Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

A New Opportunity

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

Don’t you love the fact that God offers us second chances? And third chances! And so many more chances.

We need more than just second chances. But at the same time we can’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again. We need the grace of God, but we cannot continue in sin.

God gives us the opportunity to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Forgiveness gives us a fresh start and a new beginning. The Christian life is life of hope. In Jesus, everyday is a new beginning.

True forgiveness allows us to put the past in the past. The only way to receive true forgiveness is through Jesus Christ. Today’s verse narrows in on the word “if”. If anyone is in Christ, he or she is made new.

Are you resting in the promise of newness in Christ? Do you seek the opportunity to refresh yourself in the person of Christ everyday? Everyday is a new chance to start fresh and to let go of the past things that kept us from glorifying God.

Make today count. Let everything be made new in and through Christ. Set your mind on the things of Christ that can create new blessings of opportunity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a new day and a new opportunity to seek forgiveness and repent of my sins. You have saved me from a death in Hell and given me life in Christ. Let me make the most of it today.

Will You Stand In The Gap?

Encouragement, Faith

“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 seeks to find people who will display godly character and spiritual wisdom. He delights in people who will have a true meaningful relationship with Him. Those who live in closeness to the Lord reflect His nature and goodness.

When it comes to leadership, we need people who will stand in the gap between God and His people. A quick survey of the Old Testament will make you realize that God chooses those who can represent Him.

Noah found favor with God as the only blameless person living on the earth at the time (Genesis 6:8-9). But what is said about Noah in verse 9 is remarkable, “he walked in close fellowship with God.” He wasn’t perfect but he close to God.

Abraham was used by God because of his faith, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ (Genesis 15:6) Abraham’s faith in God directed his steps when he didn’t know where he was going.

Moses stood before God and His people as a humble servant. Moses pleaded with God not to destroy them because of their sin. (Hebrews 11:25)

David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah and the list goes on. These where people who knew God in a meaningful, right relationship. They all made mistakes but their character and spiritual wisdom reflected the nature of God. The more quality time we spend with God the more we reflect His nature.

In today’s passage of Scripture we discover that God looked for someone to stand in the gap and found no one. God hoped for one who would lead and pray to avert His judgment; but there was none. Ultimately God sent His Son, Jesus, who stands as the wall of strength, stability, and security for His people. And today we stand in the name and in the power of Jesus Christ to reflect the nature of God.

Pray

Lord, help me to reflect the Light of Jesus to those around me. Draw me close to You so I can reflect godly character and spiritual wisdom in this dark and gloomy, sinful world. Let my fellowship with you be meaningful.

Are You Involved?

Encouragement

Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.
Nehemiah 2:17-18

Nehemiah was burdened with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. He knew he couldn’t do it alone so he enlisted the help of others. Teamwork makes dreamwork!

Nehemiah says that all kinds of people got involved. From priests to politicians and tradesmen to women who made clothes, there was a role for everyone who wanted to get involved. Everyone had a specific task and purpose.

Even though there were many who supported the efforts of rebuilding the wall, there were some who chose not to get involved. Nehemiah 3:5 tells us about the people of Tekoa who opposed the efforts. It is forever written in the Word of God that these individuals chose not to serve the Lord.

When it comes to building the Kingdom of God there is always a need for willing servants. Never let it be said of you that when there was something great to be done for God you didn’t get involved. God has given you a unique purpose to serve Him.

As a servant of Jesus Christ, you have been equipped to serve. Your talents and abilities are God-given and are given to glorify Him. Everything you do for the Lord makes a difference.

Your task is important and even though you may not see immediate results of your labor, it’s making a difference. If it’s in your community, church, or anywhere in the world, God will use you to do His great work.

Are you participating in building God’s Kingdom? There is a place and purpose for every person to serve the Lord. Just ask God what He wants you to do.

Pray

Lord, I want to serve You today. What can I do to get involved with the work of Your Kingdom. Show me how I can join others in serving You.