Posts with the category “hope-and-comfort”
Be Still and Know
by Pastor Jeff on February 19th, 2025
02/19/2025“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)In a world filled with noise, deadlines, and distractions, stillness often feels like an unattainable luxury. From the moment we wake up, we are bombarded with responsibilities, news updates, and the pressure to keep moving forward. But in today’s verse, G... Read More
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Strength in Weakness
by Pastor Jeff on February 18th, 2025
202.18.2025But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)Have you ever felt like you didn’t have what it takes? Maybe you’ve faced a situation so overwhelming that you wondered how you could possibly endure. Paul knew that... Read More
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Walking by the Spirit
by Pastor Jeff on February 5th, 2025
02/05/2025“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”- Galatians 5:16 (NIV)Every day, we stand at a crossroads. One path leads us to the desires of the flesh, selfishness, pride, impatience, and indulgence. The other path leads us to the Spirit, love, joy, peace, and self control. Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16 are not just a suggestion; they are a call to a ... Read More
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Daily Bread and Daily Trust
by Pastor Jeff on February 2nd, 2025
02/02/2025“Give us today our daily bread.”- Matthew 6:11 (NIV)As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included this simple yet profound request: Give us today our daily bread. In these few words, we find a call to trust God, a reminder of our dependence on Him, and an invitation to live in the present with faith.Daily Dependence on GodIn a world that encourages self-sufficiency, this prayer reor... Read More
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Drawing Near with Confidence
by Pastor Jeff on February 1st, 2025
02/01/2025“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”– Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)There is a deep invitation in this verse, an invitation to come boldly before God. Not hesitantly. Not fearfully. Not ashamedly. But with confidence.For many, the idea of standing before God’s throne can seem intimidating. We might f... Read More
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The Beginning of Wisdom
by Pastor Jeff on January 30th, 2025
01/30/2025“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”- Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? This phrase is not about cowering in terror but about living in reverent awe of God. It is the deep recognition that He is holy, sovereign, and all-knowing, and that our lives are fully dependent on Him. When we understand who God is, Hi... Read More
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Ears to Hear
by Pastor Jeff on January 28th, 2025
01/28/2025“Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.’”– Mark 4:9 (NIV)Jesus often spoke in parables, using simple yet profound stories to convey deep spiritual truths. In Mark 4, He had just shared the Parable of the Sower, describing how the Word of God falls on different kinds of “soil,” the hearts of people. He concludes the parable with this call: “Whoever has ears to hear, le... Read More
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Guarding Against Greed
by Pastor Jeff on January 25th, 2025
01/25/2025“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”- Luke 12:15 (NIV)These words from Jesus serve as a wake-up call to examine the desires of our hearts. The backstory of this verse is a man asking Jesus to intervene in a family dispute over inheritance. Instead of addressing the man’s immediate concern, ... Read More
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The Danger of Self-Reliance
by Pastor Jeff on January 17th, 2025
01/17/2025“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” - Proverbs 3:7 (NIV)There is an unmistakable tension in this verse, a call to humility and reverence that stands in stark opposition to our natural inclination toward self-reliance. The world often tells us to trust our own wisdom, follow our instincts, and chart our course independently. While confidence and discernment are... Read More
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Stand Firm, Unmovable, Abounding
by Pastor Jeff on January 9th, 2025
01/09/2025“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”—1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)The Apostle Paul ends this chapter on the resurrection with this charge: stand firm. He has just finished reminding the Corinthians of the victory we have through Jesus Chri... Read More
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Living in the Light
by Pastor Jeff on January 6th, 2025
01/06/2025“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”– John 3:21 (NIV)In this verse, Jesus speaks of a stark contrast between light and darkness—a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of John. Light represents truth, goodness, and God’s presence, while darkness symbolizes sin, deceit, and separat... Read More
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The Power of Forgiveness and Love
by Jeff Talarico on January 5th, 2025
01/05/2025“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”- Luke 7:47, NIVThis verse is part of a beautiful and deeply moving moment in the ministry of Jesus. A woman, known for her sinful life, enters a Pharisee’s home where Jesus is dining. With boldness and humility, she weeps at His feet, washes them with ... Read More
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The Power of Repentance and Baptism
by Pastor Jeff on January 4th, 2025
01/04/2025“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.’”— Acts 2:38 (NIV)Acts 2:38 stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, summarizing the essence of the gospel message: repentance, baptism, forgiveness, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. These words were spoken by Pet... Read More
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Embracing the New Thing
by Pastor Jeff on January 1st, 2025
1/1/2025“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”-Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)God’s invitation to “forget the former things” doesn’t mean we should erase our memories or dismiss the lessons we’ve learned. Instead, it’s a call to loosen our grip on the past ... Read More
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A New Creation in Christ
by Pastor Jeff on December 31st, 2024
