Blaming Others

by Curt Dodd on November 21st, 2024

And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me -- she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:11-13) Being free of guilt comes from finding fr... Read More

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A Guilt-Free Life

by Curt Dodd on November 20th, 2024

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me. Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. (Psalm 38:1-4) If you have ever felt guilty for something you have done, you know that this psalmi... Read More

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Stand Firmly in Freedom

by Curt Dodd on November 19th, 2024

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) Our personal development into emotional and spiritual health takes time; it does not come overnight. Children develop emotionally over time and eventually learn to think in abstract concepts. Before that day arrives, they are literal thinkers; rules a... Read More

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Dependence Leads To Peace

by Curt Dodd on November 18th, 2024

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7Scripture tells us that we are to be dependent on the God who gives peace. True peace is only found when we become God-dependent, not self-dependent. My mind can easily wander into dark places, and it doesn’t take much to trigger my anxiety, especially when I see situat... Read More

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Live Medium

by Curt Dodd on November 17th, 2024

So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. - Romans 12:5As members of the body of Christ, we are designed to be family to each other. Sometimes, the people we lean on the most aren’t our blood relatives but those from our church family—the ones who show up when we’re in need, who pray for us, who help us carry our burdens. In these moments, we experien... Read More

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Learning from Failure

by Curt Dodd on November 16th, 2024

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26) We looked at how we set ourselves up for failure without realizing it. Today, we will continue our conversation on failure, and learn how we can handle failure in a positive way. 1. Own it. When you fail, own it and embrace it. Don't make excuses for it; just own it. Personal failure and s... Read More

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Setups for Failure

by Curt Dodd on November 15th, 2024

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:36-38) As followers of Jesus, we are not excluded from experiencing failure... Read More

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Enjoying Your Work

by Curt Dodd on November 14th, 2024

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19) Do you enjoy what you do for a living? Whether it is in an office at home, on the road, on the jobsite, or on the Internet, do you actually enjoy your work? This is a basic question which must be asked and answered by all... Read More

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Believing God

by Curt Dodd on November 13th, 2024

What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) God told Abraham many things, which at the time seemed so unreal to him. God said: His descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, he would be given a son in his old age, and this promised son would be sacrificed on a mountain. Notably, Abraham chose to believe God, even when ... Read More

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Praying in God’s Will

by Curt Dodd on November 12th, 2024

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15) There is a well-known passage of Scripture in the Book of Matthew that says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you... Read More

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The Power Of Practicing Prayer

by Curt Dodd on November 11th, 2024

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15We love to talk about prayer, but do we actually spend time doing it? Prayer is powerful, and it's where the real impact happens. When we take time to consistently pray, we invite God to move in our lives and in the lives of those around us.Big things happe... Read More

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How To Be An Orderly Church

by Curt Dodd on November 10th, 2024

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. – Hebrews 13:17 If we want to be the kind of church and the kind of people that God blesses, we must look to Scripture to understand the characteristics we must exhibit.From... Read More

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A Sense of Obligation

by Curt Dodd on November 9th, 2024

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1:14-16) This is a very powerful passage! If you were ever looking for a simple ... Read More

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Just Be Kind

by Curt Dodd on November 8th, 2024

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (Proverbs 11:17) What does it take to be kind? A smile, a helping hand, a thoughtful gesture, or a servant’s attitude can be used. Often, we are influenced by the harshness of those around us who are extremely self-absorbed and bent on getting their own way. It is very easy to allow their behavior to influence ours. I... Read More

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Doing Before Knowing God

by Curt Dodd on November 7th, 2024

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7: 21-23) This... Read More

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Good Can Come from Pain

by Curt Dodd on November 6th, 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 8:28) Have you ever found yourself asking God this question, “Lord, how can any good come from this pain I’m dealing with?” Maybe you went on to say, “I thought You loved me. Why are you allowing me to go through this immense pain? Why don’t you intervene right now?... Read More

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Boldly Standing for Christ

by Curt Dodd on November 5th, 2024

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. (Revelation 12:11)    Let me tell you a story about a guy named Matt. He was a high school student in a church I pastored in Houston many years ago. We had been emphasizing in our church the importance of taking a stand for Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we were looking for opportunities to share our faith.     One d... Read More

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A Sacrifice Of Praise

by Curt Dodd on November 4th, 2024

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." – Hebrews 13:15The Bible tells us that we should continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This isn’t just about singing worship songs on Sunday; it’s about making praise a part of our everyday life. Why? Because praise shifts our focus from ourselves to Jesus.Whe... Read More

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Something Greater

by Curt Dodd on November 3rd, 2024

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. –Hebrews 13:14This life is temporary, but it’s easy to forget that. We get caught up in our daily routines: work, family, goals, and even struggles. While all these things are important, we need to remember that this world is not our final destination. We are only passing through.Hebrews 13:14 reminds us tha... Read More

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Grow In Grace

by Curt Dodd on November 2nd, 2024

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18) The character of God is grace; therefore, the character of His people should also be grace. When someone comes into your church and they don't talk like you, and they don't look like you, what is your response? Your response must be, “Welcome!” Everything that we do... Read More

