Be Aligned in Prayer

by Curt Dodd on July 26th, 2024

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42) Following the upper room meal, Jesus and His disciples made their way through Jerusalem’s streets. They crossed the Kidron Valley and continued on to the western-facing slope of the Mount of Olives. He was headed to Gethsemane to pray. H... Read More

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The Promise of the Holy Spirit

by Curt Dodd on July 25th, 2024

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17) The upper room meal was over, and Jesus was preparing the disciples for His departure. Ju... Read More

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Jesus Is Standing with You 

by Curt Dodd on July 24th, 2024

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)    When you serve Christ, you are never alone; Jesus is standing with you. Isn’t that comforting? Isn’t that a great reason and reminder why we should be totally devoted to Christ? I believe so! I know it is easier said than done, especially when we are going through a tough and lonely season.     Maybe you are walking thro... Read More

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The End Is Near 

by Curt Dodd on July 23rd, 2024

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:32-35)... Read More

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Hide God’s Word In Your Heart

by Curt Dodd on July 22nd, 2024

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11) When I was in the fifth grade, I will never forget going to Vacation Bible School (VBS). The teacher asked us to do an amazing thing for fifth-graders. She said, “I want to tell you a story about some prisoners of war in World War II. They were trying to put the Bible together to read to each other.” In the Japan... Read More

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Choose To Stay Faithful

by Curt Dodd on July 21st, 2024

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) Without a doubt, difficult seasons will come in your life. You cannot avoid them. You might face seasons that are difficult physically, financially... Read More

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The Pavement

by Curt Dodd on July 20th, 2024

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him and took the staff and struck ... Read More

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Jesus Cares about You

by Curt Dodd on July 19th, 2024

 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.  He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come d... Read More

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A Word of Blessing

by Curt Dodd on July 18th, 2024

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:4-5) I can’t forget the moment when I opened a short, encouraging card from a friend of mine and read this verse out loud. Apparently, he knew I needed the encouragement and blessing this ve... Read More

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Praying for Unbelievers

by Curt Dodd on July 17th, 2024

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Let me ask you some questions. Are you concerned about some of your family members who do not know Christ? Are you burdened about your children? Students, are you concerned about the spiritual condition of the people... Read More

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Taking the Time To Bless

by Curt Dodd on July 16th, 2024

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:2-4) The last of John’s short letters provides... Read More

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Hide God’s Word In Your Heart

by Curt Dodd on July 15th, 2024

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11) When I was in the fifth grade, I will never forget going to Vacation Bible School (VBS). The teacher asked us to do an amazing thing for fifth-graders. She said, “I want to tell you a story about some prisoners of war in World War II. They were trying to put the Bible together to read to each other.” In the Japan... Read More

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Choose To Stay Faithful

by Curt Dodd on July 14th, 2024

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) Without a doubt, difficult seasons will come in your life. You cannot avoid them. You might face seasons that are difficult physically, financially... Read More

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Looking Forward

by Curt Dodd on July 13th, 2024

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw -- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, becau... Read More

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Jesus Understands Your Pain

by Curt Dodd on July 12th, 2024

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15) When you are going through a difficult time, it is easy to think that no... Read More

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Counterfeit Teaching

by Curt Dodd on July 10th, 2024

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)    We are very susceptible to counterfeit preaching and teaching from the Word of God today. It is amazing to me how large numbers of people embrace churches whose preaching and teaching are a mile wide and an inch deep!     There is a lack of ... Read More

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Salvation Is Simple

by Curt Dodd on July 9th, 2024

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 answer... Read More

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Everything Will Pan Out In The End

by Curt Dodd on July 8th, 2024

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)When I was in college, I went to a Christian college which required that you take at least nine hours of Bible. At that particular time in my life, I wasn't really interested in the Bible. I had gone to Sunday School and I was majoring in music and speech. Because of my backgr... Read More

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Are You Ready For Jesus To Come Back?

by Curt Dodd on July 7th, 2024

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)Let me ask you a question. “If Jesus came today, are you ready?” Has there been a moment in yo... Read More

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Jesus Intercedes for You

by Curt Dodd on July 6th, 2024

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) Take a moment to think about the last time someone said, “I’m praying for you.” How did you feel when you heard those words? For me, hearing that someone is praying for me is very encouraging.  It is a wonderful thing w... Read More

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False Prophets

by Curt Dodd on July 5th, 2024

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them -- bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stor... Read More