12/31/2024“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)This verse captures the transformative power of the Gospel. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are not simply improved versions of ourselves—we are made new. The old self, marked by sin, shame, and separation from God, is replaced by a life infused with His S... Read More
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Set Your Heart on Things Above
by Pastor Jeff on December 29th, 2024
12/29/2024“Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”– Colossians 3:1 (NIV)When we accept Christ as our Savior, we undergo a spiritual resurrection. Our old self, tied to sin and worldly desires, is replaced with a new identity in Christ. Colossians 3:1 calls us to live in alignment with this new reality by shift... Read More
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The Beginning of Knowledge
by Pastor Jeff on December 27th, 2024
12/27/2024“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”– Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)This verse sets the tone for the entire book of Proverbs, emphasizing the foundation of a life marked by wisdom and understanding. The “fear of the Lord” is not about living in terror but having a profound respect, reverence, and awe for God. It acknowledges His authority, s... Read More
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The Fulness of Time
by Pastor Jeff on December 25th, 2024
12/25/2024“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”— Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)God’s timing is perfect. This truth is beautifully expressed in Galatians 4:4-5, where Paul reminds us that Jesus was sent at precisely the right moment in history. His arrival was not random or hurr... Read More
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No Room in the Inn
by Pastor Jeff on December 22nd, 2024
12/22/2024“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2:7 (NIV)The scene described in Luke 2:7 is humble and unassuming, yet it marks the most profound moment in human history: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Born not in a palace or surrounded by wealth, but in a stable, wrappe... Read More
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He Will Save His People
by Pastor Jeff on December 21st, 2024
12/21/2024“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”— Matthew 1:21 (NIV)This verse is a profound announcement of God’s eternal plan to redeem humanity. The angel’s words to Joseph reveal both Jesus’ identity and His mission. His name, “Jesus,” means “The Lord saves,” underscoring His role as the Savior of the world.Sin s... Read More
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The Gift of the Son
by Pastor Jeff on December 18th, 2024
12/1/8/2024“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)Isaiah 9:6 is a powerful prophecy, written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, that reveals God’s promise to send a Savior. This verse encapsulates both the humanity and divin... Read More
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The Promise of Bethlehem
by Pastor Jeff on December 17th, 2024
12/17/2024“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”— Micah 5:2 (NIV)This verse from Micah is one of the most interesting prophecies about the coming Messiah. Bethlehem, a small, seemingly insignificant town in Judah, was chosen as the birthplace of ... Read More
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The Righteous Branch
by Pastor Jeff on December 15th, 2024
12/15/2024“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”– Jeremiah 23:5 (NIV)In the midst of a nation consumed by corruption and chaos, the prophet Jeremiah delivered a message of hope. God promised a coming King who would not only rule but reign with wisdom, justice, and righteo... Read More
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A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse
by Pastor Jeff on December 14th, 2024
12/14/2024“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”- Isaiah 11:1 (NIV)Today’s verse paints a picture of hope arising from despair. The “stump of Jesse” refers to the lineage of King David, Jesse’s son. At the time of this prophecy, Israel had faced judgment, and the once, mighty royal line seemed like a lifeless stump. Yet, God promised that from what... Read More
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Preparing the Way
by Pastor Jeff on December 12th, 2024
12/12/2024“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” – Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)Isaiah 40:3 is a powerful verse that speaks both to the people of Israel in their time of exile and to us today. This verse heralds the coming of God’s deliverance, pointing forward to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. In a lite... Read More
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The Bread of Life
by Pastor Jeff on December 4th, 2024
12/04/2024Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”- John 6:35 NIVIn this verse, Jesus makes one of His most heartfelt and personal declarations about His identity. This statement comes after He miraculously fed the 5,000, a sign that left the crowd wanting more. However, Jesus redirects their focus fr... Read More
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Treasures of the Heart
by Pastor Jeff on December 3rd, 2024
12/03/2024“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”– Matthew 6:21 (NIV)Our lives are shaped by what we value most. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 challenge us to examine what truly holds our attention, affection, and devotion. The “treasure” He speaks of isn’t limited to material wealth; it encompasses everything we prioritize, whether possessions, relationships, goals, or achieve... Read More
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Living the Greatest Commandments
by Pastor Jeff on November 29th, 2024
11/29/2024Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”- Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)In this passage, Jesus simplifies what it means to live a life pleasing to God. When challenged by religious leaders to identify the greatest commandment... Read More
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Love Covers Over All
by Pastor Jeff on November 27th, 2024
11/27/2024“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”— 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)This verse comes from Peter’s instructions to believers living in challenging times. It serves as a reminder that love is not just a command but a priority, “above all.” In a world filled with strife, misunderstandings, and offenses, Peter calls us to a deep, intentional love that reflect... Read More
