You Who Seek The LORD

November 3, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

You Who Seek The LORD

Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51:1‬ ‭

Where Do You Come From

The nation of Israel began with the faithfulness and obedience of Abraham. For several generations God blessed the children of Israel by showing them favor and giving them prosperity. God revealed Himself to many strong and spiritual leaders. Men like Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah witnessed some amazing things from God.

However, there are also some times in the Bible that we discover that people turned their back on God and served other gods. The children of Israel missed out on the amazing things of God because they were not seeking Him first. The Bible is full of history that details the events that took place when God’s people were not being blessed and were even taken captive by evil nations and evil kings. It shows us how important it is to never fall away from trusting God and waiting on His promises.

Can you see the big picture of God’s redemption and grace? You are an important person when it comes to God’s plan. You may not think that you have any significance but for generations to come your faith can be spoken about through children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and more. Think about your heritage and just ponder on the people who have made an impact on your life. Our forefathers made a great difference in which we are reaping what they sowed both good and bad. What are you doing or what can you start doing today that will make a difference in the lives that aren’t even born yet? We can start with what we have right now. Demonstrate righteousness and faithfulness today and watch what happens.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me part of Your great plan and giving me a purpose. Help me to make a difference in the life of others today.

One Spirit

November 1, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Salvation, Trust

One Spirit

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬

Our Identity

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned against God there has been a separation from mankind and God. After Adam sinned he was afraid. Genesis 3:10 says, “And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”” Adam was afraid because he realized he was naked. On that day Adam, due to his sin, was stripped of his identity in God. Thankfully we can have the identity again with God through Jesus and His accomplishment on the cross.

Paul reveals in 1 Corinthians 6:17 that believers are joined so closely to Christ that we become “one spirit with Him.” Paul is comparing our oneness with Christ to the oneness that takes place in marriage between a man and a woman. Even in marriage we keep our individual identities while at the same time two people become one flesh. A similar thing happens when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. However our oneness with Jesus goes far deeper than human marriage as it produces eternal results.

We all inherit the sinfulness of Adam. We are all born lost and separated from God. But we can do something about it by placing our faith in Jesus and become one with Him. As a believer you are adopted into the family of God to never be separated again. Paul says in Galatians 3:29, “and if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” If you are in Christ and Christ is in you, you are saved and redeemed. No longer do you need to be afraid.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus. I know that I am in Him and He is in me.

Transfigured

October 29, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Transfigured

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:2‬ ‭

On The Mountain

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain and was transfigured before them. Literally, Jesus’ face was bright as the sun and his clothes were as white as light. This mountaintop experience had a lasting effect upon these three disciples as they witnessed Christ being glorified.

Mountaintop experiences are wonderful to behold. These are the times when Heaven seems to open up and we get a glimpse of glory divine. We never forget these times in our lives when everything just seems right and perfect. We usually linger around expecting more of what God might do. We stand in awe of what God has done and what might happen next. Jesus definitely wanted these three disciples to remember this day for the rest of their lives. The disciples were so impelled by this experience that they fell down on their faces in fear. It took the touch of Jesus and a command to arise for the men to get up. After this they only saw the person of Jesus standing alone.

The transfiguration gives additional testimony to the fact that Jesu is the Messiah. Jesus shined with the glory of God and both Moses and Elijah gave witness to this event. When we experience mountaintop moments we need to also consider that God desires for us to witness His glory. His glory and presence gives us confidence that He is God and He is in control of all things. When we are on the mountaintop we are full of faith and joy. We long for these experiences to happen in our life. It’s when we come off the mountain and into the valley that we lose focus and begin to fear and lack faith. Keep your mountaintop experiences close to mind and never forget what you saw.

Prayer

Lord, I trust You to show me your glory and allow me to witness Your power and presence in my life. Let me see what You are doing in my life.