Posts with the tag “faith”

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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God's Best in Unforeseen Paths
by Ed Newton on September 25th, 2023
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)   Life often takes unexpected turns, and our journey may not unfold as we envision. We may encounter detours, setbacks, and disappointments along the way. However, when we obediently follow God's leading, He promises to provide His very b...  Read More
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Renewing Your Mind for God's Next Level
by Ed Newton on September 18th, 2023
"Do not conform 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 (NIV)   If you desire God to take you to the next level in your spiritual journey, be willing to allow Him to change your thinking. Our minds are powerful battlegrounds, and God's transformati...  Read More
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Faithful Integrity
by Ed Newton on September 14th, 2023
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" - 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)   Today, I want to challenge you to be a person of integrity, someone who does the right thing even when no one is looking. Our character is not def...  Read More
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Soaring in Prayer
by Ed Newton on September 11th, 2023
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2 (NIV)  Yesterday, we talked about how to take our faith to the next level. Today, I want to go one step further in that conversation and encourage you to take your prayer life to the next level. Prayer is not just a ritual or a mere duty; it is a powerful and intimate connection with our Heavenly Father. As we devote ours...  Read More
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Taking Your Faith Higher
by Ed Newton on September 10th, 2023
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)  Today, let's talk about taking our faith to the next level. As we continue to walk with Christ, it's essential to elevate our faith, not only individually but also as a community of believers. Faith is like a seed planted in our hearts. It ...  Read More
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God's Steadfast Presence in Every Step
by Ed Newton on August 28th, 2023
Psalm 37:24 (NIV) - "though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with his hand."   There are times in life when we feel like we can't go on, when the weight of challenges and trials threatens to knock us down. Yet, even in those moments, we can find strength and encouragement in knowing that we will never fall because God has us every step of the way. His steadfast presence ...  Read More
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Iron Sharpens Iron
by Ed Newton on August 21st, 2023
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."   The concept of "iron sharpening iron" found in Proverbs 27:17 reveals the importance of cultivating healthy relationships in our daily lives. Just as iron blades are refined and sharpened through friction, we too are shaped and strengthened when we engage in meaningful connections with others who share our faith. Iro...  Read More
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Worship as a Weapon
by Ed Newton on August 19th, 2023
Psalm 149:6 (NIV) - "May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands."   Our worship is not just a song or a ritual; it is a powerful weapon in our spiritual warfare. When we engage in genuine worship, we tap into a supernatural strength that enables us to stand against the schemes of Satan. Our worship becomes a double-edged sword, piercing through darkness and re...  Read More
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Equipped for Victory: Overcoming Sin from Within
by Ed Newton on August 17th, 2023
2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."   As believers, we have been equipped with everything we need to overcome sin. God's divine power, made available to us through our relationship with Him, empowers us to live a godly life and resist the temptations that come our way. Thou...  Read More
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Faith in the Unseen: Trusting God Beyond What Is Visible
by Ed Newton on August 15th, 2023
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Faith in God requires us to place our trust in Him, even in the things that are unseen. It calls us to believe in His power and goodness beyond what our human senses can perceive. When we choose to have faith, we open ourselves to experiencing the extraordinary works of God that surpass what...  Read More
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The Challenge of Trust: What Sets Believers Apart
by Ed Newton on August 12th, 2023
Psalm 56:3 (NIV) - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."   Trusting God is not always easy. It requires us to relinquish control, step out of our comfort zones, and place our faith in the unseen. If trusting God were effortless, everyone would do it. However, it is precisely this willingness to trust that sets us believers apart. In Psalm 56:3, David declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trus...  Read More
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Walking by Faith: Obedience in Financial Matters
by Ed Newton on August 11th, 2023
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."   As followers of Christ, we are called to be obedient in all areas of our lives, including our finances. However, there are times when we may find it challenging to trust God with our money, especially when we cannot see how things will turn out. In those moments, it's essential to remember ...  Read More
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The Illusion of Sin: Counting the True Cost
by Ed Newton on August 4th, 2023
 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23   Sin often presents itself as enticing and pleasurable, promising fulfillment and satisfaction. But beneath its seductive allure lies a hidden truth: sin takes a lot more from you than it gives back. Let's explore the deceptive nature of sin and discover the abundant life that comes from ...  Read More
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Surrendering All Aspects of Your Life
by Ed Newton on July 15th, 2023
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5   I want you to ask yourself a profound question: Do you trust God with your life? I'm not just talking about partial trust, but a complete surrender of all aspects of your being. Let's journey together and explore the depths of what this trust looks like. Trusting God is not a one-time decision; it's a ...  Read More
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Guarding Against False Teachings
by Ed Newton on June 30th, 2023
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon their faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." - 1 Timothy 4:1-2   As we look at today’s key verse, we learn about how we can guard against false teachings. In this passage in 1 Timothy, we read about how some ...  Read More
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The Truth Reveals Your Future
by Ed Newton on June 29th, 2023
"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am." - John 13:19  Did you know that God's truth can reveal what is to come in your life? It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life, but when we tune in to God's truth, we can gain a clearer perspective on what the future holds.  In John 13:19, Jesus says, "I am telling you no...  Read More
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Desperate for God in Our Work Life
by Ed Newton on June 13th, 2023
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)   As believers, we know that our faith should not be confined to the four walls of a church building. Rather, our faith should be reflected in every area of our lives, including our work life. When we are desperate for God, it means that we seek His will and His purpose in ev...  Read More
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He Abides in You
by Ed Newton on June 9th, 2023
“But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” - 1 John 2:27  When God anoints you, He doesn’t just leave you on your own. We have spent much of the last couple of weeks talking about God’s purpose and plan for our ...  Read More
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Outside The Limits
by Ed Newton on May 29th, 2023
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” – Jeremiah 32:27  Are you limiting God? Have you put a cap or lid on what you think God is capable of in your life? If so, I want to warn you: be careful. The God we serve is bigger than anything we could possibly imagine. You have absolutely no idea what He is capable of. Unfortunately, we look around at what is “no...  Read More
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Discerning God’s Will
by Ed Newton on May 7th, 2023
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 When you transform and renew your mind and accept the tests that come your way, you will be able to discern the will of God. Today’s key verse says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed...  Read More
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Tested... Continuously
by Ed Newton on May 6th, 2023
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 One thing kids in school hate to hear is, “It’s test day.” Whether it is in class or in life, no one likes to be tested. But it’s testing that reveals how much we have grown. And though God’s tests might...  Read More
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