Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

A Great Multitude

Encouragement

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:9‬

Can you imagine a crowd of people so large that couldn’t be numbered? When Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000 men there may have been a larger crowd of about 20,000 people including the women and children. The Scripture says they sat in groups of 50. 

The multitude that John saw in his vision around the throne of God was not able to be counted by man. However don’t forget that God knows how many stars are in the sky and the hair on our heads are numbered. 

What makes today’s verse so special is the correlation of Gods promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”‭‭ 

And later when Abraham was seeking God for a son the Bible says, “And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.“” Genesis‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

That great promise of God is fulfilled in Revelation 7:9. John sees the great multitude of saints around the throne of God. What a great sight to behold!

It should excite us to know that one day soon we will be standing around the throne of God. We will be clothed in white robes and singing praises to Jesus. Read verses 9-12 and try to imagine what a glorious day that will be when Jesus we shall see. God is faithful and true to keep His promises.

Pray

Lord, we thank you for promising us an eternity in Heaven with You. Give us the vision and mindset of Heaven so we can take our eyes off this world. 

You Are Not Made For This World

Encouragement

Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 
I John 3:13

You may not realize it but as a Christian you are hated by the world. The world despises the righteousness of God. No wonder we witness so much hatred in the world.

Jesus said the world hated Him first. People try so hard to fit into this world that they are hated and rejected by. We must realize that our permanent home is not this earth and we should be seeking our citizenship in heaven.

It’s difficult trying to live in this world but not being accepted. In fact a Christian should feel uncomfortable in this world. If we ever become comfortable with the lifestyle of the world then something is wrong.

John writes to us to let us know that it is okay to be rejected and persecuted by the world. Because the world does not know God, the world does not know us. But according to Romans 12:1 we are to be in this world but not of it.

We should stand as sore thumbs in this world. People should be able to pick us out of a crowd and know that we belong to Jesus. We should talk like Jesus, act like Jesus and love like Jesus.

Today you may be tempted to be transformed to this world. Don’t get trapped! Know that you belong to God and He will give you everything you need. Don’t trust the world’s system.

Pray

Lord, help me to remember that I am made for higher ground. Thank You, Jesus, for taking my sins away and lifting me up. Today I find my strength in You.

Jesus Warned Us

Encouragement

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15

The New Living Translation says it this way: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” 

“Disguised as harmless” is a good description of what we see today. There are voices all around us that claim to speak God’s truth. But watch out, most of them are fake, false, and phony.

Pay close attention to the voices you are listening to. Most importantly make sure you discern the voice of God. You can easily discern the voice of God when it aligns with the truth of the Scriptures. 

God’s truth and word does not change and will not change. What He said 6000 years ago is still true today.

Sadly, there are bad people disguised as good people that claim to speak the truth. They tell you how to believe, what to do, what to say, how to vote, how to spend money, how to parent, etc… These voices sound good and look good but they are vicious wolves. Their intent is to devour. 

Jesus warns us to make sure every voice we hear is supported with the authority of God’s Word. Does their message agree with the rest of the Bible? Does it point people closer to Jesus? That is why it is important to know what the Bible says to study it. 

You have a responsibility to choose wisely who you listen to. 

Pray

Lord, help me to discern who speaks in Your name. Let me speak truth and wisdom into others. Protect me and my sheep.