Posts with the tag “purpose”

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
by Ed Newton on December 5th, 2024
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." – Psalm 139:14    It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You might wish you were taller, had different hair, or looked a certain way. But God didn’t make a mistake when He created you. Every detail about you; your height, your features, your personality, was care...  Read More
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Don’t Run From God’s Call
by Ed Newton on November 24th, 2024
"But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up." - Jonah 1:4    When God calls you to something, it’s tempting to let fear hold you back. Maybe the task seems too big, too risky, or too far outside your comfort zone. You might be tempted to run, to avoid the calling, or even convince yourself that it’s not really f...  Read More
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God’s Endless Grace
by Ed Newton on November 16th, 2024
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8    Isn’t it incredible that God knows everything about you—your past, your mistakes, your sins—and still chooses to use you? He doesn’t turn away because of the mess you’ve made. Instead, He leans in with grace, ready to do something amazing in and through you. It’s not because you’ve earned it or...  Read More
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God Alone Satisfies
by Ed Newton on November 8th, 2024
"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." – Psalm 107:9    This world is constantly trying to sell you something. Everywhere you look, there’s a promise that if you just had this one thing, you’d finally be happy. But no matter how much you accumulate—whether it’s wealth, success, status, or possessions—it’s never enough. Yesterday, we talked about the end...  Read More
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Will You Answer His Call?
by Ed Newton on October 31st, 2024
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20    Jesus never stops pursuing you. Even when you feel distant from Him, He’s right there, knocking on the door of your heart, calling you back. If you’ve ever felt like God is far away, it’s important to remember that He hasn’t left you, yo...  Read More
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Unstoppable Plans
by Ed Newton on September 23rd, 2024
"For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?"- Isaiah 14:27   Are you ever overwhelmed by external obstacles and life’s uncertainties? You might look around at the challenges and setbacks in your life and wonder if they could derail the plans God has for you. But remember this powerful truth, nothing can stop God's plans from comin...  Read More
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Recognizing God's Provision
by Ed Newton on August 31st, 2024
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 There is an important truth that can be found in every one of our lives, as followers of Christ. Whether it's time, talents, relationships, or material possessions, God equips us with everything we need to carry out His will and glorify Him.  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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Our Unique Gifts
by Ed Newton on July 29th, 2024
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6   God, in His infinite wisdom, has given each of us unique gifts and talents. We are all distinct, created with a specific purpose, and equipped with the abilities neede...  Read More
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Finding Hope Beyond Unrealized Dreams
by Ed Newton on June 29th, 2024
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11   A dream unrealized. It's a pain that will leave you questioning your purpose and direction in life. Many of us, at some point or another, will experience a time in our lives when what we had hoped for doesn’t align with reality. In those moments of devasta...  Read More
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Closed Doors
by Ed Newton on June 16th, 2024
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2 Have you ever experienced a time in your life when God closed the door? Maybe it was a job opportunity that fell through, a relationship that ended unexpectedly, or a dream that didn't come...  Read More
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The Sacrifice of Pursuing God's Best
by Ed Newton on April 25th, 2024
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24    In our journey of pursuing God's best, we've explored the importance of seeking it and the necessity of waiting for it. But there's another aspect to consider: the sacrifice required to obtain it. God desires to give us His best, but often, it comes a...  Read More
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Purpose in Pain
by Ed Newton on April 15th, 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   Pain is a part of life. It’s a painful truth, isn't it? Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual, we all experience pain in one form or another. And in those moments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, even de...  Read More
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God's Call to Impact Lives
by Ed Newton on March 12th, 2024
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." - John 6:44   Have you ever felt like you're not enough? Like you don't have anything significant to offer? It's a common struggle in a world that often measures worth by worldly standards. But what if I told you that God sees things differently? You see, God specializes in turning the ordin...  Read More
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God's Unshakeable Faith in You
by Ed Newton on February 26th, 2024
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 I want you to know something today: God believes in you even when you doubt yourself. His faith in you remains steadfast even when your own confidence wavers. Today, let's explore the profound truth that God's belief in you transcends your own self-percept...  Read More
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The Danger of Ignoring God's Calling
by Ed Newton on January 8th, 2024
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" - Isaiah 30:21   Have you ever felt a nudge, a whisper in your heart, prompting you to step into something significant for God? Maybe it's a calling to serve, a mission field, or a specific purpose in your life. Whatever form it takes, God's calling is not to be taken ligh...  Read More
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Goal Setting: A Path to Becoming More Like Christ
by Ed Newton on December 28th, 2023
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14   Goal setting is a practice that many of us are familiar with in various aspects of our lives, such as our careers, education, or health. However, have you ever considered the importance of setting spiritual goals as a means to become more like Christ? In Philippians 3:14, the ...  Read More
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Shining in the Darkness
by Ed Newton on December 19th, 2023
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'" - Matthew 2:1-2   As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the incredible events that took place over two thousand years ago—the birth of our Savi...  Read More
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The Master of the Big Picture
by Ed Newton on December 7th, 2023
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9   Life can often feel like a complicated puzzle with missing pieces. We struggle to make sense of the past, wrestle with the challenges of the present, and worry about an uncertain future. It's during these times of uncertainty that we need to remember why we should tr...  Read More
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Faith in the Unseen
by Ed Newton on September 28th, 2023
