Month: January 2024

Bible Verse of The Day – 1-31-24

John 3:19-20 (NKJV) 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

As we ended yesterday’s devotional, we mentioned that some people will reject God’s offer of salvation, choosing instead to continue their evil practices.

This is a perfect example of human nature in play.

The natural man loves sin. It feels good. It brings a type of carnal pleasure that our (spiritually dead) flesh craves.

This can often make it hard to break away from it even when we know it is wrong.

Even the offer of God’s forgiveness, redemption from sin, and eternal life with God isn’t enough to coax us away from it at times.

Why? Because this would require us to forfeit (give up) that sin. And that thought is just too much for the flesh of many people to bear.

As God draws us to Him, His light shines on us. This light exposes our sin.

That exposure embarrasses many, causing them to shrink back and withdraw into the darkness where their sin is concealed.

For many, though, the opportunity to break free from the sin that so badly ensnares them is life changing.

They feel God’s love through His wooing, causing them to cast their apprehension aside and run headlong into His open arms, embracing His forgiveness and forsaking their sinful ways in exchange for that perfect redemption that only He can offer us.

At that moment, they enter into God’s family and become His child; a forgiven soul grafted into the body of Christ.

Jesus said that the angels in heaven rejoice when a lost soul comes to repentance.

Luke 15:10 (NKJV) 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

So, we ask you today, are you struggling with sin? Will you give that sin to Him? Will you accept His offer of forgiveness and go from darkness to light, death to life?

God’s forgiveness is complete. We just need to sincerely ask Him for it.

He will give us the power needed to forsake our sinful ways. And He will change our heart if we let Him, making us a new creation in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Surrender your sin. Let Him make you new. You will never regret it.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-30-24

John 1:11-12 (NKJV) 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Because of the love of God, which we discussed yesterday, we are offered the privilege of becoming a child of God.

God’s incredible love for humanity was on full display by way of the arrival of Christ on earth, and the ultimate sacrifice that He made for you and for me on the cross.

His blood that was shed offered redemption for everyone by way of complete atonement (redeeming payment) for our sins.

That perfect, holy blood paid the debt for the sins of all humanity.

Because of this, we can be grafted into the family of God (see Romans 11:17-18), becoming His children, as mentioned in John 1:11-12, above.

Many have the misconception that all people are God’s children. His word clearly shows this is not true.

We are all His creations, but we can only call ourselves His children if we have accepted His offer of redemption by recognizing our lost condition, seeking His forgiveness, turning from our sinful ways (repenting) and putting our faith in Christ as our Savior.

While this may sound like a complicated process to walk out, it is something that can happen in a matter of mere seconds.

In a matter of seconds, we can cross over from death to life.

We need to understand that this is representative of spiritual life, not natural life.

Jesus taught Nicodemus that we must be born again if we wish to inherit eternal life and enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 (NKJV) 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

When we are born again, we begin a new life as a child of almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

We should also understand that the shedding of Christ’s blood does not mean everyone will be saved. It means that all of humanity can be saved.

But many will reject that opportunity, choosing instead to continue living in their sins.

Let’s talk more about this tomorrow.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-29-24

John 3:16 (NKJV) 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Sometimes it is good for us to remember and reflect on the foundations of our faith.

Life gets busy, and as we walk through our day-to-day things, we can sometimes get sidetracked and forget Who we are children of and what our faith is really about.

So, over the next several days, we will be walking through our new Essentials of Faith series. We hope you enjoy it, learn from it, and are reminded of what our walk with God is about.

Let’s get started!

John 3:16 is one of the most often quoted verses in the entirety of God’s word. And there is a good reason for this.

These words spoken by Jesus take us past all the dos and don’ts that people often get hung up on when they think of God.

He wanted us to know that God is a God of love, not just a God of laws and regulations, as was so often perceived by the Jews.

You see, the Jewish leaders so frequently expounded on the tenets of The Law, they completely tossed out the love of God. Sadly, this was done partially because it made keeping the Jews under their control much easier.

But Jesus came to swing the wrecking ball, so to speak, destroying the narrative of the Jewish leadership and showing who God really is.

He was, after all, Emmanuel, God in the flesh walking among us.

This should also serve as a reminder to each of us that God’s love is the source of our salvation, not our own righteousness.

Our own righteousness is worthless, as so accurately stated by the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV) 6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

The NLT translation says it this way:

Isaiah 64:6 (NLT) 6 We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

It is only God’s love for us that can overcome our unrighteousness and make a way for us to be saved.

