Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

A New Creation

Encouragement

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

As a Christian, it is important to understand that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer the same person we once were. Our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, is gone, and we are made new in Christ. This new creation is not something we can achieve on our own, but it is a gift from God that is given to us when we accept His Son as our Savior.

This transformation is not just a one-time event but is a continual process as we grow in our relationship with Christ. As we spend time in prayer, read and study the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, we begin to understand more deeply the love and grace of God. This understanding leads to a desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The new creation that comes through Christ is also about our relationship with others. As we grow in our faith, we begin to see others through the eyes of Christ. We begin to love them as He loves them and seek to serve them as He served people.

Becoming a new creation in Christ is a promise of hope. It reminds us that no matter what we have done or how far we have strayed from God, we can always come back to Him and find forgiveness and new life.

May we live each day with the knowledge that we are loved, forgiven, and made new in Him. And may our lives be a testimony to the power of God to transform us from the inside out.

Pray

Lord, I know that You are doing a transformational work in me. You have given me new life and eternal hope. Your grace gives me understanding of this transformation.

Stand In The Gap

Encouragement

I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30

God desires for His people to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of others. As believers, we are called to be watchmen for our families, communities, and nations. God is looking for individuals who are willing to stand in the gap and intercede for others.

We are called to be a bridge between God and those around us, praying for their needs and seeking His wisdom and guidance in their lives.

Standing in the gap requires courage and faith. It means being willing to step out of our comfort zone and pray for those who are hurting, lost, and in need. It means being willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and a word of encouragement to those who need it most.

Are you willing to be the one who stands in the gap? Are you willing to pray for those who are lost, help those who are hurting, and be a source of hope and light in this dark world?

When we stand in the gap, we are not standing alone. God is with us, empowering us with His Spirit, and working through us to bring about His will on earth.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your guidance, Your strength, and Your love. As I seek to be a faithful servant who stands in the gap, fill me with Your courage and wisdom.

The Lord Of Peace

Encouragement

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

The Lord of peace is not only able to give us peace but is also the source of peace. When we are going through difficult times, we often try to find peace through our own efforts, but this verse reminds us that true peace comes from God. It is only when we turn to Him and trust in Him that we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

This verse also emphasizes that peace is not limited to certain times or circumstances. We can experience peace in all times and in every way. Whether we are going through a difficult season, facing uncertainty about the future, or even in moments of joy and celebration, we can always turn to God for peace.

Finally, the verse ends with a beautiful prayer for God to be with all of us. This prayer reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is always with us, providing us with the peace and comfort we need. As we trust in Him, we can experience His peace and find strength to face whatever challenges come our way.

Todays verse is a beautiful reminder that peace is not something that we can achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God. Do you have His peace in all situations of your life?

Pray

Lord, thank you for the gift of peace in my life. Help me to trust you to experience peace in all circumstances. Let the peace I have be shown to others.