The Worst Became Best

April 10, 2020 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Salvation, Trust

“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.”
Matthew 27:45-46,50

Jesus was executed and put to death. The Son of God was put to death on a cross for who He was. He came into the world and the religious leaders feared Him and hated Him. While at first it may seem that all is said and done, it was the plan of God from the beginning.

How encouraging it is to know that today is called Good Friday because death died when Jesus died on the cross. The worst day in history is really the best day because of Jesus. Just remember this when you are at your worst, Jesus is at His best. The worst possible thing that could happen was actually the best.

Can we be honest for a moment? Jesus said, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) There are times in our life when we are ready to throw in the towel. We are frustrated, confused, and irritated when things don’t turn out the way we want them to. But this is when we must rely on the strength and power of God to reveal to us that He is up to something bigger than we are. God has something in the works that may not seem important at the surface but deep down in the grasp of things, God is doing a mighty work.

Don’t give up hope. Don’t give into the temptations of the enemy. Satan tried everything he could to keep Jesus from dying on the cross but God did not allow it to happen. Why? Because He loves you more than you realize. He is more powerful than anyone can ever imagine.

Whatever you may be going through right now, God has a plan and it is going to work out for His glory.

“Then is shall be brought to pass as it is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:54-57)

Lord, thank you for loving me so much that You sent Your only Son to die on the cross and save me from my sins. Help me to never lose hope in what You are trying to accomplish.

Advance The Gospel

December 13, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Advance The Gospel

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:12‬

Everything Happens For A Reason

Something very significant about the apostle Paul was that he was always concerned with how he could spread the gospel. When he was placed into prison he used that opportunity to share Jesus with those around him. After being attacked by a mob he preached the gospel. When he was brought before the king he shared his faith as a testimony. It didn’t seem to matter what circumstance he was in, he was continually sharing the gospel with others. He would use his situation as an opportunity to share Jesus with whoever he was with. Paul could take a negative situation and turn it into a great opportunity to win someone to Christ.

We too should look at every situation we encounter as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus or to speak the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. God may have us at an exact location or in a purposeful circumstance to share our testimony or speak a word of compassion to someone who needs it. We never need to miss an opportunity that God may be giving us to give the best gift someone can receive. God uses us in unique ways to further the building of His Kingdom. You may think you are in a crisis but know that God has you in it for a reason. Try not to become angry at God or even turn away from your faith just because you endure a time of suffering. We should be like Paul and turn the circumstance into an opportunity to advance the gospel.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be aware of where you have me and to be aware of the people around me so that I can tell them about the good news of Jesus.

Christ Who Lives In Me

December 11, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Christ Who Lives In Me

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

It’s No Longer Me

Being saved through Jesus Christ is not just a way to Heaven, it’s a new life in Christ here on this earth. Jesus not only gives us eternal life, He gives us new life here and now. Jesus changes our desires from the inside out. It begins with our heart and mind and works it’s way through our words and actions.

Jesus set forth the perfect example of how to live a holy life acceptable unto God. As Christians we strive to live like Christ and to strive for holiness and righteousness. We cannot do it alone for the flesh is weak. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We must be conforming to His ways and seeking to please Him.

The power in this verse is the fact that being found in Christ we no longer are captive to sin. Yes, we do and will continue to sin but we are found not guilty when we place our faith in Christ. We are justified through the blood of Jesus. Jesus forgives us of our sins. Paul says we are crucified with Christ. We no longer satisfy our flesh desires, we aim to please our Lord and Master. No longer do we live for ourselves. Everyday should begin with the thought and ambition to please the Lord through everything we do. What are you going to do today for Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, today I die to myself and live for you. Use me and make me useful for Your kingdom sake.