Posts with the tag “follow”
Who Do You Follow?
by Curt Dodd on December 10th, 2024
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) Who do you follow in your life? I am not talking about who you follow on Instagram or who you keep up with on Facebook. I’m asking, who do you follow, who do you serve, and who do you model yourself after? To determine the answer to these important quest... 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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Follow Godly Examples
by Curt Dodd on October 12th, 2024
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9) As Paul wraps up his letter t... Read More
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Transformational Giving
by Curt Dodd on October 5th, 2024
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11) We looked at four ways God enjoys our act of giving. Today, we will ... Read More
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Saying Yes To God’s Call
by Curt Dodd on September 30th, 2024
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17In college, I was trying to find my way, and I didn’t know what God had for me. I had a double major in college (music and speech), and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to sing or preach. I thought I got my answer when I was invited to be the Assistant Minister of Music at a megachurch in Houston. If I took this job,... Read More
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Smooth Sailing
by Curt Dodd on September 26th, 2024
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Don't you wish that after you gave your life to Christ, it would be nothing but smooth sailing? I surely wish that were the case. After you turn from sin, and place your faith in Christ, from that point on, you would like your life to be sm... Read More
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Salvation Is Simple
by Curt Dodd on August 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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A Baptism Celebration
by Curt Dodd on May 6th, 2024
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. – Acts 2:38Baptism is like a big celebration where we show others that we've decided to follow Jesus. It's like wearing a jersey to show which team you're on. But remember, it's not the jersey that makes you a part of the team. It's your love for... Read More
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Believing God’s Word
by Curt Dodd on March 30th, 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) Many people are searching for the will of God. Not only do they want to know the will of God, but they want to stay in His will. Consequently, when someone asks me how they can find God’s ... Read More
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God Gives Free Will
by Curt Dodd on March 26th, 2024
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:15-17) From the very beginning, God has given all of humanity free will to make our own dec... Read More
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Simply Follow Christ
by Curt Dodd on March 19th, 2024
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22) In one of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances, He was alone on the shore where He had first called His fishermen. After the miraculous catch of Galilean fish, Simon Peter jumped out of the boat and hurried to the shore to be the first one with Jesus. You can almost feel the at... Read More
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Experiencing Christ’s Fullness
by Curt Dodd on March 10th, 2024
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) As Christians, we want to experience Christ’s fullness in its totality. In other words, we want to experience all that a relationship with the Lord has to offer. How do we do that? How do we receive the fullness of Christ? The ... Read More
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Submitting to God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on February 15th, 2024
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38) If there was ever an example of complete submission to God’s will, it is the story of Mary in the Gospel of Luke. Mary was only a teenager and was engaged to be married. She was ready to start a new and exciting chapter in her life, when an angel told her that she would be the ... Read More
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Salvation Is Simple
by Curt Dodd on January 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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Strengthening Believers
by Curt Dodd on January 8th, 2024
They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. – Acts 14:21-22The word “strengthening” in today’s key passage comes from the Greek word “episterizo.” It literally mean... Read More
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Praying in God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on January 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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Control Your Heart
by Curt Dodd on November 25th, 2023
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
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Justifying Your Own Way
by Curt Dodd on October 28th, 2023
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:7-9) It can be difficult to talk about God’s judgment. As a ... Read More
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Share Your Faith
by Curt Dodd on August 25th, 2023
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah.” (John 1:41) After I met Christ as my personal Savior and Lord, the first thing I did was sing and share! As I was riding my bicycle home that Monday afternoon, after praying to receive Christ, I couldn’t help but sing. Although I don’t remember the words of the song, I do remember the joy and the s... Read More
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Fully Trusting God
by Curt Dodd on August 12th, 2023
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received…There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1,4-6) I have seen many Christians struggle with trust over the years. We often find it ... Read More
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Believing God’s Word
by Curt Dodd on June 30th, 2023
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) Many people are searching for the will of God. Not only do they want to know the will of God, but they want to stay in His will. Consequently, when someone asks me how they can find God’s ... Read More
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Bless Your Children
by Curt Dodd on June 17th, 2023
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) These are some more ways you can bless your children: The fourth thing you can do to bless your children is to speak, because you know the power of your words. Do you realize how powerful your words are? Your actions back up your words, but we bless our children with words because they need... Read More
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Gifts from the Holy Spirit
by Curt Dodd on May 27th, 2023
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another spea... Read More
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The Lord Encourages Us
by Curt Dodd on May 16th, 2023
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105) When you need encouragement, where do you turn? Do you listen to someone? Do you call your parents or your best friend? Do you ask your Bible study teacher for a word of encouragement? If you are looking to other people for encouragement, you will never be satisfied with what they tell you. You will always be left wanting more.... Read More
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Have You Been Called?
by Curt Dodd on May 12th, 2023
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings -- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. (Revelation 17:14) I must ask you a question: “Have you been called? Have you heard the call and the tug of the Holy Spirit to turn from your sin and place your faith in Christ?” If you have, and if you have respo... Read More
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Powerful Prayers and Confidence
by Curt Dodd on March 27th, 2023
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. (James 5:16-17)If you want to be a powerful prayer, you need three things. Yesterday, we discussed ho... Read More
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Focus on the Giver
by Curt Dodd on March 8th, 2023
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
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Praying in God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on March 3rd, 2023
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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Help Bear Their Burdens
by Curt Dodd on February 27th, 2023
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)As sinful human beings, it is easy for us to be full of ourselves. In fact, most people struggle with a narcissistic attitude where they think they are too good, too busy, or too important to be involved in connecting with people.When you are full of yourself, this will keep you ... Read More
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Finding Godly Mentors
by Curt Dodd on January 1st, 2023
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) The best spiritual mentors are people who are walking toward purity and godliness. If you need a spiritual mentor, make sure you are learning from people who are living a life that honors the Lord. Find people who can pour wisdom and encouragement into you. Seek godly counsel as you make decisions. People will make a huge differen... Read More
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Who Do You Follow?
by Curt Dodd on December 10th, 2022
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)Who do you follow in your life? I am not talking about who you follow on Instagram or who you keep up with on Facebook. I’m asking, who do you follow, who do you serve, and who do you model yourself after?To determine the answer to these important questions, her... Read More
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Release People
by Curt Dodd on September 25th, 2022
Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy. (Revelation 22:11) Please pay special attention to the point made in this verse. As we wait for Jesus to come back, release people to be who they are. You don't have the ability to bring conviction in someone else's ... Read More
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Listen to God
by Curt Dodd on September 15th, 2022
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Do you realize that any time there is political unrest, a country has a coup or goes to war, people are more open to the Gospel than at any other time? Have you noticed something in your own life? Are you seeking God when He is blessing you? Conversely, when you are flat on your back with no hope, are you more like... Read More
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Archive
2024
January
Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
February
Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
March
Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?