Tag: wisdom

Christian

What I Don’t Know Can’t Hurt Me, Or Can It?

Cindy Dawson

Despite what people might say, Ignorance is not bliss!

When the truth makes us uncomfortable, do we ignore it? Selah* (Pause and calmly think of that.)

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.  For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18

Many devout Christians are being led astray because they are naive. That means they are unsuspecting (easily deceived, exploitable, ripe for the picking). By definition, they don’t know they’re deceived.

I was taken in by the Word of Faith teaching myself once. In fact, I had to “unlearn” a lot of teaching, and that is not easy to do.

We must learn to identify false teaching for ourselves through studying the Word of God. If I tell someone that a Bible teacher they like teaches false doctrine, I know what they would think because it’s what I used to think: “They don’t understand because they’re in a dead church.” OR “They don’t have revelation.” OR, my favorite: “They’re just religious.”

I assure you, I am not dead or religious! (Isn’t that judging someone’s heart?)

All this stems from pride – the false assumption that I have revelation of the Scripture others don’t have. Selah

I would venture to say that all those “old, religious people at the church down the street” have more experience walking through trials with the Lord at their side than some of us ever will.

How I wish I could talk to my grandmother about God, again. She would be about 130 years old now. If only I had known to seek her wisdom when I was a youth and she was still around.

But, alas, when we’re young, we think we know it all. I know this because I used to teach in a middle school! Students will argue about anything, even how to do a math problem! (Are you kidding me?)

You can think you’re right “till the cows come home”, but that doesn’t make you right.

My point is, if you are learning about God from a Bible teacher, rather than from the Bible, be careful. Check the Scriptures given to see if they have been taken out of context. (That happens a lot and is the basis of much of the false teaching accepted today!)

Respect those “old Christians” you may think are “dead” or “religious”. It’s wise to listen to the elderly with respect.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I wish I knew then what I know now.”? Selah

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12

Did my journey with false teachers and false prophets affect my life?

Yes! It almost shipwrecked my faith and took many years for me to recover.  So, no, ignorance is not bliss.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT

Dear Lord, Guide us and teach us to walk with you in Truth and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 *The Amplified Bible translates selah as “pause, and calmly think of that.”

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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Divine Wisdom or Human Logic? – Part 2

Cindy Dawson

Reflection for Friday, 5/15/26

In 1 Samuel, chapter 15, we see that Saul still hasn’t learned his lesson. He continues to disobey God and do things his own way. But he believes he has good reasons for what he does. (This is already starting to sound familiar.)

Samuel, the prophet, tells Saul,

For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.” (v 23a)

In other words, Saul’s actions are rebellious. And rebellion against God is as reprehensible as divination (witchcraft). Not only that, but Saul is arrogant, and that’s as reprehensible as the evil of idolatry.

Samuel’s words for Saul are just as applicable today as they were when Samuel spoke them to Saul. When we think we have a better way than God’s Word teaches us, we are being rebellious and arrogant.

The point is not what Saul did. The point is, he disobeyed God. Oh, he thought he had a good reason to twist God’s instructions a little, but the last verse says it all:

“And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.” (vs 35b)

Please go back and read the whole story in 1 Samuel 15 in your own Bible, or HERE.

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 Sincerely Media on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog


Christian

“A Time to Be Silent, Or a Time to Speak?”

Cindy Dawson

2-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 4/21/26

Have you ever been in a discussion (perhaps in a Sunday School class or Bible Study) and you really wanted to add your two cents, but you didn’t know if you should? I often have something to say, but that doesn’t mean I should!

I have searched the Scriptures concerning how to know when I should speak up and when I should stay silent. My conclusion:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: … a time to be silent and a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 7b NIV

When the Jews faced national annihilation, the brave Queen Esther recognized her God-appointed purpose and time to speak. Her cousin Mordecai urged,

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14 NIV

Esther obeyed, risking her life to save her people. She knew it was “a time to speak,” and she received God’s abundant blessing.

Proverbs says, “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV

There are times when we should be silent, and times when we should speak up. We may not know what to do in some situations. There are no easy answers. But God has promised to give us wisdom when we ask Him. So that is what we must do. We rely on God’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit to lead us as we seek guidance from God’s Word.

 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Impressionist painting of a stone path winding through a lush garden at sunset.
Christian

The Path to Understanding

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Monday, 4/13/26

“My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
 Make your ear attentive to wisdom;
Incline your heart to understanding.
 For if you cry out for insight,
And raise your voice for understanding;
 If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And discover the knowledge of God.
 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6 NASB

“The basic meaning of the word wisdom (Heb.hokmah) in the OT is skill. Those who wove the tabernacle tapestries had hokmah (Ex. 35:35). Those who prepared the high priest’s garments had hokmah (Ex. 28:3). Those who piloted ships at sea had hokmah (Ezek. 27:8). In other words, wisdom is a skill given by God to accomplish a task.” Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

What task has God given you to accomplish?

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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Wisdom for Friday, 4/3/26

Cindy Dawson

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 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

RealChristianWomen.blog

 

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.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

For Your Reflection

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for 2/4/26

“It is scarcely credible to what degree discernment may be dazzled by the mist of pride, and wisdom infatuated by the intoxication of flattery.” Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

My Thoughts: May we understand the danger of pride. Written in 1848, and still true today. Do you agree?

“Pride goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

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

Christian

Do You Need to be Refreshed?

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Sunday, 1/18/26

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.”
Psalm 19:7-8

Do you want to be refreshed? Do you want to be wise? Do you want joy? God’s Word is the way to these treasures.

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

Christian

How Can I Gain Wisdom?

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Sunday, 12/14/25

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NIV

My Thoughts: To fear the Lord means you wouldn’t dare exalt your own opinions and desires above God’s Word. Trusting God’s Word is the secret to this treasure.

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

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

The Responsibility of an Older Woman

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Friday, 12/12/25

“Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:3-5 AMP

My Thoughts: Older Christian women have a lot of wisdom to share. I hope you have an older woman to look up to and turn to for advice. My grandmothers have gone on to be with the Lord. They were wise women, and I miss them so much!

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

RealChristianWomen.blog