Posts with the tag “faith”

Trusting God Behind the Scenes
by Ed Newton on October 15th, 2024
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." - Isaiah 55:8    Have you ever felt like you needed to know what God was doing in your life, almost like you were His project manager, checking in to make sure things were going according to plan? It’s tempting to want to track His progress and understand each step He’s taking, especially when life feels unc...  Read More
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The Lesson in Giving
by Ed Newton on October 13th, 2024
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35    We often hear that when you give, God will bless you. And for many of us, we may naturally assume this means a material blessing or a return on what we've given. But what if God’s blessings go deeper than that? What if, in the act of freely giving, God wants to teach you something that is far more valuable than anything you could receiv...  Read More
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Growing Through Your Trial
by Ed Newton on September 29th, 2024
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."- James 1:2-4   When you find yourself in the middle of a trial, the instinct is often to just survive. You grit your teeth, hang on, and wait for...  Read More
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Power Through Trials
by Ed Newton on September 28th, 2024
"But 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."- 2 Corinthians 12:9   When life feels overwhelming, and the trials you’re facing seem insurmountable, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever make it through. But here’s the truth: God never gives you ...  Read More
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Prepared Through Trials
by Ed Newton on September 26th, 2024
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."- James 1:2-4   Trials are something we often wish we could avoid. They can be painful, challenging, and uncomfortable. But what if these trials are actually t...  Read More
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The Blessing of a Mentor
by Ed Newton on September 17th, 2024
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."- Proverbs 11:14   In your journey of faith and life, having a mentor is one of the greatest blessings God can give you. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of wise counsel and the impact of having someone who has walked the path before you, guiding and encouraging you along the way. God places ...  Read More
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Preparation for Greater Things
by Ed Newton on September 9th, 2024
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3    Today I want you to think of life like a video game, where we face increasingly difficult levels and challenges. Each level requires new skills, strategies, and perseverance to succeed. In a similar way to video games, God ...  Read More
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True Influence
by Ed Newton on September 7th, 2024
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16   In a world obsessed with "Instagram influencers" and social media celebrities, the desire for influence is more prevalent than ever. We all long to have an impact, to be recognized, and to inspire others. But have you ever considered what kind...  Read More
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Standing Strong in Obedience
by Ed Newton on August 26th, 2024
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." - Galatians 6:7 Remaining obedient to God can be challenging, especially when those around us mock our faith or question our choices. Yet, we are called to stand strong and remain faithful, trusting that God-s promises are true. When you choose to follow God's path, you may face ridicule or pressure from those who don't understand your faith.  Read More
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In An Instance
by Ed Newton on August 18th, 2024
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28   Life has a way of presenting us with circumstances that seem impossible to overcome. There are moments when it feels like everything is against us and there’s no way out. But the good news is that God can turn your circumstances around in an instant, no matt...  Read More
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Leading Where You Are Called
by Ed Newton on August 8th, 2024
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-12Not everyone is a natural-born leader, and that's perfectly okay. But there comes a time when God entrusts us with leadership responsibilities in the spaces He has called us to. Whether it's in our families, work...  Read More
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A Journey Not a Destination
by Ed Newton on July 31st, 2024
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own."- Philippians 3:12   As human beings, we have a tendency to look at life through the lens of goals and destinations: graduations, job promotions, marriage, retirement, and so on. However, from a spiritual perspective, our lives are a continuous journey, not abou...  Read More
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Radical Generosity
by Ed Newton on July 21st, 2024
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."- 2 Corinthians 9:7   Radical generosity is a powerful expression of God’s love working through us. It’s about giving freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return. When we embrace radical generosity, we reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us out of...  Read More
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WAIT
by Ed Newton on July 14th, 2024
