Tag: love

Christian

The Holy Spirit Our Helper & Guide

Cindy Dawson

I went to my office, lay my head down on my Bible, and sighed in defeat, “Lord, I don’t know what to do!” As soon as the words slipped out of my mouth, I remembered something that I had read earlier in the day.

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you!” 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

When King Jehoshaphat was warned that a vast army was coming against him, he was alarmed and resolved to inquire of the Lord. He called a fast for all of Judah, and the people came together to seek God.

King Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly and cried out to God in prayer. He ended the prayer with these words:

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you!”

I quickly found the passage in my Bible and read it over and over. God was telling me what to do: Keep my eyes on Him! I can do that! Immediately, my anxiety melted away. My fear disappeared, and I felt the comfort only God can provide.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” John 14:26 NASB

The Greek word translated “helper” is Paraklētos (παράκλητος). It is a Greek term, commonly translated as Advocate, Helper, Counselor, or Comforter. Literally meaning “called alongside.” It refers to someone summoned to aid another.

The Holy Spirit will bring Scripture to your mind. The better you know the Bible, the more often this will happen. The Holy Spirit has reminded me of specific verses that applied to my situation many times.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 NIV

You might be wondering what happened to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah when they fixed their eyes on the Lord rather than on the problem.

This is what the Lord said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (v15) Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.”(v17)

“Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. . . Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord . . . ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (v18 & 21)

Read more about Jehoshaphat’s battle here. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)

When we realize it isn’t within our own ability to fix the problem and we don’t know what to do, that’s when we can depend completely on the Lord.

When our battle is too hard, let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us worship His holiness, thank Him, praise Him, and give Him glory.

In His Love, Cindy

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

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

The Rise of Antisemitism: Why We Must Speak Out

Cindy Dawson

The FBI reported that anti-Jewish hate crimes reached a record high in 2024, making up nearly 70% of all religion-based hate crimes despite Jews being only 2% of the population.

FIRST THEY CAME

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Niemöller’s poem has inspired people around the world to speak up for others when they face discrimination. A complicated figure, initially an antisemitic Nazi supporter, his views changed when he was imprisoned in a concentration camp for speaking out against Nazi control of churches.

We must learn from experiences like his to understand how the Holocaust happened.

Current Trends and Data

College campuses in the U.S. saw an 84% increase in incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year

In 2024, in the U.S., the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents, the highest since tracking began in 1979.

Following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, several countries reported unprecedented spikes. For example, France saw a 1,000% increase in incidents in late 2023. The U.S. saw a 140% increase.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV

Remember The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Read it HERE.

When no one speaks out against evil, evil proceeds unhindered.

Will you speak out?

In His Love, Cindy

You can read Niemoller’s life story here: Pastor Martin Niemöller

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Protection Through God’s Faithfulness

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 3/10/26

“He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV

“A mother bird spreads her wings over her fledglings to protect them from storm and predator. She will allow herself to be wounded to protect them.” (Jeremiah Study Bible notes)

In His Love, Cindy

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

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

Fighting the Culture of Sin With Love

Cindy Dawson

Reflection for Monday, 3/9/26

 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV Read full chapter

To affirm transgenderism or homosexual behavior is not love. Sin brings pain and heartache. It always does. That’s why God warns us against it.

Pastor David Jeremiah says, “This is the way sin works: it comes covered in an attractive veneer that hides its evil and hideous consequences.”

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth … ” Romans 1:18 See Romans 1:18-32.

The following video describes the painful experience of a 12-year-old girl who was encouraged to undergo trans surgery and immediately regretted it. If you know of a child who is considering doing this, watch this video.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn why Jesus came to the earth, 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

Christian

Fight For Your Pastor!

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for 3/8/26

“Fight for your pastor by praying for him, acknowledging that “the person who is under more satanic attack than anyone else you know is your pastor. The person whose faith Satan wants to derail the most is your pastor. The person whose marriage Satan would most like to wreck, whose kids he most wants to cause to rebel, whom he most wants to discourage is your pastor. You need to fight in prayer for your pastor.”

Peter Orr, from his book, Fight For Your Pastor

In his letters to the churches, the apostle Paul repeatedly asked for prayer.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30

( See also Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1).

