Posts with the category “daily-devotion”
Joy in the Middle of Hell
by Jared West on January 19th, 2026
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 You welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with joy. Read that again. In the midst of severe suffering. With joy. That doesn't make sense, does it? When you're suffering, joy is usually the last thing you feel. When ... Read More
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It Will Cost You
by Jared West on January 18th, 2026
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house." — Acts 17:6-7 The church in Thessalonica was only three weeks old. Paul had spent three Sabbaths in the synagogue proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from ... Read More
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Don't Watch. Pray.
by Jared West on January 17th, 2026
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others." — Matthew 6:5 If God doesn't speak to the rest of you, please bow your head. Do not watch who is coming. Just pray for those people. That's what I said that Sunday when God stopped the service. People were coming forward for prayer. Some were dealing ... Read More
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God is Working In Us
by Jared West on January 16th, 2026
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)When you become a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you and guide you through life. There are several different ways the Holy Spirits works in us, so today I want to talk about a few of the ways He works.1. The H... Read More
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Learning to Say No
by Jared West on January 15th, 2026
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.... Read More
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We are Different for a Reason
by Jared West on January 14th, 2026
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ…Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not f... Read More
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Praying According to God's Will
by Jared West on January 13th, 2026
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 needed to be praying, it is now. Praying to God and spending ti... Read More
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Jesus is Coming Back
by Jared West on January 12th, 2026
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. – Revelation 1:7There’s a song from the 1960s written by Larry Norman that shares a heartbreaking picture of what it will look like for those who are left behind after Jesus returns. The song goes like this:“Life was filled with guns ... Read More
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Don't Waste Your Pain
by Jared West on January 11th, 2026
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. -- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Have you ever felt like your pas... Read More
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Worrying Won't Get Your Anywhere
by Jared West on January 10th, 2026
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7With everything we as human beings are juggling in our day-to-day lives, there is plenty to be anxious about. We worry about our family, our... Read More
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Does Your Ministry Stick?
by Jared West on January 9th, 2026
"For our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." — 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Have you ever wondered what makes ministry actually work? I mean, really work — not just fill up a church calendar or keep people busy, but genuinely change lives? Paul spent only a short time in Thessaloniki. If you visit today, you'll find a thriving city with f... Read More
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Learning to Be Alone
by Jared West on January 8th, 2026
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) In our culture today, it seems like everyone is constantly occupied. People are wearing headphones, and they are on their phones. They have the ... Read More
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Caught Off Guard
by Jared West on January 7th, 2026
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. — 1 Thessalonians 1:2 This Fall is special for me because I go into the woods and bow hunt. This past year, I took my two grandsons. I decided to hunt between both of them. I strapped my stump chair next to a tree and leaned back. It was warm and the wind was blowing one evening. Nothing was moving, so I took my phone a... Read More
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Lean on God in Uncertainty
by Jared West on January 6th, 2026
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)When you are in the middle of a season of uncertainty, and have more questions than answers; do you find yourself wondering where God is in the midst of it all? Maybe you ask questions like, “God, where are you?” or “Do you really and truly care about me?” or “What are you trying to do?”Feelings of doubt, fear, and anxiety often pr... Read More
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But Wait, There's More
by Jared West on January 5th, 2026
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. — 2 Corinthians 5:20Do you remember Ron Popeil? The late-night infomercial king? He marketed a device that could supposedly slice a tomato so thin it only had one side. But there was one phrase he said over and over: "But wait, there's more!" That phrase ... Read More
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God's Plan
by Jared West on January 4th, 2026
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the more widely known verses in the Bible. It reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, and that His plan is good. However, it is important to note that the word “prosper” in this passage does not mean what many pe... Read More
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Are Your Sins Confessed Up to Date?
by Ministry Support on January 3rd, 2026
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:9 When I was in seminary, Bertha Smith came to speak. She was a godly woman who was part of the Shantung Revival in China. Her hair had turned white and wiry. Her face was battered by the years. Her first words to our class were: "Boys, are your sins confessed up to date?... Read More
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Are You Worth Following?
by Ministry Support on January 2nd, 2026
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Read More
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Are You Living Like He's Coming?