Thank you, Father, for loving us despite ourselves.

Please join us again tomorrow.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-28-24 – When God Shines His Light

Please click to watch the video now.Greetings in Jesus’ name. 

We pray that you are walking in God’s blessings. 

We have another new video for you this morning. 

As you may already know, the book of Job is full of lessons that we can learn from. Today’s video uses more gems of knowledge from Job’s life to teach a valuable lesson. 

In this video, When God Shines His Light, we teach about what we can learn about ourselves when we face difficult trials. 

This is something that we should all learn and understand. So, we hope you enjoy the video. 

Click here to watch the video now.

We love you all. 

Sincerely, 

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie 

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443  

401-439-3780 

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-27-24

Isaiah 43:16 NKJV) 16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters…

The Lord is saying, this is Me, the One who will make a way for you today!

How many of us are having a hard time?

Maybe things have changed and our situation is looking bleak.

This past year has taken its toll on us all.

We need a God-given path through the sea and the stormy waters. We need to get to the other side and leave it all behind, welcoming the fresh new start ahead.

We can relate. We feel your struggles and know the sorrow you’ve been through. It does feel good to know we are not alone on this journey.

Thus says the Lord; He makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters.

That is our word for you today!

What He says, He will do!

What is He saying to you, what promise has He given you?

Hold on, stand firm and don’t stop believing.

He will make a way!

Amen

Mark 11:24 (NKJV) 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page. 

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-26-24

Luke 21:19 (NKJV) 19 By your patience possess your souls.

As Jesus spoke to His disciples, He began warning them of some things that were to come that would signify “the end of the age”.

His first warning was that no one fall victim to the deceptive tactics of the false messiahs who would come.

He went on to tell them of numerous signs and events that would take place that would be very difficult for those who had to endure them.

There will be great earthquakes, pestilences, fearful sights, and great signs from heaven.

He then expounded on the great persecution that His followers will be subjected to during that time.

Part of this persecution involves “them laying their hands on you” and “delivering you up to synagogues and prisons”.

And “they will put some of you to death” for your faith.

Why will this happen?

Because His followers will be hated for His name’s sake.

These are not easy things to talk about or to imagine having to endure.

But Jesus was speaking truth that we must all embrace the reality of.

None of us knows if we will face these things. But we must all understand that it is a real possibility, and that we must be prepared for it should it happen.

Jesus didn’t speak of this to scare His disciples. He spoke of it to prepare them!

But after all His warnings, He reassured them that “not a hair of your head shall be lost” if they stood firm, patiently enduring and persisting in their faith.

What would they gain by their patient endurance?

Here is what 4 different translations say:

NKJV – By your patience possess your souls.

NLT – By standing firm, you will win your souls.

AMP – By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.

NIV – Stand firm, and you will win life.

These 4 translations each state this truth a bit differently. But the meaning is the same. Stand firm and protect our eternal destiny.

Faith in Christ is not for the weak or the faint of heart.

It is not something we should approach flippantly or lightheartedly.

Let us all do whatever is necessary to make our calling and election sure.

2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-25-24

Acts 16:6 (NKJV) 6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

Paying attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit is so very important, and even more so in the days we live in.

We could be walking into a dangerous situation at times, but with His guidance we will be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.

We can avoid a lot of problems if we remain sensitive and eager to follow His leading.

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV) 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

There will be times when we may never know the reason for the things He keeps us from doing. We just need to know that by following Him we did the right thing, and it could have saved our life.

He tries to show us the importance of staying alert.

Acts 16:8-9 (NKJV) 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Here we can see the Holy Spirit led them by a vision or a dream.

His word and prayer are the two primary ways that God leads us. He may also use a dream or a vision.

Are we open to such things today or have we completely disregarded them, thinking they were only for the apostles?

That is wrong for us to think. He is still the same God He was then. And the Holy Spirit is still the same Holy Spirit, speaking the same way He has always spoken.

God will lead all of us through the Holy Spirit if we are open to Him and let Him lead as He sees fit.

Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible verse of The Day – 1-24-24

Luke 23:43 (NKJV) 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Today you will be with Me in paradise.

This short sentence spoken by Jesus makes a huge statement about salvation.

We have all heard at one time or another that salvation comes by responding to an altar call, or by speaking specific words, inviting Jesus into our heart.

While this might not necessarily be wrong, it is confusing at best.

Salvation is simple. Humans complicate it.

Jesus was within hours of His own death. He was hanging on a cross next to two criminals who were also being put to death by crucifixion.

