Posts with the category “surrender-and-trust”

Living Out What We’ve Learned
by Pastor Jeff on October 16th, 2024
10/16/2024“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 4:9 (NIV)In this verse, Paul urges the Philippian believers not just to absorb spiritual truths, but to actively live them out. He provides a clear formula: observe, learn, and then practice. When we put into action the teachings we receive, th...  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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Answering the Call
by Pastor Jeff on October 12th, 2024
10/12/2024“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ “- Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)Today we find a powerful moment of personal surrender. Isaiah has just experienced a supernatural encounter with God, a vision of His holiness, majesty, and glory in the temple. In response to God’s overwhelming presence, Isaiah realizes his own un...  Read More
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A Pure Heart Before God
by Pastor Jeff on October 3rd, 2024
10/03/2024“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”- Matthew 5:8 (NIV)In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers a series of blessings that seem to flip the world’s values upside down. Matthew 5:8 is a striking example: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” While many chase outward appearances of success, wealth, and influence, Jesus calls us to focus on the condition of our h...  Read More
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The Conclusion of the Matter
by Pastor Jeff on September 30th, 2024
9/30/2024"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."— Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)Today’s verse is the culmination of Solomon's reflections throughout the entire book, where he searches for meaning in life. After exploring wealth, pleasure, wisdom, and work, he concludes that all human pursuits are "meaningles...  Read More
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Stay Ready
by Pastor Jeff on September 23rd, 2024
9/23/2024“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”— Luke 12:40 (NIV)In today’s verse, Jesus calls us to live in a state of readiness. This readiness isn’t just about preparing for His second coming, but about being vigilant and faithful in our daily walk with Him. Just as a homeowner wouldn’t leave their house unguarded if they knew a thief w...  Read More
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Peace Beyond Worry
by Pastor Jeff on September 17th, 2024
9/17/2024"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."- Philippians 4:6 (NIV)Anxiety has a way of creeping into our lives, filling our hearts with doubt and fear. Whether it's about our jobs, relationships, or health, there always seems to be something to worry about. But in Philippians 4:6, Paul gives us a powe...  Read More
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Faithful in the Small Things
by Pastor Jeff on September 16th, 2024
9/16/2024"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."— Luke 16:10 (NIV)In our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to overlook the small things. We often get caught up in pursuing big goals—career advancement, financial success, or making a significant impact. But in this verse, Jesus teaches a profound ...  Read More
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The Lord is Our Refuge
by Pastor Jeff on September 15th, 2024
9/15/2024"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."— Nahum 1:7 (NIV)In the book of Nahum, God’s judgment is being pronounced on Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness. Yet, in the midst of this message of destruction, we find a beautiful declaration of God’s goodness and care for His people. Nahum 1:7 reminds us that even when circumstances seem bl...  Read More
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Walking with the Wise
by Pastor Jeff on September 7th, 2024
9/7/2024"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."- Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)Have you ever been unfairly accused of being something just because of those you hang out with? We know the term as “guilty by association.”In this proverb, Solomon gives us a straightforward yet valuable piece of advice: the people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our l...  Read More
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Crossing Over from Death to Life
by Pastor Jeff on September 5th, 2024
9/5/2024"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."-John 5:24 (NIV)In John 5:24, Jesus gives us an incredible promise—a promise of life, not just in the future, but starting right now. He begins with "Very truly," emphasizing the certainty and importance of His message. He is declaring ...  Read More
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Nourished by the Word
by Pastor Jeff on September 4th, 2024
9/4/2024“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”— Matthew 4:4 (NIV)In this passage, Jesus is in the wilderness, facing temptation after 40 days of fasting. Physically, He is hungry, tired, and vulnerable, yet He responds to Satan's temptation with a powerful truth: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word...  Read More
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Growing in Love and Discernment
by Pastor Jeff on September 3rd, 2024
9/3/2024"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."- Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)Paul’s prayer for the believers in Philippi offers a powerful blueprint for spiritual growth: a love that is both abundant and discerning. In these verses, Paul empha...  Read More
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When Anxiety Overwhelms
by Pastor Jeff on September 2nd, 2024
9/2/2024“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” — Psalm 94:19 (NIV)Life can sometimes feel like a storm with waves of anxiety crashing against us. Uncertainties about the future, health concerns, financial struggles, or strained relationships can all conspire to overwhelm our hearts and minds. In these moments, we may feel paralyzed by fear, weighed down by worry, or b...  Read More
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The Living and Active Word of God
by Pastor Jeff on September 1st, 2024
9/1/2024"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 NIVWhen was the last time you truly felt the power of God's Word? Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings or historical records. It is,...  Read More
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Fulfilling the Law Through Love
by Pastor Jeff on August 27th, 2024
08/27/2024“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”- Galatians 5:14 (NIV)In a world often divided by differences, this verse from Galatians offers a powerful reminder of the simplicity and depth of God’s call for us. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, distills the entirety of God’s law into one essential command: “Love your neighbor as your...  Read More
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Imitating God
by Pastor Jeff on August 26th, 2024
8/26/2024"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."— Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)As children of God, we are called to imitate Him in all that we do. Just as a child looks up to their parent and seeks to emulate their behavior, we too should strive to live as God's beloved children.The Apostle Paul encourages us to imitate God. We are called to reflect His character in our daily lives, emb...  Read More
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Blessed Are the Persecuted
by Pastor Jeff on August 24th, 2024
8/24/2024"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."- Matthew 5:10 (NIV)In the world we live in, standing firm in your faith can sometimes come at a cost. Jesus knew this well, which is why He included this powerful beatitude in His Sermon on the Mount. The promise is clear: those who endure persecution for the sake of righteousness are ble...  Read More
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Overcoming Unbelief
by Pastor Jeff on August 18th, 2024
8/18/2024Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”— Mark 9:24 (NIV)In Mark 9:24, we find a father in desperate need, standing before Jesus with a son who is suffering. The father has sought help from Jesus’ disciples, but they were unable to heal the boy. This man's honest cry to Jesus is so relatable to many of us. We may have moments when we believe in...  Read More
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Blessed Are Those Who Believe
by Pastor Jeff on August 16th, 2024
8/16/2024Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."—John 20:29 (NIV)The words Jesus spoke to Thomas after His resurrection carry a profound message for us today. Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," had not been present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. He declared that he would not belie...  Read More
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Walking by the Spirit
by Pastor Jeff on August 14th, 2024
8/14/2024"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."— Galatians 5:16 (NIV)In our daily walk with Christ, we often face a tension between two forces—the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The "flesh" in this context refers to our natural inclinations, the tendencies that pull us away from God’s will and towards selfishness, pride, and sin...  Read More
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Humility Before Honor
by Pastor Jeff on August 11th, 2024
8/11/2024"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."- 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)In a world that often values self-promotion, pride, and assertiveness, the concept of humility can seem counterintuitive. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to humble ourselves before God. This verse reminds us that true strength and success come not from exalting oursel...  Read More
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A Heart of Gratitude
by Pastor Jeff on August 10th, 2024
8/10/2024"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done."– Psalm 105:1 (NIV)In this verse, we find a powerful call to action that centers on gratitude, testimony, and the proclamation of God's goodness. The psalmist begins with a command to "give praise to the Lord," reminding us that gratitude should be a fundamental posture of our hearts. When we recog...  Read More
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God's Work -In Us
by Pastor Jeff on August 9th, 2024
8/9/2024“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”— Philippians 2:13 (NIV)One of the most comforting truths in the Christian journey is the realization that we are not alone in our efforts to live out our faith. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that it is God Himself who is at work within us, guiding our desires and empowering our actions to align with His...  Read More
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Finishing Strong
by Pastor Jeff on August 8th, 2024
8/8/2024"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."— 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the Christian journey we are all called to walk. Life is often described as a race, a battle, a fight. And just like any race or battle, we are bound to face challenges, obstacles, and difficulties along the way. But the key is to keep our eye...  Read More
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Trusting in the Name of the Lord
by Pastor Jeff on August 3rd, 2024
8/3/2024Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.– Psalm 20:7 (NIV)*In our world today, it is easy to put our trust in material things, our resources, or in our own abilities. We may trust in our bank accounts, our jobs, our relationships, or even our own strength and intelligence. It’s easy to seek security in the tangible But this verse reminds us t...  Read More
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Finishing the Race with Joy
by Pastor Jeff on July 28th, 2024
7/28/2024"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."— Acts 20:24 (NIV)Paul's words in Acts 20:24 reflect a life wholly dedicated to the mission God has given him. His focus isn't on personal gain or comfort but on faithfully completing the task set befo...  Read More
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Stand Firm in Faith
