Posts with the tag “peace”
A Thrill Ride
by Curt Dodd on June 26th, 2025
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The last time I was on a thrill ride was at a county fair with my daughter. Because she loves thrill rides, she asked me to go with her on one of those rides. It was l... Read More
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Gratitude Is A Defense Against Anxiety
by Curt Dodd on January 27th, 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 4:6-7Anxiety is a common struggle, but God has given us a powerful tool to combat it: gratitude. You cannot be grateful and anxious at the sam... Read More
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The Light of Christmas
by Curt Dodd on December 22nd, 2024
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105Christmas is a season of light, and that light begins with God’s Word. The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries of promises, illuminating God’s faithfulness and love. Just as Psalm 119:105 reminds us, Scripture is our guiding light. When we align our lives with its truth, we discover clarity and purpose. This Christmas, let the ... Read More
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The Center of God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on December 20th, 2024
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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Share Christ
by Curt Dodd on December 18th, 2024
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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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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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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Do Not Worry
by Curt Dodd on October 11th, 2024
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) With everything we are juggling in our lives, we can be anxious about many things. We worry about our family, our friends, our job, our ... Read More
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Quiet Time Relieves Stress
by Curt Dodd on September 12th, 2024
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else -- to the nearby villages -- so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughou... Read More
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Find Rest in the Lord
by Curt Dodd on August 29th, 2024
“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) We should meditate on these Scripture verses during this difficult time in our world. As we are being burdened by fear, worry, bad news, loneli... Read More
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Seek Godly Wisdom
by Curt Dodd on August 18th, 2024
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)Do you know where you get wisdom? From the Word of God. Wisdom is the Word of God which is applied practically to your life to show you how to live. Therefore, when you accept Christ, you are coming to Him who is completely wise. He has all the wisdom you need to take the... Read More
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Trusting God’s Plan For Eternity
by Curt Dodd on June 16th, 2024
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 24:42-44It is very important for us t... Read More
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Remember Who God Is
by Curt Dodd on June 11th, 2024
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
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Abiding and Resting
by Curt Dodd on March 29th, 2024
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) If you are going through difficult times in your life right now, you need to learn the spiritual practice of abiding. What does it mean to abide?... Read More
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Make Peace With God
by Curt Dodd on March 25th, 2024
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. - Colossians 1:20When I look at all of the war treaties historically, I’m fascinated. After the American Revolutionary War ended, the treaty was not signed into validation for over two years. The Treaty of Paris made it a reality.After World War I e... Read More
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The Lord’s Protection
by Curt Dodd on March 11th, 2024
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:7) In the world we live in, we might be afraid of many things. We could worry about a million different circumstances and possibilities. However, I want to counter the worries you might be facing with some encouragement. You are invincible until God is through with you on this planet. Let me say that again, to... Read More
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Faith In The Midst Of Trials
by Curt Dodd on December 27th, 2023
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” - Hebrews 11:1Let’s say you owe $100,000 and you went to your bank. You sat down with the banker and said, “I need $100,000, Can you take care of this issue?” The banker says, “Sure, I will be glad to loan you $100,000.” This is not a trial because you have a solution. If he says, “No, I wouldn't loan you 10 cents, bu... Read More
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The Center of God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on December 20th, 2023
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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The Reality of Persecution
by Curt Dodd on December 10th, 2023
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 16:33In the past year, 360 million Christians (1 in 7 believers around the world) suffered significant persecution for their faith. I don't know if you have ever been persecuted for your faith or overlooked for a raise or promotion because of your f... Read More
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Having A Spiritual Mindset
by Curt Dodd on November 27th, 2023
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12Years ago, I was talking to one of my friends and he mentioned that he had a friend whose child was of preschool age. The little boy was overwhelmed with fear every night. H... Read More
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Forgive Like Jesus
by Curt Dodd on October 25th, 2023
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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Do Not Worry
by Curt Dodd on October 11th, 2023
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) With everything we are juggling in our lives, we can be anxious about many things. We worry about our family, our friends, our job, our ... Read More
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Spiritual Alignment
by Curt Dodd on September 9th, 2023
Do not be conformed 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 12:2) Andrew Murray said many of us need to understand what prayer is. He said, “Prayer is not so much trying to get God to align with you, but rather it helps you align with where God is g... Read More
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Praying To Remind Yourself
by Curt Dodd on September 5th, 2023
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9) Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. Praying without ceasing should be the default position for every believer as they live moment by moment. Many of our prayers are more self-reminders than news flashes for heaven. This prayer is the same. The psalmist is verbalizing in prayer a fresh commitment to the Lord to l... Read More
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Look to Christ
by Curt Dodd on August 11th, 2023
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10) Have you wondered how you can know if Jesus is the true source of your fulfillment? There is a good way to determine the answer. You will know if Jesus is really fulfilling your life when things aren’t going well for you, when your circumstances are less than ideal, and you are still looking to Chris... Read More
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Aligning with Christ
by Curt Dodd on June 24th, 2023
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) Appearing behind locked doors, Jesus shows His scars to the disciples. Before He does, He speaks to calm their fears, and give them a holy directive. Two different times, He says, “Peace be with you!” Think of that for a moment. We must be calm and at peace before we can align with His purpose. When... Read More
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Be Still
by Curt Dodd on June 14th, 2023
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Finding peace and quiet in the midst of our crazy and sometimes chaotic lives can seem nearly impossible. Between school, work, church, family, friends, hobbies, and errands; it is difficult to make time for a full eight hours of sleep, much less make time to be still while you are awake. We tend to think that if we are not moving or doing something... Read More
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Seeking Godly Wisdom
by Curt Dodd on May 31st, 2023
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) Do you know where you get wisdom? You get it from the Word of God. Wisdom is the Word of God applied practically to your life to show you how to live. Therefore, when you accept Christ, you are coming to Him who is completely wise. He has all the wisdom you need to take... Read More
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How Are You Filled?
by Curt Dodd on May 18th, 2023
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15-18) When you become a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you. He guides y... Read More
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Jesus Is Victorious!
by Curt Dodd on May 11th, 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) There are a lot of heavy topics and anecdotes in the Book of Revelation. I want to focus on a verse in Revelation 17 that gives us hope and confidence. At the same time, it should make us feel e... Read More
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Peace Be with You
by Curt Dodd on April 12th, 2023
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!” (John 20:19) Imagine the shock that the disciples experienced when they saw Jesus appear before them behind locked doors! If that had happened to you or me, just think how we would have responded. Some ... Read More
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Out of Alignment
by Curt Dodd on January 20th, 2023
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God…Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:4, 7-8) When w... Read More
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A Thrill Ride
by Curt Dodd on January 17th, 2023
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)The last time I was on a thrill ride was at a county fair with my daughter. Because she loves thrill rides, she asked me to go with her on one of those rides. It was ... Read More
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It Is as You Will
by Curt Dodd on December 7th, 2022
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)Years ago, a little boy had captured a small, helpless bird. He went to an old wise man in his village and he put the bird behind his back. He looked at the man and said, “Old man, tell me, Is the bird I hold in my hand, is it alive, or is it dead?”The wise man thou... Read More
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Avoiding Trouble
by Curt Dodd on November 24th, 2022
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 believe ... Read More
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The Lord Will Provide
by Curt Dodd on October 18th, 2022
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 on... Read More
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Benefits of Praise
by Curt Dodd on October 13th, 2022
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6)If we are living and breathing, Scripture commands us to always be praising the Lord. We should praise Him not just because He deserves it, but also because we benefit from praising Him.As you are praising God, not only are you inviting Him to come near, but you are also being reminded of God's presence. Many of us become very forgetful ... Read More
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Your Life Is an Example
by Curt Dodd on September 30th, 2022
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)Experiencing difficulty, pain, and heartbreak are guaranteed while we are on this earth. There is just no way around it. In one of Jesus’ conversations with His disciples near the end of His ministry, He confirmed this tr... Read More
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The Power of the Cross
by Curt Dodd on September 17th, 2022
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14)In that moment when you gave your life to Christ, something happened. Everything that you ... Read More
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Praying To Remind Yourself
by Curt Dodd on September 5th, 2022
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, (Psalm 59:9)Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. Praying without ceasing should be the default position for every believer as they live moment by moment. Many of our prayers are more self-reminders than news flashes for heaven. This prayer is the same. The psalmist is verbalizing in prayer a fresh commitment to the Lord to liv... Read More
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