Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

You Are Blessed

Encouragement

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

This passage of Scripture is a beautiful blessing that God instructed Moses to give to the Israelites. God wanted His people to know and understand that He desired to bless them for being obedient and faithful.

This blessing is a powerful reminder of God’s love and care for us. It affirms that God desires to bless us and protect us, that He desires to shine His face upon us and be gracious to us, and that He desires to give us His peace. Can you see this blessing in your life?

It’s important to remember that this blessing is not just for the Israelites of old, but it is also for us today. As believers in Christ, we are part of God’s family and can affirm this blessing as our own. When we receive this blessing, we are reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness towards us.

May we hold onto this truth and receive God’s blessing, protection, grace, and peace today. Let God know that your are thankful for His blessings and worship Him.

Pray

Lord, You have blessed me more than I deserve. Your grace and goodness overwhelm me. Thank you for keeping me in Your protective hands.

What Season Are You In?

Encouragement

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometimes we may find ourselves in a difficult or challenging season of life, and it can be easy to feel discouraged or hopeless. However, this verse reminds us that even the difficult seasons have a purpose and a time limit. We can take comfort in knowing that this season will not last forever, and that God has a plan for our lives.

Similarly, when we are in a season of abundance or blessing, it can be easy to become complacent or take things for granted. This verse reminds us that even in times of plenty, there will be other seasons where we may face hardships or challenges.

Ultimately, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and purpose for our lives. Whether we are in a season of joy or sorrow, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us and has a plan for our lives.

Let us learn to embrace each season with gratitude and trust, knowing that God is in control. Take a moment today and think about where God has you. Thank Him for His favor and thank Him for His provision.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize that You are in control no matter what season I am in. Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for the hardships I have faced that only increased my faith in You.

We All Will Face Judgment

Encouragement

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
II Corinthians 5:10

Today’s verse reminds us that we will all face judgment before Christ, and we will be held accountable for our actions.

As believers in Christ, it’s important to remember that our salvation is not based on our works, but rather on our faith in Him. However, this doesn’t mean that our actions and choices don’t matter. We are called to live a life that reflects our faith in Christ and to strive to do good works.

When we stand before Christ, we will be judged not only on what we did, but also on what we didn’t do. Did we use the gifts and talents God gave us to further His Kingdom? Did we love and serve others as Christ commanded us to do? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we seek to live a life that honors God.

May we be reminded today to live with the knowledge that we will one day face Christ, and let us strive to do good and make a positive impact in the world around us.

Pray

Lord, I know I will be judged according to the things I have done. I know I will be forgiven but help me to acknowledge that I am the only one held accountable. Show me Your ways to perfect my life.