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On Purpose

Promoting Biblical Literacy and Disciple Making

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Doses of Encouragement

Psalm 5

Truth be told, this Psalm makes me uncomfortable. Why? Because, David is quite literally praying for the downfall of his enemies. He asks God to, “Make them bear their guilt…fall by their own counsels;…cast them out…” (v. 10). Wow! Like, what about love your enemies?

This past Winter, our women’s group watched a movie called “Sabina: The Nazi Years” (google it!). No spoiler, so suffice it to say, it was a zinger – takes loving your enemies to a whole different level! Watch it – you’ll be challenged for sure. Essentially, the Wurmbrands, Richard and Sabina, were a young, non-practicing Jewish couple living exuberantly before World War II.

Through God’s faithfulness, they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and lived to introduce Jesus to EVERYONE! Not just the people that were unjustly persecuted, but to those who were the persecutors! They were vessels used of God based on His desire that not one should perish.

Juxtaposing this movie against the request of David in Psalm 5 is puzzling!

But, God!

Here’s the thing, David wasn’t simply calling for the demise of the enemies of God’s people – the enemies of God Himself. He was pleading for relief from and maybe even for them. See, verse 11 begins with, “But “. David says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them…”

What joy in knowing refuge is available to ALL who call on Jesus! Do you know Him?

If you do, it is right to abhor evil and pray for the demise of it. Not because it is an afront to us, but because it is an afront to God. Those who harm the godly, harm God. It is good to desire the wickedness of sin be rooted out of our life, and this world within which we live, daily so we can become more like Christ. I pray we will hate sin so much that it forces us to love our enemies enough to ask for God’s righteousness to lead us; that the path before us is straight, and in that we show them Jesus!

If you do not know the salvation that is in Christ, Jesus, let today be the day that you become a friend of the Holy God. Reach out to me, a trusted friend, a pastor – enter His refuge!

Much love and many blessings, Friends

Cindi Raymond

Author, Speaker, Leadership Mentor

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, wife, mother, and grandmother with a heart for women to know God intimately, love Him deeply and serve Him on purpose. With Proverbs 20:5 as my life mission, I encourage generations of women to acknowledge and fulfill their anointing.

Passion and Purpose

I have a deep desire to draw the hearts of women to the heart of God by promoting Biblical literacy and disciple-making. Though the road has had more than a few bumps and detours, I have learned to navigate leadership with humility. With a gift for conference speaking, mentoring, and consulting; my purpose is in challenging women to discover, acknowledge and live-out their purpose with intentionality. One of my biggest strengths lies in the ability to “keep things real” – I bring simplicity to the complex and joy in the mundane.

Blessings in Disguise

Have you ever had a blessing in disguise? Our biggest blessings often come disguised in hard times, difficult circumstances, broken relationships, or shattered dreams, but the Bible promises us that He will turn all things good for those who love the Lord. This is the hope believers cling to when the storm is so treacherous that we can’t see the next step. These stories will bring you hope and encourage you to look for your own blessings in disguise.