Pastor Stephen Dedman

Light Is Essential

This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:5

The Bible was written so that everyone would have the knowledge of God. Scripture reveals the nature of God through “special revelation.” If we didn’t have the Bible we wouldn’t know anything about God.

The Apostle John desires that we know God is light.  Light is essential for the existence of life and without light there would be no life. Light sustains life.  We need light in order to live physically.

We also need light to live spiritually. In order to live spiritually and eternally we need God’s light.  God’s light is Jesus. In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Jesus is our light to live eternally with God in Heaven.

Jesus also says in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.”  As a Christian, the light of God is displayed through your life.  You can agree that we live in a dark world that needs the light of God. Light exposes the dark things which we call sin.

When we live holy lives the light of God shines bright.  When we shine bright we show others who God is.  We are like the moon as we reflect the light of God. How bright are you shining?

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Jesus as the Light. Help me to shine in this dark world so that others will know who You are. Increase my knowledge of You through Your Word.

God Desires Only The Best For You

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84:11‬ ‭

God desires to see you succeed and be prosperous. If you are walking in obedience and seeking to please Him, you can be assured that God will give you the best.  God can only do good. 

The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus proves how much God loves you.  And because God loves you, He desires to give you the best.  God will not withhold any good thing from those who seek His righteousness.  

God can only give good and perfect things because He is holy.  So when you ask God for something, believe that He will give only the best things.

With this concept in mind we must also know that if God does not answer our prayers the way we expect, it is for a reason.  God is all-knowing.  He knows what will happen in the future and will only give accordingly if it is what He wills for you.  

A “no” from God is ultimately a good thing.  If He knows it is not good for you, He will not give it.  This is great within itself.  We can trust that God will do what He knows is right.  

Sometimes it is a blessing to be told “no”.  When our priorities or mindset is not set on the things of God we need to be adjusted accordingly.  And by not giving us what we ask could eventually be a blessing.  

Do you remember a prayer that you were praying and God did not answer the way you expected?  Wasn’t it for the best?

Pray

Lord, I want my prayers to be aligned with Your will and way.  Holy Spirit reveal to me what I need to be praying. Thank You for answering my prayers.

Abide In The Shadow Of God

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Has there ever been a time that you felt the Lord abandoned you in a difficult situation?  Rest assured that He has never left you nor has He ever forsaken you.  He can’t and He won’t.  

As long as we belong to Him this promise remains forever.  His love is too great to abandon us.  He desires for His children to rest in His presence.  

He is the One to turn to when in we run into trouble.  He is our safe place as this 911 verse promises.  The word “dwell” means to to take up residence. We live in the presence of God and seek Him as our shelter.  

The shelter of God is our protection.  This verse reminds us that He is continually looking over us and keeping us safe.  In the shadow we find relief from the heat.  Staying in His shadow guards us from disastrous elements.

Remember that as a child of God you will never walk alone.  Even though your struggles may seem hard and heavy, you still have the stronghold of God Almighty at your side.  Your difficulties are strengthening you for your next assignment from God.  

The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is packed full with the power of God.  It reminds us that He faithfully works all things together on behalf of those who love Him.  Allow God to fight your battles and use your circumstances to make you stronger in your faith.

Pray

Lord, help me to rest in Your presence and seek Your protection in all my situations.  Place me right where You want me to be. I will praise You in my storms.