In His Love, Cindy

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Jews

Understanding the Shepherd and the Sheep

Cindy Dawson

“I have concluded based on my years of experience that sheep are stupid. Not just stupid but mind-numbingly stupid— sometimes I wonder how they manage to breathe and eat.” Glenn Brunkow, Rancher

And this is the animal God chose to represent humans?! But when you examine their relationship with the Shepherd, you will understand why.

Our brother in Christ, Alan Kearns, posted the movie below on his excellent blog, Devotional Treasure. For those of you who have not seen it, you are in for a real treat!

This amazing movie will give you a deeper understanding of the Great Shepherd, and it will touch your heart. You will be glad you took the time to watch it. I promise!

In His Love, Cindy

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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Will Being Ecumenical Bring Unity?

Cindy Dawson

Whole denominations are built on the belief that it does. But is ecumenism really the enemy of the cross? Satan has always tried to make people believe that there are many paths to God. But that is not true. There is one way to God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. (John 14:6)

Ecumenism is defined as an intentional mindset of openness, humility, and cooperation aimed at fostering unity among different Christian denominations.

Unity, on the other hand, is anchored in biblical truth and Christ-like love, rather than just superficial uniformity or compromise.

“True Biblical unity can only be realized ‘in the bond of truth,’ and never at the expense of Biblical truth.” Bill Streich

” … I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” Jude 1:3.

“Contention for the faith (Jude 3) preserves the purity of the gospel in Christian fellowship,” Streich wrote, “and delivers those who have been deceived by false religious systems. We must speak the truth in love!”

As one who was once deceived by Word of Faith teaching, I heartily say, AMEN!

Can the Church be in unity with false teachers? Absolutely not! The moment ecumenism opens its arms to false teaching, it has crossed the line into disobedience. The Bible commands us to refute and avoid false teachers, not to compromise with them. Romans 16:17 Titus 1:9

Ecumenism has been called a slippery slope. It leads to compromise. The goal becomes less about contending for the faith and more about making people feel welcome. Ecumenism blurs the line between truth and false religion, which is perilous for the people in the pews!

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  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.” Ephesians 4: 11-16

Becoming a “mature Christian” requires that our leaders speak the truth in love. Unity comes from Christian maturity, not compromise. When we become mature, Paul says, “we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

If we justify unbiblical actions by calling them compassionate and loving, it might make everyone comfortable, but it always comes with a price, and the price is truth. The Bible says,

 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6

Can Ecumenism impact the salvation of souls?

I would argue that it can because some “Christian” ministries teach another Jesus. (e.g. Prosperity Gospel, NAR, Word of Faith)

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well! “

“13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-14

Ecumenism is not mentioned in the Bible. I contend that it is man’s way to bring about the unity of the Church. Or maybe it’s an attempt to fill the pews. You decide.

God says, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

May God’s Word guide our church leaders, not the wisdom of this world.

Reflect on this. Questions and comments are welcome.

In His Love, Cindy

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

How Do I Show My Love for Jesus?

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 2/24/26

I was reading the 14th chapter of John, and something jumped out at me because Jesus said it three times in this one chapter.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; the Helper is the Spirit of truth…” John 14:15-17 NASB

“The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” (verse 21)

“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him. The one who does not love Me does not follow My words…” (verses 23-24

That Jesus repeated this three times in this short passage tells me it is very important. That brings the question to mind: what commands?

I would say that includes everything Jesus taught us and told us to do. The red letters might be a good place to start!

In His Love, Cindy

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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

You Can Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

Cindy Dawson

Over twenty years ago, I became a special education teacher. I quickly realized that I couldn’t make a difference in every student’s life. But the Lord planted in me the idea that if I could make a difference in just one student’s life, I had accomplished something wonderful.

That’s when I learned the Story of the Starfish. It made such a huge impression on me that I hung a dried starfish on my desk lamp as a reminder.

The Starfish Story – Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

A young girl was walking along a beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!”

This is the same idea the Lord spoke to my heart about my blog: Don’t pay attention to numbers. Write for individual people.  If just one person is encouraged, that’s something wonderful.

Look around for your starfish – someone you can encourage, or maybe even introduce to Jesus. Now that’s something wonderful!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Teaching Our Children Faith

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Friday, 2/20/26

There is nothing more loving you can do for your children than to instill in them a love for God’s Word and teach them to pray by your example.

“We will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
 He decreed statutes for Jacob
    and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
    to teach their children,
 so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
 Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands.” Psalm 78:4-7

In His Love, Cindy

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

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

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog