Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

May 22, 2023

Encouragement

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬

The psalmist David, was known as a man after God’s own heart, and still experienced moments of despair and doubt. Though troubles surrounded him, he had a reason to rejoice!

Even when we are weighed down by life’s burdens, we can lift our voices and praise, declaring God’s majesty, His love, and His unfailing care. Praise becomes a powerful weapon when we face discouragement, as it redirects our attention from our problems to the One who is greater than any challenge we face.

In our time of uncertainty, we can find hope and encouragement in the never changing character of our God. He is a God who sees, who hears, and who cares deeply for His children. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The circumstances around us may be burdensome, but our God remains steadfast, faithful, and true.

Regardless of what we may be going through, our hearts can sing melody of praise. Remember the goodness of God and give thanks for His faithfulness.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Even in the midst of trials, help me to trust in Your unwavering love and care. Teach me to sing Your praises, regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 21, 2023

Encouragement

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a precious privilege that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father, sharing our heart, our desires, and all of our concerns with Him. The apostle John, encourages us to pray with confidence and to pray according to God’s will.

The assurance of being heard by God gives us comfort, hope, and strength. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness. God invites us to share our needs with Him because He cares deeply for us.

It is essential to understand that our confidence is not based on a presumption that God will grant every request we make. Our confidence is in knowing that God hears us and responds according to His perfect wisdom. As we align our prayers with His will, we can trust that He will answer in the way that is best for us and brings glory to His name.

Praying according to God’s will requires us to surrender our heart with Him. It means seeking His guidance and aligning our desires with His purposes. It involves a willingness to lay aside our own desires and submit to His perfect plan.

God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than our ways. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when we cannot comprehend it in the moment. We can find comfort in knowing that God is always working things out for the best.

As we grow in our relationship with God and develop a habit of praying according to His will, our prayers will become more aligned with His heart. Our desires will become He desires. Our confidence is never in the outcome we desire, but in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Today, when you approach the throne room of God in prayer, align your desires with His purposes. Trust in His wisdom and timing knowing that He is already working all things together for your good.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me the privilege of prayer. Teach me to pray according to Your will and to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Increase my faith as I wait upon Your perfect timing. In Jesus name, amen.

May 20, 2023

Encouragement

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬

Jesus affirmed the assurance we have as Believers, assuring us that no force can ever snatch us away from the loving grip of our Heavenly Father.

It is essential to grasp the significance of this wonderful truth. We will undoubtedly face trials and difficulties in our journey of faith. The enemy will attempt to sow seeds of doubt and insecurity, seeking to separate us from the love and grace of our saving God. But we can find comfort and peace in knowing that nothing will ever snatch us away from the grip of our heavenly Father.

When you feel weak and vulnerable, remember that you are not alone. You have a Shepherd who goes before you, walks beside you, and carries you when you cannot walk on your own. He is intimately acquainted with your struggles, your pain, and your fears. In His hand, you find refuge, strength, and everlasting security.

In times of uncertainty, when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm, you can rest assured that you are held firmly in the hands of the One who holds the universe together. The trials we face may seem unbearable, but they are no match for the power of our God. Trust in His unfailing love, knowing that His grip is unyielding and His promises are unbreakable.

Let this truth strengthen your faith and deepen your trust. Surrender completely to the care of a Good Shepherd, knowing that you are forever secure in the hand of your heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that I have in Your Word. I am grateful for the love and protection You extend to me through Jesus. Help me to remember that nothing can snatch me from Your hand.