by Ministry Support on January 1st, 2026
"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 24:42-44 Read More
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God’s Plan
by Curt Dodd on December 31st, 2025
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the more widely known verses in the Bible. It reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, and that His plan is good. However, it is important to note that the word “prosper” in this passage does not mean what many p... Read More
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Lean on God in Uncertainty
by Curt Dodd on December 30th, 2025
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) When you are in the middle of a season of uncertainty, and have more questions than answers; do you find yourself wondering where God is in the midst of it all? Maybe you ask questions like, “God, where are you?” or “Do you really and truly care about me?” or “What are you trying to do?” Feelings of doubt, fear, and anxiety often ... Read More
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God, Fix It
by Curt Dodd on December 29th, 2025
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7) When your heart gets heavy and there is pain in your life, we pray, “Oh God, take away the pain. Take away the pain, now.” Sometimes, the answer to that prayer is different from how we want it. I really believe there are people who are reading this today, who are going through a desperate situation. They ar... Read More
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Praying Instead of Worrying
by Curt Dodd on December 28th, 2025
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) As I watch our country vibrate with all kinds of decisions that are being made and look at what is happening globally, I am heavy at... Read More
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The Impact of Jesus
by Curt Dodd on December 27th, 2025
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18) There has never been anyone who has made a greater impact on history and on our world than Jesus Christ! Jesus is... Read More
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Disruption in Life
by Curt Dodd on December 26th, 2025
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Ble... Read More
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On Track
by Curt Dodd on December 25th, 2025
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for ... Read More
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Jesus Is the Messiah
by Curt Dodd on December 24th, 2025
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) One of the greatest debates in human history has been whether or not Jesus is the Messiah. The word “Messiah” means “anointed one.” It is the description of the individual who the Jews were expecting to usher in the redempt... Read More
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The Gift of Jesus
by Curt Dodd on December 23rd, 2025
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5-7) The word “doxology” comes from two Greek words, one which means “praise” or “glory,” and the other one which means “w... Read More
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The Name of Jesus
by Curt Dodd on December 22nd, 2025
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, which means the Lord saves, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21) As soon as ... Read More
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A Hardened Heart
by Curt Dodd on December 21st, 2025
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5) Scripture tells us that in the end times, many people’s hearts will be hardened toward the Lord. What does it mean to have a hardened heart? We will look at that today and identify the signs for those who might be on the path of a ... Read More
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The Center of God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on December 20th, 2025
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) You have probably heard this verse many times before. Unfortunately, when we read this verse, we focus only on the phrase “the gift of God is eternal life,” and overlook the phrase “the wages of sin is death.” Because of sin, death comes. We live in a fallen world; we are fallen men a... Read More
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Jesus Is
by Curt Dodd on December 19th, 2025
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Jesus is a life changer! He has changed my life and the lives of countless millions over the centuries. People have said these things about Christ: Napoleon Bonaparte, on the island of St. Helena said this, “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a mere man. Superficial minds may see a resem... Read More
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Share Christ
by Curt Dodd on December 18th, 2025
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7) It wasn’t just to the Romans that Paul wrote these words. To other followers of Christ, he used this same phrase. Why? Because it was very powerful. It set things in order and leveled the playing field. He was saying, in essence, “If you want grace and peace, they only come from the Lord Himself.” Paul took... Read More
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Celebrate God’s Provision
by Curt Dodd on December 17th, 2025
Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:1-2, 6) As this year is nearly over, many of us take the time to intentionally look back on the events of the past year. We think about all that has transpired over... Read More
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Hope Through God
by Curt Dodd on December 16th, 2025
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22) It has been said, “A person can live a few days without water, a few minutes without air, but not a moment without hope.” Beyond the circumstances, crises and burdens of life, some people believe there is something better just ahead. Hope is something nearly everyone relies on to push t... Read More
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Praying Friends
by Curt Dodd on December 15th, 2025
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you… (Colossians 1:9) Praying friends are very special! Like a boxer who has a team of encouragers in his corner, we must have a team of intercessors and ministers in our corner, as well. When the bell rings and you step to the center of the ring, having those friends who are for you and cheering you on, is invalu... Read More
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Praise God for Your Story
by Curt Dodd on December 14th, 2025
And they praised God because of me. (Galatians 1:24) Paul’s reputation definitely preceded him. His story of coming to faith in Christ circulated throughout the east long before he had made one of his “missionary journeys.” Before Christ, Paul was a stone-cold legalist. He even took it upon himself to organize the extermination of early believers. His efforts led to the stoning death of Stephen,... Read More
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Gifts from the Spirit
by Curt Dodd on December 13th, 2025
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) When the Holy Spirit came, He brought gifts f... Read More
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The Cost of Following Christ
by Curt Dodd on December 12th, 2025
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29) We certainly love the idea of believing in Christ, receiving eternal life and having our sins forgiven. We long to experience cleansing, both positionally and mentally. It is hard to comprehend forgiveness from God’s perspective. From our viewpoint, we see ourselves with... Read More
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Grace Has Appeared
by Curt Dodd on December 11th, 2025
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. (Titus 2:11) I am a sportsman. Since my early years, I have always enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. It might be a surprise to many, but the anticipation of seeing an animal move through the woods or waiting for a fish to take a lure, is exhilarating to many of us. Even though you were expecting and waitin... Read More
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Are You Living Like He's Coming?Are You Worth Following?Are Your Sins Confessed Up to Date?God's PlanBut Wait, There's MoreLean on God in UncertaintyCaught Off GuardLearning to Be AloneDoes Your Ministry Stick?Worrying Won't Get Your AnywhereDon't Waste Your PainJesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe are Different for a ReasonLearning to Say NoGod is Working In UsDon't Watch. Pray.It Will Cost YouJoy in the Middle of Hell
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Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
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3 Keys To A Heavenly PerspectiveA Faith Rooted in FactA Faith That Draws or DrivesWhy Support Israel?The Danger Of Being Full Of YourselfLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureGod Is All-SufficientGuided By ProblemsJoy In The Midst Of ProblemsRemember Who God IsA Brand New Glimpse Of JesusA Call To God’s ChurchA Childlike FaithA Christ-Honoring EpitaphA Church On FireA Faithful and Helpful FriendA Personal AnswerA Public AnswerBe Sensitive To Your WitnessAwakenings and Quiet TimesCraving Spiritual MilkEmbracing Your Second ChanceSigns Of True RevivalResisting EvilBe DifferentBe AstuteBe Loving
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Witness with Your WordsGod’s Word Is EnoughStay Rooted In The TruthA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouHave You Met Christ?Focus on the GiverEncountering God’s GraceStanding Accountable Before GodBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardImmeasurably MoreLiving in DenialYour Salvation MomentWhat Does It Look Like To Be The Church?A Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementWhen You Need Hope The End Is Near
