Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

A Sign To Believe God’s Promises

Encouragement

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

The miracle of Christmas is that God didn’t just make promises, He followed through. God didn’t just speak words, He took action. Jesus’ birth is the revealed promise of God.

When Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, Israel was in a time of judgment. Even though the nation deserved to be punished for turning their back on God, He promised to save them and bless them.

God sent a message of hope to His chosen people despite their unbelief. God wanted to display His love and forgiveness and grace. So He came to save His people of their sins.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas we need to be reminded that God came to be with us. But most importantly, we need to invite Him into our life. Have you asked Him into your life?

It’s sad to know that people could actually reject God’s grace and mercy. God wants to bless us with His presence and His promises but it is up to each one to accept His gift.

This Christmas, let Jesus fill your heart with joy. Let the message of hope restore your soul. God wants to do amazing things in your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for coming to save me of my sin. Now my hope is in Your coming again.

The Wise Men

Encouragement

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”’
Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men followed “His star” to Jerusalem and made it known to king Herod that they were searching for the King of the Jews. After Herod consulted with the chief priests and scribes it was made known that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So the king sent the wise men to find the young Child, Jesus.

The wise men followed His star. Some say it was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Some suggest it was a supernova and some think it was a specific created unique star or sign in the sky. Whatever it was, it is significant that God used His star to point them to the Savior of the world.

Herod desired to be accepted by the Jews whom he ruled but he was not a Jew. The Jews had so much hatred for him. It troubled him that the wise men where looking for the King and it wasn’t him.

It’s significant to note that Jesus was considered King of the Jews from birth. No baby has ever been born a king. They first spend time as a prince before becoming a king. Jesus was born the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s.

Do you honor Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Submit to His authority today and be a servant of the King.

Pray

Lord, I pray today that we all honor You as King. We as a nation and as individuals need to bow and worship You. Let my manner of worship be glorifying to You.

God Has It All Worked Out

Encouragement

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23

Today’s verse says, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled.” God knew 700 years before the birth of Christ that He would be born of Mary in Bethlehem. He spoke to Isaiah, the prophet, with these words of prophecy so that we would understand that the plans, purposes, and promises of God will always come to pass.

For Mary and Joseph, it was not the best timing. It wasn’t the best of circumstances. But it happened the way that God ordained it to happen! And because Mary and Joseph were faithful and obedient everything worked out just perfect.

It’s amazing to see how God works all things out for His glory. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the big picture when we have a small perspective. But with faithful and obedient hearts we don’t have to worry we can just trust God to work it all out.

Every detail of God’s ordained purposes are already worked out. It’s already done. God knows exactly where you are going and He knows how you’re gonna to get there. He is uniquely orchestrating every step of the way.

I want to encourage you today to trust God in all things. God knows what is best for you and what is to come in the near and distant future. Just trust and obey. Remember, God has it all worked out.

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and understanding of Your Word so that I will trust you more. You have never failed me nor forsaken me and I know You never will. Give me peace in my heart that You are working out all the details of my life.