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A Call to God’s Church

by Curt Dodd on July 4th, 2024

But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32) As we are anticipating the end times, we should be doing several things as members of God’s Church. We have so much hope because we are His children. Therefore, we need to allow that hope to ignite our faith and carry out these three things as we await Christ’s return:... Read More

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Praying in God’s Will

by Curt Dodd on July 3rd, 2024

Pray then like this: “Our Father 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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13) If there was ever a time you need to be praying, it is now. Praying to God and spending ti... Read More

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Actions and Words

by Curt Dodd on July 2nd, 2024

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:... Read More

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When God Gets Your Attention

by Curt Dodd on July 1st, 2024

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 8:28I had a conversation recently with a dear friend who lives on the East Coast. I have known him for decades. Recently, he was put into hospice; they have taken him off all the medications that would prolong his life. He has a rare form of bone cancer. Barring a mi... Read More

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Learning From Your Failure

by Curt Dodd on June 30th, 2024

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” - Ephesians 3:20Have you thought that the gateway to your greatest success will come through failure? Don't be afraid of failure. It is God's greatest teacher in your life. Don’t think for a moment that if you fail, that makes you a failure for life. You are not a failure. ... Read More

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God Is With You In Your Anxiety

by Curt Dodd on June 29th, 2024

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Sometimes, when we’re struggling with anxiety, we feel very lonely. We think we are all by ourselves. But all throughout Scripture we are reassured time and time again that God will never leave us once we give our lives to Christ. The Bible tells us that the ... Read More

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Be Loving

by Curt Dodd on June 28th, 2024

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) If we want to live a life that honors God, we need to be loving. This verse makes it clear by saying, “Above all, love each other deeply.” This is easier said than done because many people have personalities that just don’t seem to mesh with ours. It is easy to be loving in a general sense. “I just lo... Read More

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Be Astute

by Curt Dodd on June 27th, 2024

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. (1 Peter 4:7) The apostle Peter, writing to the early Christians, reminds them of the urgency of their situation and the necessity of being watchful. Simon Peter is saying, “I want you to be astute. The end of all things is near.” You need to know about the Second Coming of Christ. You need to understand t... Read More

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Be Different

by Curt Dodd on June 26th, 2024

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.  As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2) As believers, our lives should be different from everyone else who is not a believer. Your life, because Jesus has saved... Read More

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Resisting Evil

by Curt Dodd on June 25th, 2024

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor during World War II, who was raised in a family with strong ethical values. Dietrich Bonhoeffer used his tenure as a pastor during World War II to speak against Hitler's euthanasia and extermination practices against the Jews. He ca... Read More

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Resisting Evil

by Curt Dodd on June 25th, 2024

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor during World War II, who was raised in a family with strong ethical values. Dietrich Bonhoeffer used his tenure as a pastor during World War II to speak against Hitler's euthanasia and extermination practices against the Jews. He came... Read More

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Run To Jesus First

by Curt Dodd on June 24th, 2024

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10For many of us, the first place we try to find help when we fail is to go to other people. We say, “Please help me. Do you have the answer? Can you give me some insight? Do you have some resources that can help me get through this?” ... Read More

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Never Give Up

by Curt Dodd on June 23rd, 2024

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5God doesn’t want you to give up. Even when you fail, whether it's in your business, or your personal life, or wh... Read More

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Craving Spiritual Milk

by Curt Dodd on June 22nd, 2024

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:2-3) As we look at this Scripture passage, we see there is an analogy of being a child, and having a desire for spiritual milk. The Scripture says, “Like newborn babies.” There is an interesting word used here, “brephos.” This Greek word was... Read More

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Awakenings and Quiet Times

by Curt Dodd on June 21st, 2024

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) The First Great Awakening occurred at Pentecost. God did an amazing thing that had never happened b... Read More

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Be Sensitive To Your Witness

by Curt Dodd on June 20th, 2024

"Let your gentleness be evident to all." (Philippians 4:5) When things are going great in your life, you are making lots of money, you are healthy, your relationships are strong, your marriage is solid, your kids respect and honor you, and your parents are blessing you; that is when everyone expects you to be happy. However, when you are going through a difficult season in your life, that is when... Read More

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A Public Answer

by Curt Dodd on June 19th, 2024

“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 18th, 2024

“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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Facing Opposition For Your Faith

by Curt Dodd on June 17th, 2024

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. – Matthew 24:42-44When I began ministry as a pa... Read More

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