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God Among Us
by Pastor Jeff on November 24th, 2024
11/24/2024“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (NIV)Imagine, the Creator of the universe, God Himself, stepping into your life, not as a distant observer but as someone who fully immerses Himself in your joys, struggles, and humanity. This is the powerful trut... Read More
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Walking in the Light
by Pastor Jeff on November 20th, 2024
11/20/2024“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”– Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)The words in Isaiah 9:2 are a vivid and powerful message, describing an instant when hope pierces despair. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, as the light that dispels the darkness of sin, fear, and hopeless... Read More
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Peacemakers in a Fractured World
by Pastor Jeff on November 18th, 2024
11/18/2024“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (NIV)In a world often marked by conflict and division, Jesus calls His followers to be peacemakers. This is not a passive calling; it’s an active pursuit of reconciliation, harmony, and restoration. To be a peacemaker is to reflect the heart of God, who reconciled humanity to Himself through Christ.Bein... Read More
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The Joy of God’s Word
by Pastor Jeff on November 17th, 2024
11/17/2024“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.”– Psalm 119:14 (NIV)In a world where success is often equated with material wealth, the psalmist’s words in Psalm 119:14 stand out as a powerful reminder of where true riches are found. They declare that following God’s statutes—His Word and commandments—brings more joy and satisfaction than the finest treasures this ... Read More
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Humility and Trust in God
by Pastor Jeff on November 10th, 2024
11/10/2024“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”– Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves chasing success, status, and wealth. But Proverbs 22:4 reminds us that true “riches and honor and life” come not from the pursuit of earthly gains, but from the humble reverence and awe we have for God. The “fear of the Lord” here isn’t abo... Read More
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Unity in Action
by Pastor Jeff on November 5th, 2024
11/05/2024“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”— Psalms 133:1 (NIV)Unity. It’s a small word with immense power. In Psalms 133, David beautifully captures the joy and blessing of harmonious relationships, especially among God’s people. Unity is described as “good and pleasant,” emphasizing not only its righteousness but also the warmth it brings to those who experi... Read More
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Confident of Completion
by Pastor Jeff on October 27th, 2024
10/27/2024“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 1:6 NIVThis verse reassures us that God is invested in every detail of our lives. Paul encourages us to have confidence that God, who initiated a transformative work within us, will remain faithful to complete it. This isn’t about human efforts but ab... Read More
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A Confession of Faith
by Pastor Jeff on October 24th, 2024
10/24/2024“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” – 1 John 4:15 (NIV)In this verse, the apostle John lays out a profound truth that brings great comfort: if we confess Jesus as the Son of God, we enter into an intimate relationship with God, one where He abides in us, and we abide in Him. This confession is more than just an intellectual belief; it... Read More
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Trusting in God’s Deliverance
by Pastor Jeff on October 22nd, 2024
10/22/2024But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.—Psalm 59:16 (NIV)In Psalm 59, David finds himself in a desperate situation, surrounded by enemies seeking to take his life. Yet instead of succumbing to fear or despair, he makes a powerful declaration: he will sing of God’s strength and love in the morning. ... Read More
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Close to the Brokenhearted
by Pastor Jeff on October 15th, 2024
10/15/2024“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”- Psalms 34:18 (NIV)Have you ever experienced a moment when your heart felt like it was shattered into a million pieces? Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a cherished relationship, or a deep disappointment that shook you to your core, the pain can feel unbearable. During these moments, it’s ... Read More
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The Power of Confession and Belief
by Pastor Jeff on October 14th, 2024
10/14/2024“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 (NIV)Our words today offers us one of the most straightforward yet profound explanations of how salvation works. It’s a clear reminder that our faith is not just a mental ascent or an internal feeling but a confession and belief that transforms e... Read More
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2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to HearAll For The OneThe Beginning of WisdomUnashamed of the Gospel
February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing Peace
2024
January
In The Beginning: A Great Place to Start.Do you see what I see?Hide and SeekSurrendering to God's GuidanceThe Benefits of Renewing Our MindA Light that Never CeasesAre You In Church?God Makes All Things NewThe Value of Each OtherRenewed Day by DayDelight in the Presence of the LordNever AloneGod: Our Refuge and StrengthPursuing Peace and Shunning EvilRejoicing in God's PromisesSeeking and FindingThe Faithfulness of God: Our Source of EncouragementA Heart of AbundanceSowing Righteousness, Reaping God's LoveThe Power of God at WorkPray. Pause. Patience.It’s Time to Go to WorkOur Father in HeavenThe Power of Prayer and Confidence in GodFinding Peace Through PrayerMay You Have Ears That HearThe Holy Spirit: Our Source of Strength and HopeThe Persistent Pursuit of FaithThe Story of GraceWe Know Not The HourGreed Be Gone
February
United in ChristThe Seeking ShepherdDo You Hear Me?Turn It OnMy Help Comes From The LordThe Patient Love of GodHe Never Forgets The GoodThe Overwhelming Mercy of GodUnity in the Body of ChristForgiveness - A Reflection of God's LoveHoliness through PeaceDevotion and HonorLove Your EnemiesThe Great Exchange of GraceWalking in LoveWe Must Die to LiveThe Most Famous Verse