One criminal mocked Him. The other defended Jesus, recognizing His innocence and surrendering to Him, and then asking Him to remember him when he came to His kingdom.

He recognized Jesus for who He was, the long-awaited Messiah, and surrendered to Him right there on his cross.

What did Jesus do?

Did He tell the criminal that he needed to walk an aisle and accept an invitation to be saved?

Did He tell him that he must be baptized to be saved?

Did He tell him that he must confess his faith in Christ to others to be saved?

Did He tell him that he must pray “the sinner’s prayer” to be saved?

Absolutely not.

The man had already proven his faith in Jesus by His repentance and the words he spoke. The change in his heart had already taken place.

Luke 23:40-42 (NKJV) 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Faith in Christ is a matter of the heart.

It is a choice we make within ourselves, as we recognize our own sinful state, to embrace the gift of salvation offered to us by God in His mercy and recognize the redemptive power of the shed blood of Christ, all in a split second!

In that moment, we move from death to life.

Tradition may say otherwise. It may tell us we need to do A, then B, and then C to be saved.

Let us be careful not to place boundaries on salvation that God did not create.

Acts 16:30-31 (NKJV) 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-23-24

James 1:5 (NKJV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Before we ask God for wisdom, we must reach a place where we are willing to hear Him.

An open heart and the wisdom of God will take us to a new level in our walk with Him!

Growing close to God depends on how much we will let Him in. Will we let Him touch those places in our lives that we are most comfortable in or comfortable with?

This is a tough thing. We get so comfortable with familiarity, almost to the point of being protective of it.

We don’t want anyone to mess with it, bring change to it or cause any disturbance with it.

But, we need to recognize that the comfort we sometimes try to hold onto can be deceiving. In fact, it can be downright crippling. And it can very well be robbing us of great things that God wants to do in our lives; great change that needs to come.

Will we trust Him today, open up our heart and let Him touch us? Yes, in that place of comfort?

There may be a whole other life outside of our comfort zone.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

God bless you!

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of the Day – 1-22-24

Zechariah 10:2 (NKJV) 2 For the idols speak delusion; The diviners envision lies, And tell false dreams; They comfort in vain. Therefore the people wend their way like sheep; They are in trouble because there is no shepherd.

These words were spoken by Zechariah, a prophet of God who was tasked with speaking God’s words to the people of Israel who had returned to their homeland from exile.

The people had grown lethargic and apathetic, due to the opposition they faced, and were failing to accomplish what God had told them to do; complete the rebuilding of His temple.

Instead of obeying God and honoring Him, they had fallen into following and honoring false gods and the words of diviners (fortune tellers).

The New Living Translation (NLT) of this verse reveals a bit more about this and states things a bit more plainly.

Zechariah 10:2 (NLT) 2 Household gods give worthless advice, fortune-tellers predict only lies, and interpreters of dreams pronounce falsehoods that give no comfort. So my people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd.

You see, because of their despondency, the Israelites had abandoned God and began wandering like sheep with no shepherd.

This is happening today as well, as we move headlong into end time events.

Many in the church have become lethargic, apathetic and despondent, turning to false gods, fortune tellers (horoscopes and astrologers), and people who claim to be prophets of God but operate by spirits of divination, etc.

These kinds of things lead many astray. They leave their followers with no Biblical foundation, and no true leadership.

And this causes many to wander aimlessly, just as what happened to the Israelites in the days of Zechariah.

We need to recognize and understand the dangers of this. Our source of hope and strength should be God, and Him alone.

There is no place for horoscopes and fortune tellers in the lives of followers of Christ.

We have one Spirit who should be leading us; the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised His coming before He ascended to heaven. And come He did, with great power for believers!

Let us forsake the false gods and turn our hearts to the one true God, that we might have our flame for God reignited, shaking off the apathy and false teachings, giving Him all honor and glory.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-21-24 – When Paul and Silas Prayed

Please click to watch the video now.Greetings in the name of Jesus. 

We serve an incredible, mighty God! 

We have a brand-new video for you today. This one teaches about the powerful witness of Paul and Silas as they were thrown in prison. 

What did they do? How did they conduct themselves? And how did their attitudes and behavior impact those around them? 

We hope you’ll watch the video and find out. 

Please click here to watch the video now. 

We hope the video will give you some new insights on how our attitude and our interactions with others can affect the people we interact with, and whether we bring glory and honor to God in our lives. 

Enjoy your day and stay close to God in all you do. 

Sincerely, 

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie 

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443  

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page. 

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