Staying Close to the Fire

by Curt Dodd on June 30th, 2025

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ... cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” - Hebrews 9:14This week has been one of the wildest weeks for weather in the 21 years I have lived in Nebraska. Yesterday, I picked up branches and limbs and lit a fire in the pit. Later, my wife said, “You smell like smoke!” That’s what smoke does. It cling... Read More

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A Holy Plan to Follow

by Curt Dodd on June 29th, 2025

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love.” - Hosea 10:12If we are going to live a holy life, we need a holy plan to follow. First, we must make a personal commitment to live holy. Hosea says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love.” Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous lead blameless lives.” God will not force us to make holy choices. We are no... Read More

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Accountability and Encouragement

by Curt Dodd on June 28th, 2025

That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:25-27) The word “Ekklesia” is the Koine ́ Greek word for church. It is a compound word, “ek” (the preposition, which means... Read More

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Abiding and Resting

by Curt Dodd on June 27th, 2025

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) If you are going through difficult times in your life right now, you need to learn the spiritual practice of abiding. But what does it mean to ab... Read More

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A Thrill Ride

by Curt Dodd on June 26th, 2025

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The last time I was on a thrill ride was at a county fair with my daughter. Because she loves thrill rides, she asked me to go with her on one of those rides. It was l... Read More

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A Spiritual Wake Up Call

by Curt Dodd on June 25th, 2025

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. (Revelation 3:2) I want to tell you how our key verse today translates in the Greek language, how it flows. Let me give you the approximate English translation of the Koine´ Greek. Here is how it really reads: “Be you watching and establish the things remaining which were about to ... Read More

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Finding Rest in Uncertain Times

by Curt Dodd on June 24th, 2025

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men." (Matthew 28:2-4) Why do we struggle with uncertainty so much? If there was ever a story that could teach us how ... Read More

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Freedom That Leads to Holiness

by Curt Dodd on June 23rd, 2025

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13If you are a follower of Jesus, you are free in Christ to decide for yourself, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. God wants us never to use our freedom to hurt someone else. We m... Read More

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A Life Of Holiness

by Curt Dodd on June 22nd, 2025

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you. – Deuteronomy 6:18Today, let’s talk about the power of holiness. The word “holy” means “set apart for God.” As believers and as His children, we have been set apart for Him and Him alone. Therefore, everything we do, everything we say, and everything that we post on some social media platform should be right and good. ... Read More

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Accountability and Encouragement

by Curt Dodd on June 21st, 2025

That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:25-27) The word “Ekklesia” is the Koine ́ Greek word for church. It is a compound word, “ek” (the preposition, which means... Read More

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Abiding and Resting

by Curt Dodd on June 20th, 2025

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) If you are going through difficult times in your life right now, you need to learn the spiritual practice of abiding. But what does it mean to ab... Read More

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A Thrill Ride

by Curt Dodd on June 19th, 2025

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The last time I was on a thrill ride was at a county fair with my daughter. Because she loves thrill rides, she asked me to go with her on one of those rides. It was l... Read More

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A Light To The Dark Places

by Curt Dodd on June 18th, 2025

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. (Revelation 2:12-13) In reading about the seven churches in... Read More

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Finding Rest in Uncertain Times

by Curt Dodd on June 17th, 2025

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men." (Matthew 28:2-4) Why do we struggle with uncertainty so much? If there was ever a story that could teach us how ... Read More

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What Happens When We Truly Worship?

by Curt Dodd on June 16th, 2025

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” – Psalm 122:1 (NIV)How do we know when worship has truly captured our hearts?It begins when we are no longer just listening—we’re actually worshiping. One of the greatest tragedies in this generation is that we’ve become concert-goers. A concert is where performers give their best to move and inspire us. But worship is n... Read More

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Why Don’t We Worship?

by Curt Dodd on June 15th, 2025

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” – Psalm 22:3 (KJV)Worship is very, very important! Everyone knows something about worship. But in reality, many people do not know much. However, we do know if we have been in the presence of God because we have felt it and sensed His presence. It has nothing to do with volume or performance. It depends on whether Jesus is honored ... Read More

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A Sacred Sermon

by Curt Dodd on June 14th, 2025

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11) Has there been a time in your life where you have heard a sermon that was super encouraging and exactly what you needed in that moment? Think about how amazing that felt, that God gave you a word right when you needed it. It was an unforgettab... Read More

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A Ripple Effect

by Curt Dodd on June 13th, 2025

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mark 16:15) Yesterday, we talked about the story of D.L. Moody and how he came to know Christ. While his salvation story is one of my favorites, the story doesn’t end where we left off yesterday. In fact, that was just the beginning, for D.L. Moody’s story is proof that you never know the ripple effect your obedience ... Read More

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A Public Answer

by Curt Dodd on June 12th, 2025

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33) Yesterday, we talked about the personal answer we must give for our relationship with Jesus. The answer Peter gave to Jesus’ question in Matthew 16 was a personal answer. But that’s not all... Read More