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" - Psalm 37:7   There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves in the uncomfortable space of waiting on God. We pray earnestly, seeking His guidance, His direction, and His answer. Yet, despite our fervent prayers, sometimes God remains sil...  Read More
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Anchored in Prayer
by Ed Newton on June 20th, 2024
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. - Colossians 4:2    Let me ask you a question, how is your prayer life? Let me take it a step further, how is your prayer life impacting the rest of your life? Prayer isn't merely a task to check off our daily to-do list; it's a lifeline connecting us to the very heart of God. Consistent and fervent prayer is not just a religi...  Read More
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Gathering in God's Presence
by Ed Newton on June 17th, 2024
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. – Matthew 18:20  There's something truly special about coming together in the name of Jesus. It's a reminder that we're not meant to walk this journey of faith alone, but rather, we're called to support and encourage one another along the way. The verse from Matthew 18:20 reminds us of the strength and presence of God when beli...  Read More
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Time for Change
by Ed Newton on June 15th, 2024
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19  Over the last few days, we have been discussing this topic of breakthrough. Sometimes, in order to experience something new, we have to be willing to do something different. It's easy to fall into the trap of routine, doing the same things day ...  Read More
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God Needs Your Faith
by Ed Newton on June 13th, 2024
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:29  Have you ever stopped to consider the power of faith? It's easy to believe in something once you've seen it with your own eyes, isn't it? But there's nothing particularly remarkable about responding to something you've already experienced. What truly moves the h...  Read More
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Resting in God's Work
by Ed Newton on May 30th, 2024
"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   Because we too often think that we have the ultimate control, it can be challenging to embrace the concept of resting while God works. Yet, Scripture reminds us of the importance of surrendering control and allowing God to do what only He can do. Consider for a moment...  Read More
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Balancing Community
by Ed Newton on May 2nd, 2024
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20   In our walk of faith, finding a balance between surrounding ourselves with fellow believers and engaging with nonbelievers is crucial. As we discussed yesterday, having strong Christian frie...  Read More
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Surrounding Yourself with Believers
by Ed Newton on May 1st, 2024
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17   In the journey of faith, the company we keep plays a significant role in shaping our spiritual growth and development. Just as iron sharpens iron, surrounding ourselves with fellow believers can sharpen and strengthen us in our walk with God. Friendships are a precious gift from the Lord, but their significance goes beyond...  Read More
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A Personal Message from God
by Ed Newton on April 11th, 2024
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27   Have you ever felt like the words of Scripture or the messages you hear in church were meant for someone else? Maybe you've thought, "That's a great message for him or her, but it doesn't really apply to me." It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that way, but let me remind you of something important: God's messag...  Read More
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The Power of Deliberate Choice
by Ed Newton on April 9th, 2024
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." - Joshua 24:15   Life is filled with moments that require us to make deliberate choices—decisions that shape our character, define our priorities, and determine our destiny. Whether it's choosing forgiveness, taking action on a command from God, or simply obeying His Word, our response of...  Read More
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Balancing Community
by Ed Newton on April 5th, 2024
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105   In life, we often encounter situations where the line between right and wrong may blur, and the path ahead seems uncertain. In these moments, setting guardrails becomes essential—a deliberate decision to establish boundaries that protect us from veering off course and straying into danger. The Bible provides us with numerous ...  Read More
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Displaying Your Faith
by Ed Newton on March 26th, 2024
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16   Have you ever noticed how eager people are to show off their new possessions? Whether it's a shiny new car, a beautiful home, or a PS5, we can't help but share our excitement with others. But what about our faith? When Jesus works in amazing ways in our lives...  Read More
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Ordinary to Extraordinary
by Ed Newton on March 13th, 2024
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." - 1 Corinthians 1:27   Have you ever wondered if God can really use someone like you to do extraordinary things? Perhaps you've felt too ordinary, too insignificant to make a meaningful impact. Well, let me remind you of a truth that has echoed throughout history: God deli...  Read More
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A Two-Way Street
by Ed Newton on March 10th, 2024
