it is also my testimony. Is it yours?

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

The Impact of Gossip on Relationships

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 8/25/26

Someone once said:

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”

Conclusion: Gossip – constantly talking about other people – is the lowest form of conversation.

“A gossip betrays a confidence,
    but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Proverbs 11:13 NIV

“A perverse person stirs up conflict,
    and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28 NIV

Gossip may be interesting and entertaining, but it hurts the person being talked about.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

God Has Plans for You

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, 8/12/26

“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” Corrie Ten Boom

In her famous book, The Hiding Place, Corrie reveals the horrors of the Holocaust along with the miracle of God’s love.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Should the Church Preach Politics?

Cindy Dawson

One Sunday morning, I attended church virtually. The pastor delivered a powerful message that pointed to Christ. After that, another church service started. That pastor presented a powerful message, too, but powerful in a different way. I listened for a while, but I could hardly believe what I heard coming from the pulpit. It sounded more like a political rally than a church service.

I think we should carefully consider whether the local church should take a political stand. The United States is very divided right now along political lines.

The political preacher I referenced above really got under my skin because his beliefs were the opposite of mine. I know of another case where a Sunday School teacher took a political stance, but not everyone in this adult class agreed. This caused conflict between class members.

The temperature of political talk in the U.S. right now is hot! You can easily get into an argument, even with people in your own party! Emotions are high, and people are opinionated and outspoken.

So the question arises: Is the local church the place for political discussion and persuasion?

The U.S. is pretty much divided 50/50 politically. The way I figure it, a politically opinionated church will turn off all visitors of the opposite side. Do we really want to do that? Is our purpose political persuasion or sharing Christ? Does political persuasion turn people of differing opinions away? You bet it does!

I would suggest that preaching politics only encourages people who agree, and does nothing to change anyone’s mind.

The local church should be open to people of all political persuasions in an effort to lead people to Christ, disciple them, and teach the Word of God.

The point is this: If a church takes a political position, it shuts the door to about half of the people who might potentially attend and be led to Christ. Wouldn’t that slam the door in the face of many lost souls?

Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus preach politics, nor does He command His disciples to do so. He is our example. His purpose was to save the lost, not to change the government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was brutal and cruel, yet Jesus did not set out to change it. He was changing hearts.

We are commanded to love: Love our neighbor, love the Body of Christ, and even love our enemies. Our assignment is clear.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

The only hope for our nation is Jesus Christ. And not Jesus Christ dictated from Congress or the White House, but Jesus alive in us and our neighbors. And the only way for that to happen is for you and me to focus on making disciples by loving and reaching to people of all walks of life and background, regardless of their lifestyle, choices or political opinions. And, in order to do that, we have to tone down our politics and turn up our Jesus.”

Daryl Fulp, Missionary

Let us strive to obey the commands that Jesus has given us, and put our trust in Him alone.

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

This Story Could Transform the Way You See Others

Cindy Dawson

Devotional for Friday, 7/31/26

Do you see others the way Jesus sees them? After you read this story, you may change your answer.

As I waited for my daughter in the Walgreens parking lot, I noticed a young man walking up and down the busy street carrying a sign that said, “Homeless”. I tried to dismiss the idea of talking to him, thinking my daughter would walk out of the store any minute.

But she didn’t. I kept waiting, and finally, I grabbed a $5 bill out of my purse and stepped out of my car to talk to him. I asked him if he was from around here. He wasn’t. I asked him about his parents. He said his father was deceased and his mother wouldn’t have anything to do with him because of drugs. I asked him what brought him to town, and he said he was here for the methadone clinic. I gave him the $5 and told him I would be praying for him. He seemed very grateful. His name is Michael.

I rarely do this kind of thing. I give to the poor through other means. The thing is, I can’t get Michael out of my mind. God keeps reminding me to pray for him. I don’t know what makes him special; I just know that I’m supposed to pray for him. I may never see him again, but if I do, I trust God to help me know what to say and do.

The next day, I ran across the following story, and it made me think about Michael in a completely different way.

As a man explored caves by the seashore, he found a canvas bag full of hardened clay balls. Apparently, someone had rolled the clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn’t look like much, but intrigued, the man took the bag. 

As he strolled along the beach, he threw the balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it until he dropped one and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Delighted, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each one contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so balls he had left.

Then it struck him. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 balls with their hidden treasure out into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

This story made me think. Michael is like one of the clay balls. He doesn’t look like much on the outside, but there is treasure on the inside for the simple reason that he is loved by God. And God has a purpose for his life. We can look at someone and think we see all there is to see. But the truth is, there is always a lot more that we don’t see.

I pray that this story will change the way we see others, making us more approachable so that we can better love like Jesus. Because isn’t judging what makes us unapproachable? It’s something to think about……

May we be transformed!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog