Tag: love

Christian

Is God Testing My Faith?

Cindy Dawson

I proclaim that I trust God. I urge others to trust Him, too. But what if God asks me to do something I don’t want to do, something really difficult? Is God testing my faith? Will I pass the test?

Charles Stanley said, “The only way to know how much faith you have is to have it tested.”

But suddenly, doubt shows its ugly head and you think, “Is this really God’s will? I need an angelic visit to know for sure.”

But will God send an angel? Probably not. So can we trust the witness of the Holy Spirit within us?

Jesus said,

“ … I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth … you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17

Questions of doubt will wreak havoc in your mind if you let them. Instead, we must depend on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to strengthen our spirit.

The key word in faith is focus.

Dr. Charles Stanley

Where is our focus? Are we focused on God? Or, are we focused on what brings more doubt? When the disciples were in the storm, what was their focus? Was it on Jesus or was it on circumstances? Jesus had just healed all the sick when they set out in a boat. When a storm arose, the disciples woke Jesus and said, “Lord save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He rebuked the wind and the waves and it was completely calm.” (Matthew 8:24-26)

They had been focused on the winds and waves, not on Jesus who was right there with them.

CONSIDER ABRAHAM

Abraham may have had similar doubts when God told him to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. But,

 “(Abraham) said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Genesis 22:5 NIV

Abraham believed that God would provide the sacrifice and He and Issac would both return. And they did.

Is your faith being tested? Is God asking you to trust Him? Will you trust Him to guide you? To protect you? Do you have faith in His faithfulness?

FAITH IN HIS FAITHFULNESS

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Hebrews 11:11 NIV

“Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
    as enduring as the earth you created.” Psalm 119:90 NLT

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 NIV

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

He promises to guide us. Will we believe that promise even when it’s difficult? Jesus said,

” … when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8 NIV

“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 NIV

“The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 NLT

TRUST GOD WITHOUT FEAR

“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.‘” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV

“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid …” Hebrews 11:23 NIV

“By faith (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger …” Hebrews 11:27 NIV

“For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.” 2 Timothy 1:7 TLB

WHAT I LEARNED:

  1. God will test our faith. He already knows what we will do, but we will learn ourselves how much faith we have.
  2. He is faithful. He has promised to lead us and guide us in the way we should go. We must trust in His faithfulness and love.
  3. We must trust God without fear.
  4. We must focus on His promises, the Word of Truth. 
My Prayer

Your love, O God,
Will hold us near.
It shields us from
our darkest fears.

In times of darkness
Where I can't see,
Your loving eye
Will watch for me.

When I can't see
What lies ahead,
I'll trust you, Lord,
And what You've said.

Your promises 
Are my delight.
They guide my way.
They are my light.

With my whole heart
I trust in you.
Your loving hands
Will see us through.

Your faithful love
Forever watches
Your precious child
In all Earth's places.

My Song 🎶   Your Love, Oh God

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: WHO IS JESUS?

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Christian

A Verse for Today, 2/6/20

Cindy Dawson

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
    that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
12 For you bless the godly, O Lord;
    you surround them with your shield of love.” Psalm 5:11-12 NLT

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

Discerning Believers Beware

Cindy Dawson

What started out as pleasant conversation ended in hurt feelings, tears, misunderstanding, and a chill between myself and someone I dearly love. Oh, how I wished I could take back my words!

I apologized, but the damage was already done. A heated theological discussion got out of hand and it was my fault. It wasn’t as much what I said, but how I presented it.

My harsh comments about a popular preacher with whom I disagree did more harm than good. My friend was hurt by what I said about someone she liked and learned from. I realized I had approached it all wrong. And now I couldn’t get out of my mess.

The next day, quite by “accident”, I stumbled across something written by Hannah Anderson. Her words stung. I want to share them with you.

Discerning people use their insight to serve those around them . . . They use knowledge to build up and unify – not tear down or create division . . . Sometimes this means having the patience to wait while others think through what you already know . . . Sometimes it means foregoing your preferences for the good of others. Sometimes it might even mean being misunderstood precisely because others can’t yet see what you do . . . They resist the temptation to flaunt knowledge or prove themselves right.”

Hannah Anderson, All That’s Good

All I can say is, “Ouch!”

(Side note: It always amazes me how God will put something I need to know right before my eyes even though I wasn’t looking for it!)

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 NIV

Yes, God pruned the branches that needed pruning so that I would bear more fruit. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.

We must learn what it means to love one another in every form it might take. Even in speaking Truth, we must think of others above ourselves. We must always ask ourselves, “Am I walking in love?”

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 ESV

I think of the Apostle Paul who said,

“Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” 1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV

Am I saying we shouldn’t speak the Truth? Not at all! The Bible teaches us to correct and rebuke.

“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.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.  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 4:2-4 NIV

What I Learned

  1. People who are hungry for God often read lots of books by Bible Teachers and listen to a variety of popular preachers. Be careful in your zeal for Truth not to crush their spirit.
  2. Give careful thought to how you approach a controversial topic.
  3. You don’t have to share everything you know. Sometimes it’s best to stay silent. Build on the Truth you share.
  4. Discussions go best when your opinion is asked for.

May the Lord speak to our hearts and teach us how to interact with one another in love. May we become more like Him everyday, overflowing with humility, gentleness, respect, patience and kindness.

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  

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Christian

A Verse For Today, 1/16/20

Cindy Dawson

“Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:12 NIV

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

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Christian

A Verse For Today, 12/31/19

Cindy Dawson

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 NIV

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  

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Christian

You Rescued Me

Cindy Dawson

You brought me out of sin and shame. 

You saw me there and called my name.

You rescued me from hurt and pain.

You found me and you broke my chains.  

Replacing them with peace and joy, 

My Savior’s love I’d now enjoy.

I had wasted many years, 

but you were there to calm my fears. 

Now, all my life I’ll praise your Name 

For you, O Lord, My life reclaimed.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,” Galatians 1:3-4 NIV

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,” Colossians 1:13 NIV

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

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		Christian
A Verse For Today, 12/24/19
	


	

							

			 Cindy Dawson		
		
		

			

“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:33b-34 NIV





CONTEXT: Jeremiah prophesied concerning the New Covenant instituted through the blood of Christ. For all who are in Christ, God will forgive their sins and remember them no more!





With Love, 





Cindy





This Is My Journey Unscripted.










Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?





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		Christian
His Grace Is Greater Than All My Doubts
	


	

							

			 Cindy Dawson		
		
		

			

“My heart is overflowing with a beautiful thought! I will write a lovely poem to the King, for I am as full of words as the speediest writer pouring out his story.” Psalm 45:1 TLB





 God's grace is greater than all my doubts.
 Only He can drive them out.
 I pray for what I cannot see
 And trust the One who set me free. 

 I fall before the throne of grace
 Boldly asking for a place
 That quiets all my hurts and fears
 That this world brings with all its tears. 

 What promise shall we not believe?
 He gave His life upon a tree
 That you and I would always know
 The greatest love He could bestow. 

 So doubt I tell you, "You must go!"
 I turn to Him, because He knows
 The secrets bound inside my soul.
 There's nothing that He does not know. 

 My Savior calls me by my name.
 He takes my hand and heals my shame.
 He says to me, "I understand.
 I know the pain this life demands." 

"Come to me and make your plea
Nothing is too hard for me.
Come to me and you will know
The peace and love that heals your soul."












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  





1st Photo by John Jennings on Unsplash





2nd Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

		


			
		
	






			

			
							
		

	
	

		Christian
Lord, Teach Me to Pray
	


	

							

			 Cindy Dawson		
		
		

			

[Friends,  Because I have been out of state for the last month, helping my dad with medical issues, I have had to repost several times. Today, as I searched for the right post, I was reminded how we often put pressure on ourselves to “pray right” as if answers depended on how good we pray. But, God reminds me that  He knows our heart and what we need, regardless of how we might stumble along. I pray that you will be encouraged and know that God is working whether you see it or not.]





Two and a half  years ago, I had no idea I was going to write a blog. I had no idea my daughter would lead worship in my church. I had no idea God was getting ready to change my life and hers. 





But God’s plan was working all along, even though I was completely unaware of what He was doing! He already knew these things would happen. 