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)   Life is often filled with uncertainties, and we may find ourselves in the midst of the unseen. In these moments, our faith in God's plan becomes a beacon of hope and assurance. Today’s key passage of Scripture defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do no...  Read More
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Redemption in Mistakes: God's Amazing Work
by Ed Newton on September 1st, 2023
Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "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."   Have you ever made a mistake that left you feeling broken, unworthy, or discouraged? The good news is that God can use even our mistakes to bring about something amazing. He is the master of redemption, turning our brokenness into beautiful testimonies...  Read More
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The Overflow of Obedience
by Ed Newton on August 18th, 2023
Deuteronomy 28:2 (NIV) - "All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God."   When we choose obedience to God, He pours out His blessings upon our lives in abundant measure. Our obedience opens the door for His favor, provision, and grace to flow freely. The path of obedience is not always easy, but the rewards it brings far outweigh any sacrifice we may make. ...  Read More
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Choosing Life in Christ
by Ed Newton on August 2nd, 2023
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." - Deuteronomy 30:19   In the journey of life, we are faced with a crucial choice: are we going to embrace life in Christ or succumb to the grip of sin and death? Let's explore the profound benefits of choosing...  Read More
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Rise Up and Answer the Call
by Ed Newton on July 30th, 2023
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5   The stirring within your heart, the calling that tugs at your spirit—when will you rise up and respond? God has placed a unique purpose on your life, and He is inviting you to step into it. Let's explore the challenge of answering God's calling and embra...  Read More
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Starting Your Day Alone with God
by Ed Newton on July 27th, 2023
"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3   The way we begin our day sets the tone for what follows. Starting our day alone with God in solitude and seeking His presence can have a profound impact on our hearts, minds, and spirits. Let's explore the benefits of carving out sacred moments each morning to connect with our...  Read More
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Only God Can Heal
by Ed Newton on July 22nd, 2023
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3   In a world that offers countless remedies for our brokenness, there is still hope we can cling to as we remember this truth: only God can fix you. The things of this world may provide temporary relief, but true healing and restoration can only be found in the hands of our loving Creator.  Only God can heal because He understan...  Read More
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Trusting God with Your Dreams
by Ed Newton on July 19th, 2023
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4   Close your eyes for a moment and envision your dreams. They may be big or small, near or far, but they hold a special place in your heart. Now, imagine entrusting those dreams to the loving hands of God. What would that look like to trust God with your dreams and embrace His perfect plan for your life? T...  Read More
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Empowered by the Anointing
by Ed Newton on July 12th, 2023
"In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean." - Isaiah 11:11   There is an incredible anointing that God pours out upon His people. The book of Isaiah talks about this in length. So today, I want...  Read More
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Abide in Him
by Ed Newton on June 10th, 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  If you want to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, it is important that you abide in Him. Yesterday, we discussed how, as children of God, we are anoint...  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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Anointed
by Ed Newton on June 8th, 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  As a child of God, you are anointed. God has anointed you for a specific purpose, a specific plan, and with specific spiritual gifts. Before you were eve...  Read More
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Spiritual Gifts
by Ed Newton on June 3rd, 2023
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:10-11  Did you know that God gives each of...  Read More
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He Knows Best
by Ed Newton on June 2nd, 2023
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” - Romans 11:33  Even when you don’t understand what He is doing, God still knows best. Yesterday, we talked about when life seems to fall apart – when someone you love walks out, when you lose a job or your family moves, when your dreams seem like they aren’t going to be ...  Read More
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Still in Control
by Ed Newton on June 1st, 2023
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28  Are you struggling to figure out what you want to do with your life? Maybe something in your life took a wild turn and has left you scrambling. Maybe your spouse left you, someone you love is now gone, you lost your job, your family up and moved cities, or ...  Read More
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God’s Plan
by Ed Newton on May 31st, 2023
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11  If you follow along with us daily, you know we spend a lot of time discussing our purpose. God created each of us for a specific purpose, and our job is to A) figure out what that purpose is and then B) put it into action. As we grow closer to God in our ...  Read More
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What Ignoring Him Means
by Ed Newton on May 23rd, 2023
“Turn to the Lord before it’s too late. Call out to Him while He is still ready to help you. Let the one who is evil stop doing evil things. And let him quit thinking evil thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord. The Lord will show him his tender love. Let him turn to our God. He is always ready to forgive.” – Isaiah 55:6-7  Is God speaking to you? Has He made it clear what His will is for your life? W...  Read More
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But It Might Change You
by Ed Newton on May 16th, 2023
“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28  Serving others is not about you. But that doesn’t mean it won’t change you. When you give your life to Christ, you forfeit the right to live the way you want to live. You no longer live the way the world lives, but the way He has called you to live. How is that life different? J...  Read More
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Renewing Your Mind
by Ed Newton on May 5th, 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 God’s ultimate purpose for you is that you become like Jesus. So, how do you become like Jesus? You act like Jesus. How do you act like Jesus? You have to think like Jesus. But how do you think like Jesu...  Read More
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Transforming Your Mind
by Ed Newton on May 4th, 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  If we want to grow our faith and live in a way that honors God, it starts with transforming our minds. The reason most people don’t have the type of faith that can move mountains is because they don’t t...  Read More
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A Lost Opportunity
by Ed Newton on April 23rd, 2023
“Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.’” - Matthew 8:21-22  When you choose to wait and delay obeying God, you risk the chance of losing an opportunity of a lifetime. Now, that might sound dramatic, but it is that important. Whatever plan, purpose, or mission God gives you, tha...  Read More
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