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A Personal Answer

by Curt Dodd on June 11th, 2025

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:15-16 When Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter gave a personal answer. When he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” he was saying it very personally. He was saying, “As far as I'm concerned, regardless of what any of ... Read More

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Finding Jesus in Every Page

by Curt Dodd on June 10th, 2025

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27) Can you imagine walking seven miles with Jesus as He personally unpacked the entire Old... Read More

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Jesus Plus Nothing

by Curt Dodd on June 9th, 2025

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9Today’s key verse makes it very clear that only Jesus can save you. What He did on the cross, shedding His blood, covers our sin. We will go to heaven based on what Jesus did for us, not what we have done for Jesus. It’s Jesus plus nothi... Read More

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Watch Out

by Curt Dodd on June 8th, 2025

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. - Matthew 7:15-16Jesus was concerned for His followers and said to watch out for false prophets. They come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. And remember, it doesn’t take much to be out of b... Read More

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A Lifetime Of Surrender

by Curt Dodd on June 7th, 2025

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24 Yesterday I told my story of saying “yes” to God. Maybe you said “yes” to Christ when you were 12 like I did. Regardless of where you were 20, 30, 40, or 50 when you ga... Read More

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A Life Of Submission

by Curt Dodd on June 6th, 2025

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 Living in submission like Jesus means you leave all things to the Judge. That is what Jesus did. He knew God had a plan. He knew that God was in control. God reigned during Jesus’ time on earth, and he is still reigning today. Therefore, it's okay for you to submit to Him. When you choose the path of su... Read More

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We Are Responsible To The Lord

by Curt Dodd on June 5th, 2025

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27) As Jesus’ time on the cross was running out, He no... Read More

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Salvation Is Easier Than We Realize

by Curt Dodd on June 4th, 2025

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answere... Read More

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Jesus Prayed For Us

by Curt Dodd on June 3rd, 2025

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:32-34) To think about Jesus praying for the people... Read More

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Take God at His Word

by Curt Dodd on June 2nd, 2025

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13God wants you to be free. He doesn’t want you to stay stuck where you are. But finding freedom is a team effort. The one thing you must do to break free from the shame that is holding you back is to take God at His Word.So many people appear happy on the outside but are riddled w... Read More

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The Enemy Is a Liar

by Curt Dodd on June 1st, 2025

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” - 1 Peter 5:8-9There’s something very important I need you to know: the enemy of your soul is a liar. You are in a spiritual battle. There are unseen forces all around you, desiring to have your life, your influence, promote your failure, and c... Read More

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Seeking Godly Wisdom

by Curt Dodd on May 31st, 2025

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) Do you know where you get wisdom? You get it from the Word of God. Wisdom is the Word of God applied practically to your life to show you how to live. Therefore, when you accept Christ, you are coming to Him who is completely wise. He has all the wisdom you need to take... Read More

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Looking for Hope

by Curt Dodd on May 30th, 2025

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:24) Is there hope? Why do you attend church? Why do you watch preachers on television? Do you go to church on Sunday to show off your newest outfit? Do you tune into a sermon out of obligation, or to fulfill some expectation? My guess would be that these aren’t the reasons you come to church or watch church on... Read More

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Be Different

by Curt Dodd on May 29th, 2025

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8) Jesus is coming again, and we need to be on guard. Paul wrote earlier in thi... Read More

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This World Is Not Your Home

by Curt Dodd on May 28th, 2025

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. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) With so many wonderful, exc... Read More

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Extravagant Love

by Curt Dodd on May 27th, 2025

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. (Matthew 26:6-7)Have you ever been moved to do something extravagant for someone you love? Not because they asked, but simply because your heart couldn't contain the gratitude you felt? That's what happened wi... Read More

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The Greatest Miracle

by Curt Dodd on May 26th, 2025

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? – Mark 8:36If you’ve been wanting some sort of physical healing, I want to encourage you with something today. While it’s perfectly fine to ask for physical healing, there is a different type of healing that’s even more necessary, more impactful, and more miraculous.The greatest miracle is the healing of your soul and the... Read More

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Healing in His Time

by Curt Dodd on May 25th, 2025

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28Not all things are good, but even with the bad, God has a plan. God has a plan for your life, regardless of what you are going through. We need to understand that there will be times when your body will fail you. No one gets out of this life alive, even though we... Read More

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Stay in Love with Jesus

by Curt Dodd on May 24th, 2025

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take th... Read More

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Feed Your Faith

by Curt Dodd on May 23rd, 2025

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Romans 6:16) I love the story of an old Indian chief. He was introduced to Jesus Christ as Lord of his life by a missionary on his reservation. He turned from sin and placed his faith in Christ. M... Read More

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The Purpose in Pain

by Curt Dodd on May 22nd, 2025

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4) We know what it’s like to deal with pain. Maybe, you are walking through a painful situation right now, whether it is physical pain,... Read More

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