That’s what faith is: being sure of things unseen. (I’m sure He is working, I just can’t see it now. )





I have frequently prayed and asked God to do many things, but I haven’t always seen the answers I hoped for when I hoped for. In frustration, I asked Jesus to teach me to pray.





I learned I was right to ask Jesus to teach me how to pray. He has already taught me something new! Jesus said, 





“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9-10 NIV





What does that have to do with effectual prayer? Everything! Because, I don’t need to go to God with a list of things for Him to do. What do the words mean “hallowed be your name”? Hallowed means: honored as holy, blessed, greatly revered, respected, honored and worshiped. 





Let’s think about that for a minute. When we go to the Father in prayer, let us worship Him. Let us adore Him and recognize the character of our God. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise.





Then Jesus said, 





“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” 





God has shown me that the key to effectual prayer is not about me. It’s not about my ability to pray. It’s about Him! I’ve been too focused on myself instead of on Him!  





Let Jesus teach us to pray. Let us worship the Father. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise. Then, let us pray for His will to be done in our life, in our church, in our city, and all over the world. He has a plan that is better than all we can ask or imagine! 





“Now to him who 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 NIV





The words of the hymn are true, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” But, let us have a new and deeper revelation of His greatness and love. Let us revere and love Him as we should. We can find words to praise Him throughout the Psalms! Here are just a few key verses:





“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens…. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him… that you care for him?” Psalm 8:1-4 NIV





“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise….” Psalm 18:1-3a NIV





“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.” Psalm 25:1-2a NIV





“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep…. How priceless is your unfailing love!” Psalm 36:5-7 NIV





With Love, 





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This Is My Journey Unscripted.










Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?





realchristianwomen.blog  

		


			
		
	






			

			
							
		

	
	

		Christian
Integrity Isn’t For Cowards
	


	

							

			 Cindy Dawson		
		
		

			

Integrity means doing what is right even when it hurts. It means being honest and dependable, all the time. It means people can always trust you to do the right thing. It’s the best reputation you could possibly have.





“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” C.S. Lewis





The Bible teaches us to have integrity in everything we do.





“Because of my integrity you uphold me
    and set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12 NIV





“The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:3 NIV





“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV





In May of 2005 American professional tennis player Andy Roddick was playing Fernando Verdasco, of Spain in the Masters tennis tournament in Rome, Italy.  Roddick was the number one seed in the tournament and a heavy favorite to win the match. 





Roddick dominated as expected and had triple match point when something extremely unusual happened.  Roddick couldn’t return Verdasco’s hard second serve but the linesman called the serve out and awarded Roddick the point and the match.





With the crowd cheering Verdasco ran to the net to shake Roddick’s hand and congratulate him on his victory.  However, Roddick knew something that the linesman, the umpire, the cheering crowd, and Verdasco himself didn’t know.  The serve had not been out, but had hit on the line, making it in. 





Roddick could have kept this information to himself and accepted the victory.  Instead he informed the umpire that the ball had been in and offered to show him the mark on the clay where the ball had hit.  The umpire reversed the call and awarded the point to Verdasco. 





Having been given a second chance Verdasco made the most of it.  He came back to win the game, the set, and the match giving him a highly improbable victory, especially considering not long before he had been standing at the net ready to concede.





Sportswriter Frank DeFord estimates Roddick’s honesty cost him  “tens of thousands of dollars;” perhaps much more if he had gone on to win the tournament.  Integrity was clearly more important to Roddick than either winning or money. 










Do we do the right thing, even when it isn’t to our advantage? 





It is imperative that we model integrity for our children. Mark Musser said, “Children who see parents model care, love, respect, generosity, self-control, integrity, and faith in Christ are much more likely to exhibit those traits in their own lives.”





It is amazing how much children copy their parents. This is nowhere more evident than in the school setting. I’m pretty sure a teacher must have thought up the saying: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”!





I suspect that if we really knew how true this was, we would be far more careful how we conducted our lives. 





The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV





Teach us Lord to have integrity in all that we do. Create in us the character of Christ. Renew our minds according to your Word. In Jesus’ Name,  Amen





With Love, 





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This Is My Journey Unscripted.










Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?





realchristianwomen.blog  





 Featured Photo by Ben White on Unsplash