Posts with the category “daily-devotion”

What Does It Look Like To Be The Church?

by Curt Dodd on March 17th, 2025

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:46-47Going to church for many people means showing up for the services, listening to the sermons, and maybe talking to a f... Read More

Your Salvation Moment

by Curt Dodd on March 16th, 2025

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8It’s sad how so many people in our world today have misunderstood salvation, thinking it is a gradual process or something achieved through our own good deeds. But true salvation happens in a singular, transformative moment. It's not about being baptized, attending church, or bei... Read More

Living in Denial

by Curt Dodd on March 15th, 2025

After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:73-74) Judas betrayed Jesus once, but Simon Peter denied Jesus three times publicly! That statement is not meant to minimize the horrific thing Juda... Read More

Immeasurably More

by Curt Dodd on March 14th, 2025

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,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) God is not a god of mediocrity or a god of solely meeting our expectations. Instead, He is a God who is more than capable of exceeding expectations. L... Read More

Looking Forward

by Curt Dodd on March 13th, 2025

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

Jesus Understands Your Pain

by Curt Dodd on March 12th, 2025

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

Be Ready for the End 

by Curt Dodd on March 11th, 2025

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)    Whether we admit it or not, the end times are not very far away. Jesus is coming back soon and we need to be prepared.     We might not be here when the events of the end times arrive. This is the pathway that will unfold during the Great Tribu... Read More

Standing Accountable Before God

by Curt Dodd on March 10th, 2025

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. – Romans 14:12Each of us carries the weight of accountability before God. It's a sobering truth that every soul will one day stand before Him to give an account of their life—every word spoken, every thought entertained, and every action taken.Yet, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ can rest assured. Through faith, we are en... Read More

Encountering God’s Grace

by Curt Dodd on March 9th, 2025

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. – James 4:8Experiencing grace is not always a grand, emotionally charged event. Rather, it is a profound spiritual encounter with God, orchestrated in His perfect timing and manner. When we are open to hearing the message of the gospel preached clearly, the Spirit of God begins a transformative work within us. It's as if He gently nudges our hearts, ... Read More

Focus on the Giver

by Curt Dodd on March 8th, 2025

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. (John 1:6-8) Because He is so gracious, compassionate, and kind, God gave us many gifts to help us grow and mature in our walk with Him. He gave us the local church so we could belong ... Read More

Have You Met Christ?

by Curt Dodd on March 7th, 2025

But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27) Let me tell you the story of Benson Cameron. Benson was an 80-year-old deacon in my first pastorate. He was half blind (actually, three quarters blind). He had glasses, big, black horn-rimmed glasses. Everyone knew that when Benson ... Read More

Jesus Intercedes for You

by Curt Dodd on March 6th, 2025

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

False Prophets

by Curt Dodd on March 5th, 2025

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

A Call to God’s Church

by Curt Dodd on March 4th, 2025

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

Stay Rooted In The Truth

by Curt Dodd on March 3rd, 2025

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16As children of God, we often find ourselves trying to find the balance between love and truth, especially when confronted with situations where maybe a friend is living contrary to God's Word. Our first reaction might be to show empathy, wanting to suppo... Read More

God’s Word Is Enough

by Curt Dodd on March 2nd, 2025

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." – Matthew 5:16-17In today’s key passage, Jesus imparts a profound revelation about the authority, inspiration, and sufficiency of God's Word. He says, "Let your light shine b... Read More

Witness with Your Words

by Curt Dodd on March 1st, 2025

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) As followers of Christ, we should con... Read More

Be Loving

by Curt Dodd on February 28th, 2025

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

Be Astute

by Curt Dodd on February 27th, 2025

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

Be Different

by Curt Dodd on February 26th, 2025

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

Resisting Evil

by Curt Dodd on February 25th, 2025

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

Signs Of True Revival

by Curt Dodd on February 24th, 2025

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14Many of us long for revival in our nation, but what does true revival look like? It’s not about politics or temporary excitement—it’s about deep, personal transformation.Thr... Read More

Embracing Your Second Chance

by Curt Dodd on February 23rd, 2025

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23We’ve all made mistakes. Maybe it was a bad decision, a missed opportunity, or a failure that haunts us. It’s easy to feel like we’ve used up all our chances. But God is not like that. His compassion is new every morning, meaning that t... Read More

Craving Spiritual Milk

by Curt Dodd on February 22nd, 2025

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 o... Read More

Awakenings and Quiet Times

by Curt Dodd on February 21st, 2025

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

Be Sensitive To Your Witness

by Curt Dodd on February 20th, 2025

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 t... Read More

A Public Answer

by Curt Dodd on February 19th, 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

A Personal Answer

by Curt Dodd on February 18th, 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

A Faithful and Helpful Friend

by Curt Dodd on February 17th, 2025

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13 I have a distinct memory of going to church camp when I was about 11 or 12 years old. Whenever I went to church camp, I always took my fishing pole. When in doubt, fish; that was my philosophy as a kid. During some free time at this particular camp, I had the privilege and the freedom to fish. My bes... Read More

A Church On Fire

by Curt Dodd on February 16th, 2025

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary… Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the ri... Read More

A Christ-Honoring Epitaph

by Curt Dodd on February 15th, 2025

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. – Psalm 145:4 As a pastor, I sometimes do graveside services. When I go through graveyards, I find myself looking at the headstones. Have you ever done that and looked at the epitaphs? As you are looking at the epitaphs, you’ll realize that some of them are very interesting. I came across several as I was loo... Read More

A Childlike Faith

by Curt Dodd on February 14th, 2025

He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never entre the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4) In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry, he tells this simple yet impactful stor... Read More

A Call To God’s Church

by Curt Dodd on February 13th, 2025

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, there are three things we should be doing 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 ... Read More

A Brand New Glimpse Of Jesus

by Curt Dodd on February 12th, 2025

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8) I want to tell you about Helen Howard Lemmel. She was a singer who had a successful career in the Midwest. She was a music teacher at Moody Bible Institute for years and years. She wrote over 500 hymns, poems and songs. She continued to write until her death at 97 years of age in 1961. After going through a dark time of chaos ... Read More

Remember Who God Is

by Curt Dodd on February 11th, 2025

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 In the midst of whatever you are going through today, you need to remember who God is. I know many people are going through difficult seasons in their lives. Although you might want God to immediately remedy that situation, you need to look to Him first. The reason you need to look to Hi... Read More

Joy In The Midst Of Problems

by Curt Dodd on February 10th, 2025

So there was great joy in that city. – Acts 8:8Though persecution scattered the early church, the result was that many more people heard the gospel and experienced the joy of salvation. Joy in suffering is one of the greatest testimonies of our faith. Even in hardship, God is at work for our good and His glory.Many people think Christianity is all about being righteous, holy, sober, and not very h... Read More

Guided By Problems

by Curt Dodd on February 9th, 2025

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8The early church faced intense persecution, forcing believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem. Though painful, this scattering fulfilled Jesus’ command to take the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.Before Jesus ... Read More

God Is All-Sufficient

by Curt Dodd on February 8th, 2025

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.” - Genesis 17:1 When Abram was at the ripe old age of 99 years old, the Lord El Shaddai appeared to him and said he would be a dad. God would allow him to have a child later by His hand of miraculous touch on the couple named Abraham and Sarah. This is just on... Read More

Making Sure

by Curt Dodd on February 7th, 2025

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 Yesterday, we began talking about the... Read More

Living Out The Great Commission

by Curt Dodd on February 6th, 2025

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 Over the next couple of days, we are ... Read More

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