by Pastor Jeff on July 26th, 2024
7/26/2024"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."— 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)In this powerful verse, Paul gives a fourfold exhortation that calls for vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. Each of these commands addresses a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. These are powerful commands to live by as followers of Christ. He reminds us to be on our guard,...  Read More
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Thirsting for God
by Pastor Jeff on July 24th, 2024
7/24/24As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. – Psalm 42:1 (NIV)Our verse today reminds us of the importance of seeking God with all our hearts. Our souls are created to desire a relationship with Him, and only in His presence can we find true satisfaction and peace. Just as the deer’s survival depends on finding water, our spiritual well-being hinges on our conn...  Read More
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He First Loved Us
by Pastor Jeff on July 23rd, 2024
7/23/24"We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19 (NIV)What a beautiful reminder of the source of our love – God's love for us. We are able to love others because God loved us first. His love is the foundation on which all other love is built. The simplicity and depth of this verse remind us of the fundamental truth of our faith: our capacity to love stems from God's initial and immense lo...  Read More
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Embracing the Mind of Christ
by Pastor Jeff on July 22nd, 2024
7/22/2024"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."- Philippians 2:5 (NIV)The verse today calls us to adopt the mindset of Christ in our interactions with others. This verse challenges us to think, act, and live like Jesus, reflecting His humility, love, and selflessness in our daily lives.As Christians, we are called to imitate the attitude and mindset of Jes...  Read More
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The Power of Partnership
by Pastor Jeff on July 19th, 2024
7/19/2024"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."— Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon reflects on the meaning and purpose of life. In this particular verse, he highlights the value of companionship and teamwork. Solomon understood that when we work together with others, we can achieve more and experience greater success.God designed u...  Read More
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The Essence of Love
by Pastor Jeff on July 11th, 2024
7/11/2024Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.- 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)In our fast-paced world, patience can often seem like a rare virtue. Yet, Paul begins his profound description of love with this very quality. Love, true love, bears with others through their struggles and flaws. It is an enduring commitment to seeing the best in someone, even whe...  Read More
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Equipped For Every Good Work
by Pastor Jeff on July 10th, 2024
7/10/2024"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)As followers of Christ, we are blessed to have the Word of God as our guide and source of wisdom. It is a precious gift that we should cherish and seek to understand deeply. In the...  Read More
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Strength and Reward
by Pastor Jeff on July 8th, 2024
7/8/2024"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."- 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)In this passage, King Asa is encouraged by the prophet Azariah to continue in his efforts to reform Judah and lead the people back to faithful worship of God. This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our spiritual journey. There will be time...  Read More
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The Freedom of the Spirit
by Pastor Jeff on July 4th, 2024
7/4/2024"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)This powerful verse reminds us of the profound freedom we find in the presence of the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, he emphasizes that the Spirit brings liberation from the constraints of the old covenant, the law, and the veils that once separated us from the ful...  Read More
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Embracing the Cross
by Pastor Jeff on July 3rd, 2024
7/3/2024Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”— Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-24 call us to a radical form of discipleship. The call to "deny themselves and take up their cross daily" is not just ab...  Read More
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I Shall Fear Nothing
by Pastor Jeff on June 29th, 2024
6/29/2024"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."- Psalm 23:4 NIVLife is filled with valleys of darkness and uncertainty. We face trials, struggles, and difficult times that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and afraid. But in the midst of it all, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that our Good She...  Read More
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Embracing the Truth
by Pastor Jeff on June 24th, 2024
6/24/2024"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."- John 8:32 (NIV)In a world filled with lies and deceit, it can be hard to discern what is true and what is not. In this powerful verse, Jesus offers a profound promise: the liberating power of truth. To fully grasp this, we need to understand the context in which He spoke these words. Jesus was addressing a group of Jews who...  Read More
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Entering God's Rest
by Pastor Jeff on June 22nd, 2024
6/22/2024"For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his."- Hebrews 4:10 (NIV)In Hebrews 4:10, the author emphasizes a profound spiritual truth: the invitation to enter God's rest. This verse calls us to understand rest in a holistic, deeply spiritual context. It is more than a cessation of physical labor; it is a state of spiritual peace and fulfillment.It ...  Read More
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