Tag: truth

Christian

Listening Prayer: What It Is And Why You Need to Know

Cindy Dawson

2-minute devotion for Tuesday, 3/24/26

The idea of “listening prayer” is to spend some time talking to the Lord and the rest of the time listening to His response. It is often described as having a conversation with God. Although you won’t find it in the Bible, it is being taught in the church today.

When you listen to a Bible teacher, ask yourself, “Is that in the Bible? Or, is it someone’s personal opinion?”

There is a lot of “Bible teaching” that is not based on Scripture but is based on the individual’s own experiences and learning. Ask yourself, “Where did they learn this? Who do they learn it from?”

Sometimes you can learn a lot about a “Bible teacher” from researching who they follow. You may discover that they are learning from some unbiblical sources. In fact, you would be surprised how many well-known “Bible teachers” subscribe to New Age thought. This is unbiblical and very dangerous.

To assume that the voice a person hears in his mind is the voice of God is to leave the door wide open for self-delusion and even demonic deception.

GotQuestions.org has an excellent article on this topic. I urge you to read it. What is Listening Prayer?

Another great source to learn more about this topic and where it came from is the video Wide Is The Gate 2 (5 of 5) The Emerging New Christianity: The Contemplative Mystical Movement. Watch it here.

Jesus prayed to the Father for us,

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV

He taught us how to pray,

 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 NASB

The Bible, God’s Word, is our only source of Truth. This is how God speaks to His children. Read it every day.

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

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Christian

Why Do Christian Leaders Tolerate False Teaching?

Cindy Dawson

Did you know that every book in the New Testament (except Philemon) contains warnings against false teaching? This tells me that false teachers pose a severe danger to the church. These false teachers lead people away from the truth. Yet many Christian leaders blatantly tolerate them and refuse to contend for the faith.

“…I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” Jude 3 NASB

Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

“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.  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!” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NASB

Because this tolerance is so widespread, I have been searching for the answer to this nagging question: Why do Christian leaders tolerate false teaching? Why? Here are a few possible answers:

  1. Lack of Discernment: While discernment can be a specific spiritual gift, it is also a skill developed through studying God’s Word.
    • “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NASB
  2. Prioritizing Personal Feelings: Allowing emotional, cultural, or worldly perspectives to override biblical truths.
  3. Compromise: to avoid offending people
  4. Prioritizing Popularity:
    • John 12:42-43 says, “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;  for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” NASB: “… they loved the approval of people rather than the approval of God.”
  5. The Love of Money
    • “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
  6. A spirit of ecumenism: This often comes from a flawed understanding of Biblical unity. It is impossible for true Christians to be in unity with false teachers.
  7. Relying on pop-psychology or worldly wisdom instead of Biblical truth
    •  “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Where lies and deception abound, Truth is what the world needs, not a compromised gospel, not a “different Jesus”.

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.

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Christian

At Any Moment!

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Friday, 3/20/26

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV

 In His Love, Cindy

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

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Christian

Will I Speak Up?

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for 3/18/26

“…The meaning of silence is consent. Anyone who wants to fight for the truth cannot be silent.”

Mike Huckabee, United States Ambassador to Israel

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

My thoughts: Truth is important. It matters what people believe. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

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

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

Diminishing the Authority of Scripture

Cindy Dawson

1-minute Devotion for Thursday, 3/5/26

As 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

“This is the end result of diminishing the authority of Scripture and inserting human opinion or cultural sensitivities in its place. When we fail to stress the importance of the apostles’ doctrines as we fellowship, break bread, and pray together with new disciples, we will leave people vulnerable to the enemy’s efforts to insert his doctrines into their thinking.”

Amir Tsarfati & Barry Stagner, from their book Until He Comes

In His Love, Cindy

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

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Truth Seekers: Fighting Lies in Today’s World

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for 3/4/26

“The last bastion of truth is and will be the remnant of God’s people who remain curious and dedicated truth seekers.” Jack Hibbs, from his book, LIVING IN THE DAZE OF DECEPTION

There is an onslaught of lies assaulting the world today. Many people believe the lies that promote the evils of abortion, transgender surgery, and more. Even the Church is under attack by false teachers disguised as sheep.

Jesus said, “He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

Truth is under attack from the one who is the Father of lies.

The last bastion is the final stronghold that defends something that is under threat, acting as a final defense against overwhelming opposition.

Be a truth seeker!

In His Love, Cindy

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

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Christian

Paul’s Warning to the Elders: Guard the Flock

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Sunday, 3/1/26

In Paul’s last words to the Ephesian elders, he warned them,

“I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.  Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31

“Wherever the work of God is progressing, there will be those who oppose it or try to capitalize on it for personal gain. The responsibility of the godly leader is to speak truth regardless of the cost – a responsibility great leaders do not shy away from.” Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

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

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

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