Posts with the tag “prayer”
Aligning Your Plans With God’s Plans
by Curt Dodd on July 5th, 2025
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9) One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that He sees everything that you are going through right now, and He has all power to direct the next steps of your life. But in knowing this, we need to make sure that our steps are not going against the trend of His steps. Many of us make decisions base... Read More
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Finding Jesus in Every Page
by Curt Dodd on June 10th, 2025
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27) Can you imagine walking seven miles with Jesus as He personally unpacked the entire Old... Read More
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The Power of Hidden Intercessors
by Curt Dodd on May 19th, 2025
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. —Philippians 2:4When I was in my second year of seminary, I met a man named Frank Hart Smith—everyone called him “Pogo.” He was a writer, a leader, and an encourager of young people. I’ll never forget our first conversation. He asked about my journey, and I told him how I had resisted the call to preach. I said, “Lor... Read More
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The Call to Intercede
by Curt Dodd on May 18th, 2025
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6:2Years ago, my family went on a hike in Colorado. We loaded up backpacks with everything we needed—sleeping bags, tents, food, and water purifiers. As we made our way up the trail, the weight and altitude overwhelmed us. My youngest son Zack laid down on the trail, took off his backpack, and said, “Dad, I’... Read More
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An Amazing God
by Curt Dodd on April 24th, 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. (Ephesians 3:20) This is one of my all-time favorite verses in Scripture, because it reminds me how God works in ways above and beyond what my human mind can comprehend. Anything we could think up, dream up, or make up in our heads; He can surpass with His goodness and His g... Read More
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A Word of Blessing
by Curt Dodd on March 18th, 2025
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:4-5) I can’t forget the moment when I opened a short, encouraging card from a friend of mine and read this verse out loud. Apparently, he knew I needed the encouragement and blessing this ve... Read More
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A Desire To Serve
by Curt Dodd on January 10th, 2025
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28) Years ago, I was studying today’s key Scripture passage. In the middle of preparing a sermon message, I prayed this prayer, “Lord, ... Read More
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Praying in God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on November 12th, 2024
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
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How To Start Reading Your Bible
by Curt Dodd on August 12th, 2024
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)The Bible is alive for you today. If you haven't experienced that, you need to spend time alone with God. As you are hungry to hear His voice, just breathe a simple prayer, “Jesus,... Read More
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Have You Met Christ?
by Curt Dodd on August 7th, 2024
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
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Praying in God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on July 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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A Defining Encounter
by Curt Dodd on April 9th, 2024
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) He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5) One thing that is true for every follower of Jesus is that there has been a... 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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Praying Instead of Worrying
by Curt Dodd on December 28th, 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) 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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Specific Confession
by Curt Dodd on September 7th, 2023
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) When I was in seminary, I took a course called Missionary Preparation. We had a guest speaker one day by the name of Bertha Smith. As a retired missionary, she still had fire in her bones. I will never forget what she said in class that day. As she walked to the front ... Read More
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Listening to God
by Curt Dodd on August 29th, 2023
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:4-5) Have you been in a conversation with someone who only wanted to talk about themselves? They talk about the unending “busyness” within their family, the stress coming from their job, and the recent conflict they had with a f... Read More
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Pray To Receive Christ
by Curt Dodd on July 26th, 2023
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) My grandson, Shepherd, recently gave his life to Jesus. His father, Jonathan, is the one who had trouble finding the deer in his scope when he was young. Jonathan felt in his heart that he needed to talk to his 10-year-old son about giving his life to Chri... Read More
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Align with the Lord
by Curt Dodd on July 5th, 2023
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7) Andrew Murray gave us a better understanding of prayer. He said, “Prayer is not so much trying to get God to align with you, but rather it helps you align wit... Read More
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Resisting Evil Through Prayer
by Curt Dodd on June 12th, 2023
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)I want to ask a few questions. When is it right... Read More
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Read Your Bible
by Curt Dodd on May 26th, 2023
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible is alive for you today. If you haven't experienced this, you need to spend time alone with God. When you are hungry to hear His voice, just breathe a simple prayer, “Je... 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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Pray to Jesus
by Curt Dodd on April 15th, 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 minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) As a follower of Christ, prayer is a very important part of life. Do you realize there is not just one way to pray? God wants you to learn to... 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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Defeating Anxiety
by Curt Dodd on February 20th, 2023
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)Sometimes, when we are struggling with anxiety, we feel very lonely. We think we are all by ourselves. Throughout Scripture, we are reassured that God will never leave us once we give our lives to Christ.The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit comes to... Read More
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Giving from the Heart
by Curt Dodd on December 5th, 2022
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.” (Mala... Read More
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The Faithful Provider
by Curt Dodd on December 4th, 2022
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) When my wife Ginger and I first got married, we were very poor. I was serving in my first full-time church position, and I was paid $130 a week. We lived in the parsonage next door to the church, which the church provided. We didn’t have much of anything to put in the house. In fact, our first... Read More
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Refuel Your Spirit
by Curt Dodd on December 1st, 2022
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 very... Read More
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Forgiveness
by Curt Dodd on October 26th, 2022
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)We talked about forgiving others as Christ forgave us, and how difficult this can be. When forgiving, we must remember that we cannot fully forgive anyone in our own power. We... Read More
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Delight Yourself in Jesus
by Curt Dodd on October 21st, 2022
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) Many of us think that finding God’s will is extremely difficult, a never-ending mystery that often seems impossible to solve. In reality, that is not the case at all. God makes His will for us clear in His Word. We just have to be willing to look for it. As C. S. Lewis says, “The deep things of God are not s... Read More
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Praying According To God’s Will
by Curt Dodd on November 12th, 2021
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 tim... Read More
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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