The Christmas star

The brightest star revealed just before Jesus’ birth, isn’t created for us to bask in its beauty; it is created to point us in a direction.

This star, though majestic and beautiful in its own radiant light, points to something greater.

That was exactly the role of the Star of Bethlehem. It leads to the Perfect Light, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, and that’s exactly what we should do. We should be stars that guide others to Christ.

Matthew 2:1-2; 9-10— 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.” NIV

Wishing you all the joys of a blessed and beautiful Christmas!

Cindy Dennis and the CDM Leadership Team

"On earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14 KJV

Starting the New Year Strong and Ending It Following God Deeper: Faith-Based Steps for 2025

As we step into 2025, it is a wonderful opportunity to refocus our hearts and minds on God’s plan for our lives. By anchoring ourselves in scripture, we can start the year with strength and purpose, and end it with a deeper relationship with Him.

Here are ten faith-inspired steps, grounded in scripture, to guide you throughout the year.

1. Seek God First

Begin the year by prioritizing your relationship with God. Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Putting God at the center of your plans ensures everything else will align according to His will.

2. Commit Your Plans to the Lord

As you set goals, surrender them to God. Proverbs 16:3 encourages: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. ”Trust Him to guide you, refine your ambitions, and bless your efforts.

3. Embrace God’s Strength

Life will have challenges, but Philippians 4:13 empowers us: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ”With God’s strength, no obstacle is too great to overcome.

4. Stay Rooted in the Word

Regularly reading and meditating on scripture is essential. Psalm 119:105 states: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. ”Allow God’s Word to guide your decisions and bring clarity.

5. Cultivate Gratitude

Start each day with a thankful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”Gratitude keeps your focus on God’s goodness, even in trials.

6. Pursue Righteousness

Make daily choices that reflect God’s character. Proverbs 21:21 reminds us:“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”Let righteousness shape your actions and interactions.

7. Rely on God’s Peace

Anxiety may try to creep in, but Philippians 4:6-7 offers reassurance:“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Bring every concern to God and rest in His peace.

8. Serve Others

Reflect Christ’s love by serving those around you. Galatians 5:13 calls us:“Serve one another humbly in love.”

Through service, you grow in faith and share God’s light.

9. Persevere in Faith

When trials come, remain steadfast. James 1:2-4 reminds us:“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 mature your faith throughout the year.

10. End the Year Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

As 2024 draws to a close, reflect on God’s faithfulness. Psalm 145:13 declares:“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”Celebrate the ways He has guided, provided, and revealed Himself to you.

By embracing these steps and anchoring your journey in scripture, you can start the year strong and deepen your walk with God each day. With faith, perseverance, and a heart surrendered to Him, 2025 can be a year of spiritual growth and blessings.

Power of Thanksgiving

It is not always easy to give thanks, but this is the very thing we must do in order to see God’s will accomplished in our lives.

This is how we move into higher realms of faith for ourselves, for our city, and for our nation. When we give thanks in the midst of difficulty, we bring pleasure to God's heart and breakthrough begins. He is looking for people who live in a realm of praise and thanksgiving where the enemy no longer has an ability to hold or manipulate. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart because thankfulness during difficulty is a sacrifice pleasing to God. Are you thankful?

Philippians 4:16—Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. NLT