Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Your Problem Is Not God

Encouragement

‘For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.’
Jeremiah 2:13

Why would anyone ever forsake the Lord and turn to something else for hope?  Could there be anything better than the Lord?  

Sometimes we encounter seasons when we drift away from the Lord and seek our own ways. It’s during these times that we come up dry and wanting. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)  

Jesus wants to give us an endless supply of fresh living water.  A water that will last for eternity.  A living water that gives all.  

Why would we ever seek for anything else but the best that the Lord has to offer?  God said, “My people have created their own water pots that can’t even hold water.”  This is so true when we try to rely on our own power and strength.  

Without Jesus we are nothing and can do nothing.  God desires to give the best that He has to offer to us, which is Jesus.  The problem lies when we think that we can do something bigger or better than God. There is nothing in this entire universe that could ever out do God.

Think about the things that you are seeking in your life today.  Are they the things of God or the things of self ambition?  His ways are much better than our ways.  His provision is much healthier and will sustain us for eternity.  If you are encountering a dry spell in your relationship with the Lord, the problem is not with God.

Pray

Lord, Your promise is that when I seek You, I will find You.  When I draw close to You, You draw unto me even closer.  Let me experience Your power today.

The Unconditional Love Of God

Encouragement

‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ‘
John 15:9

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus. God’s love for the world is witnessed through the person of Jesus for the sole purpose that all people should be saved. His love is unconditional and unchanging.

The promise of the Scripture tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35). As we study the Word of God, the message of His love is embedded through every book and every chapter. God wants us to know how much He loves us.

During times of uncertainty and difficulty His love never fails. His great love is what gives us hope and joy to endure the difficult times. Hence the reason for Jesus saying, “Abide in my love.” When we remain in His love we can endure to the end.

It’s easy to forget about how much Jesus loves us. Sometimes we stray from His Word and we let the distractions of life to control our minds and hearts. But the only way to stay in His love is to stay in His Word.

What’s more important than being in God’s Word and being reminded of His great love? No matter how busy we get or how famous we become we can never forget how much He loves us. Stay in His love and stay in His Word.

Pray

Lord, whatever is keeping me from being closer to You needs to be removed. Help me to remain in Your love and in Your Word. Thank you for loving me even when I’m hard to love.

God Has You Right Where You Belong

Encouragement

‘Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.’
Proverbs 22:29

Do you know what makes you stand out in your talents and abilities? Do you love what you do for a living?

God blesses every believer with extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in your life to show you who you are in Christ. You are special to God.

The Lord places us right where He wants us to be. You are where you are because God has a plan to use your gifts and abilities for His glory. You need to have confidence in knowing that God has a specific plan for you. Nothing happens by accident or incidentally.

God does not make mistakes. He has equipped you and given you the opportunity to work a specific task that can only allow God to shine. You did not get where you are without the help and guidance of God.

God blesses those who use their gifts to bless others. It is vital that you understand the gifts that God has given to you through the Holy Spirit so that you can minister or serve others. When you use your gifts you will receive joy and peace.

Pray

Lord, today I will use my gifts to serve others. Thank you for giving me the abilities to do what I do. Thank you for giving me the knowledge and wisdom to be who I am. I pray that my life will point others to You.