Posts with the category “daily-devotion”
Say No to Temptation
by Curt Dodd on December 5th, 2025
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
2
Don’t Follow the World
by Curt Dodd on December 4th, 2025
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2) When I ... Read More
4
The Holy Spirit Helps
by Curt Dodd on December 3rd, 2025
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26) If we want to be effective for the Kingdom of God, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit power that raised Jesus from the dead is the very same power we have available to us as His followers. As we ... Read More
1
The Holy Spirit
by Curt Dodd on December 2nd, 2025
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. These are several ways the Holy Spirit works in us: 1. The Holy Spirit teaches us. God will allow His Spirit to inform you ... Read More
1
Refuel Your Spirit
by Curt Dodd on December 1st, 2025
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil…When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-2, 13) During Jesus’ time on earth, He was tempted just like we are tempted. There is an account of Jesus being tempted in the Book of Luke which is ve... Read More
3
Just Forgive
by Curt Dodd on November 30th, 2025
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) Let’s face it: Forgiveness is complicated! When Simon Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother or sister, he already had a number in mind. In fact, ... Read More
4
Before the Throne of God
by Curt Dodd on November 29th, 2025
Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God... Read More
1
Why Are You Following?
by Curt Dodd on November 28th, 2025
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. (Matthew 8:1) Why are you really following Jesus? After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus amassed a huge crowd. This huge crowd was made up of individuals who were following Christ for different reasons: 1. Some followed out of interest and curiosity. They just showed up because everyone was headed that way, and they were inte... Read More
1
Your Story Is Not Finished
by Curt Dodd on November 27th, 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) What a powerful verse! Even though Jeremiah’s message often dealt with judgement and destruction, he also relayed a message of hope for his people from heaven. That is what we all need…HOPE. To know that our story is not yet finished is a “ga... Read More
1
You Are an Evangelist
by Curt Dodd on November 26th, 2025
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (Psalm 96:3) God's plan is that people will come to faith in Christ. I know you are very concerned about your family members and friends who don't know Christ. Because you are burdened for them, you are asking yourself questions like: “How will they hear the Gospel? Will they watch religious broadcasting on televis... Read More
2
Control Your Heart
by Curt Dodd on November 25th, 2025
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23) When there is trouble in our lives, we tend to focus on that. We think we can work through it by mental-emotional gyrations. We dream about it, talk to our friends about it, and dwell on it. We devote a lot of verbiage to that trouble. Because we are worrying about it, Jesus is saying, “Don't let your hearts b... Read More
2
Avoiding Trouble
by Curt Dodd on November 24th, 2025
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (John 14:1) Do you realize that trouble is simply part of life? You can't avoid it. It is crucial to understand that through Christ we can overcome the trouble, regardless of what it is. Jesus told us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) People will not always line up with what you beli... Read More
1
Wait in Silence
by Curt Dodd on November 23rd, 2025
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) We don't like silence and we don't do very well with silence. Have you noticed that we try to fill silence with activity? It is important for us to realize that there are times when we need to be quiet. This happens to many of us. When there is silence and God doesn't move, we do something. When in doubt, do something. Like Simon Peter, when th... Read More
3
God Can Defend Himself
by Curt Dodd on November 22nd, 2025
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) When we don't understand what God is doing, we try to explain why God would allow something to happen. Many of us think we have to answer all of the “nay-sayers.” We hear people say, “If God is a God of love, w... Read More
2
Blaming Others
by Curt Dodd on November 21st, 2025
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
2
A Guilt-Free Life
by Curt Dodd on November 20th, 2025
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
1
Stand Firmly in Freedom
by Curt Dodd on November 19th, 2025
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
2
Stand Firmly
by Curt Dodd on November 18th, 2025
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11) If we are going to be the individuals who the Lord desires us to be, we must learn how to stand firmly in every area of our lives. A solid conviction within our hearts must reveal itself in clear action in our lives. We might stand for an internal commitment or belief, but it needs more... Read More
2
Disagreements
by Curt Dodd on November 17th, 2025
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they... Read More
1
Learning from Failure
by Curt Dodd on November 16th, 2025
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
4
Setups for Failure
by Curt Dodd on November 15th, 2025
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
1
Enjoying Your Work
by Curt Dodd on November 14th, 2025
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
2
Believing God
by Curt Dodd on November 13th, 2025
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
3
Believing God
by Curt Dodd on November 12th, 2025
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
2
Praying in God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on November 11th, 2025
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
2
Showing Love
by Curt Dodd on November 10th, 2025
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 28:19-20) We often say that love is a feeling. I would have to disagree and tell you that love is an action. Love is something we show, not ju... Read More
1
A Sense of Obligation
by Curt Dodd on November 9th, 2025
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
1
Just Be Kind
by Curt Dodd on November 8th, 2025
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
4
Doing Before Knowing God
by Curt Dodd on November 7th, 2025
“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
3
Good Can Come from Pain
by Curt Dodd on November 6th, 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 8:28) 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
3
Boldly Standing for Christ
by Curt Dodd on November 5th, 2025
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
3
It’s Not Too Late
by Curt Dodd on November 4th, 2025
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) When we see someone who is going through some kind of pa... Read More
1
Healing Misconceptions
by Curt Dodd on November 3rd, 2025
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) When we see someone who is going through some kind of pa... Read More
1
Grow In Grace
by Curt Dodd on November 2nd, 2025
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
2
Show God’s Grace
by Curt Dodd on November 1st, 2025
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
2
The Difference the Cross Makes
by Curt Dodd on October 31st, 2025
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
2
Encouraging Words
by Curt Dodd on October 30th, 2025
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
1
Have You Been Saved?
by Curt Dodd on October 29th, 2025
“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
2
So Close, Yet So Far
by Curt Dodd on October 28th, 2025
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) Can I share something personal with you? When I was twelve, I thought I had it all figured out. I'd been baptized, I could pray beautifully, I had memorized Scripture verses, and I was actively involved in church. I even won an award for "packing the pews... Read More
1
Distraction-Free Time
by Curt Dodd on October 27th, 2025
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6) The world we live in is filled with distractions. Everywhere we look, something or someone is begging for our attention. Our phones are constantly buzzing. The TV is chattering in the background. Our desks at work are covered in “To-D... Read More
2
Subscribe Now
Recent
Archive
2025
January
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
February
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
March
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 Stand on the Word of GodA Gracious GiftCelebrating Through BaptismThe Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentGod Draws Us to HimselfFind Rest in the LordBearing The Burdens Of OthersPrioritizing Your Love For Christ