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13   We have spent the last few days talking about forgiveness. And while we can hold onto the amazing truth that God has forgiven us, we must understand that the same grace God has not withheld from us, must not be withheld from others. Colossians 3:13 says...  Read More
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Balancing Community
by Ed Newton on March 2nd, 2024
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20   In our walk of faith, finding a balance between surrounding ourselves with fellow believers and engaging with nonbelievers is crucial. As we discussed yesterday, having strong Christian frie...  Read More
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Divine Delays in Careers
by Ed Newton on January 21st, 2024
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3   In our fast-paced world, the desire for career advancement often clashes with God's call for patience. Hebrews 11:25, showcasing the wisdom of Moses, reminds us that choosing immediate satisfaction over God's timing can have enduring consequences. This truth extends to our careers, where impatience may lead us do...  Read More
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Faith Under Construction
by Ed Newton on January 12th, 2024
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14   Waiting is often seen as a season of stillness, a pause in the grand narrative of our lives. In these moments of anticipation, God, the master builder of our faith, is at work. Our waiting is not in vain; it's a crucial part of the process where God shapes and fortifies our faith. The psalmist in Psalm 27:14 implo...  Read More
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One Step at a Time
by Ed Newton on January 1st, 2024
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105   Life's journey often feels like a long road through unfamiliar territory, and at times, we long for a detailed road map to guide us through every twist and turn. Yet, God doesn't require us to see the entire road map before we embark on our journey of faith. Instead, He invites us to take one step at a time, trusting in His g...  Read More
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Forgiving Yourself
by Ed Newton on December 26th, 2023
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9   One of the most beautiful aspects of our faith is God's unconditional forgiveness. Through Christ, we are offered the gift of forgiveness, where our sins are washed away, and we are reconciled to our Heavenly Father. But what happens when we struggle to forgive ours...  Read More
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The Mission of Jesus
by Ed Newton on December 22nd, 2023
"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   During the Christmas season, we joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus, the miraculous arrival of the Son of God into our world. His birth is indeed a momentous occasion, marked by wonder, joy, and adoration. However, it's important to remember that the significan...  Read More
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Strengthened Through Trials
by Ed Newton on November 16th, 2023
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." - Romans 5:3-4   Life is a journey filled with trials and tribulations. These challenges, while often unwelcome, play a crucial role in our spiritual growth and character development. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us of this truth: "Not only so, but we also...  Read More
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Finding Lessons in the Midst of Challenges
by Ed Newton on November 14th, 2023
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4   Life is filled with challenges, trials, and difficulties. At times, it can seem like nothing is going right, and our natural respo...  Read More
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Beyond Our Imagination
by Ed Newton on November 10th, 2023
"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 43:19   God is the God of the miraculous, the One who can do something we have never seen Him do before in our lives. Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness a...  Read More
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Remembering God's Faithfulness
by Ed Newton on November 6th, 2023
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." - Psalm 77:11   As you journey through life, it's vital to carry with you the remembrance of what God has done for you in the past. This practice of recalling His faithfulness and blessings serves as a powerful anchor and source of strength as you move forward in your walk with Him. Psalm 77:11 beautifully encapsula...  Read More
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The Unshakable Faith That Moves Mountains
by Ed Newton on November 2nd, 2023
"And Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea," it will happen.'" - Matthew 21:21   Unwavering faith is the cornerstone of a heart ready for God's transformative work. It is the bedrock upon which your trust in God's promises and ...  Read More
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God's Grace is More Than Enough
by Ed Newton on October 4th, 2023
"But 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   In moments of weakness and struggle, remember that God's grace is more than enough for you. The Apostle Paul experienced this truth firsthand when he pleaded with the Lord to r...  Read More
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Embracing Your Identity in Challenging Situations
by Ed Newton on October 3rd, 2023
"But 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   Life occasionally presents us with situations we can't easily escape. It may be a challenging job, a difficult relationship, or a demanding circumstance. In moments of frustrat...  Read More
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