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Show God’s Grace

by Curt Dodd on November 1st, 2024

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5) The very heartbeat of the Church needs to be grace. Under grace, we extend love regardless of who people are, where they are on their journey, and what is happening in their life right now. We just extend God'... Read More

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The Difference the Cross Makes

by Curt Dodd on October 31st, 2024

Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:18-19) It is hard to forgive when you have been wronged, but forgiveness is a ... Read More

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Encouraging Words

by Curt Dodd on October 30th, 2024

Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) For years as a pastor, I have walked the grief road with those who are saying good-bye for a final time at a gravesite to a dearly cherished loved one. When I open the Bible to these words (especially from verse 13 to the end of the chapter), it changes the atmosphere every time. Although the grief process has a journey to co... Read More

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Have You Been Saved? 

by Curt Dodd on October 29th, 2024

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)    Has there ever been a time in your life when you have turned from your sin and placed your faith in Jesus Christ? You might say, “I joined the church, was confirmed and was baptized at 12.” I didn't ask that.     Has there been a moment in your life when you have acknowledged your sin and realized that you deserved to go... Read More

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Stay Near The Cross

by Curt Dodd on October 28th, 2024

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Galatians 6:14As long as we stand at the foot of the cross—where the ground is level—we will be okay. The cross is the great equalizer, reminding us that no one is better or worse than anyone else. Our sins were equally paid for by Jesus’ sacrifice, and that is wh... Read More

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Focus On The Sacrifice Of Jesus

by Curt Dodd on October 27th, 2024

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8When Jesus died on the cross, He did something unimaginable—He who was sinless became sin for us. Crucified between two thieves, Jesus took all our sin—past, present, and future—upon Himself. He became the ultimate sacrifice for humanity, allowing us to be reconciled with God. This is a truth we must never lose sight of. The c... Read More

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Forgiveness

by Curt Dodd on October 26th, 2024

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22) We talked about forgiving others as Christ forgave us, and how difficult this can be. When forgiving, we must remember that we cannot fully forgive anyone in our own power. ... Read More

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Forgive Like Jesus

by Curt Dodd on October 25th, 2024

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20) When Jesus first appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, they techn... Read More

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Forgive Others

by Curt Dodd on October 24th, 2024

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)It is very important that we learn how to forgive others. There are some passages which cry out for much more meditation and processing; and this happens to be one of those. Filled with the Holy Spirit, I can imagine that the Apostle Paul had someone on his mind when he wrote these wo... Read More

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Serve Like Jesus

by Curt Dodd on October 23rd, 2024

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought something was missing? You needed to fill in the blank on your page, and you didn't know what it was. You remember when you turned from... Read More

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The Danger of Addiction 

by Curt Dodd on October 22nd, 2024

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)    When we think about addiction, we typically think of being addicted to things like drugs, alcohol, or pornography. While these are dangerous addictions, we need to realize that there are plenty of other things we can become addicted to if we are... Read More

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You Need Jesus

by Curt Dodd on October 21st, 2024

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12 Being a constant student of the Word is vital for your spiritual growth. None of us have "arrived" spiritually, and we’re all on a journey of faith. We all need to deepen our roots in God'... Read More

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Don’t Get Distracted

by Curt Dodd on October 20th, 2024

"Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so." - Hebrews 13:9In today’s world, it’s easy to get swept up by the latest trends and ideas, especially on social media. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that claim to offer truth and wisdom, but not all o... Read More

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Born and Born Again

by Curt Dodd on October 19th, 2024

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) Today is my birthday. That’s right. On an early Monday morning, at approximately 2:00 a.m., I entered the world with a pat on the bottom and a scream of shock. Although I don’t remember the event, my mother has recounted it many times, how the event unfolded, often in a crowd of people ... Read More

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The Lord Will Provide

by Curt Dodd on October 18th, 2024

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14) This chapter recounts the event which happened on top of Mount Moriah. Abraham, after being instructed to take his son, Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice, journeyed to the mountain with his son and several servants. Climbing the mountain, he took his o... Read More

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Serve the Lord

by Curt Dodd on October 17th, 2024

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.” (John 13:12-14) There will be moments in your life when God gives you an opportunity to serve... Read More

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Persevering

by Curt Dodd on October 16th, 2024

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)Not only so, but we also rejoice 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 ... Read More

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Be Persistent in Prayer

by Curt Dodd on October 15th, 2024

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) The eleventh chapter of Luke records a conversation between Jesus and His disciples, after the disciples had asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. His instr... Read More

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Honor Your Spiritual Heritage

by Curt Dodd on October 14th, 2024

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. – Hebrews 13:7I believe it is incredibly important to honor those who have led us spiritually and helped point us to Jesus throughout our lives.Sometimes, the new generation looks back at the old generation and says, “Thanks, but no thanks. I am doing it my way.” Over time, t... Read More

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Worship Jesus, Not Your Pastor

by Curt Dodd on October 13th, 2024

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8Don't ever worship a pastor because they will let you down. They will do that because they wear a skin suit, just like you. When they point a finger at you, they have three fingers pointing back at them. Your faith should never be based on a leader. Instead, it should always be focused on Jesus Christ. He is the only one who w... Read More

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