Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

Jesus Is Coming Soon

Salvation, Trust

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:10-11‬

It’s ironic that the entire world was waiting for the expected Messiah to appear and when He did… He was not received.

He worked miracles that proved He was from God. He taught with authority that proved He was a great preacher from God. He prophesied things that amazed people. But the ones who should have received Him, rejected Him.

Over 2000 years later He is still rejected by many. The same way that the Jews rejected Jesus is the same way people reject Him today. They don’t acknowledge Him as Lord.

Some say He was just another prophet. Some say He was just a good man. Others even say He was a lunatic and a liar. These people who don’t acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah are spiritually blind.

People who believe Jesus is the Son of God have received spiritual sight. They see that Jesus is the Savior of the World. They see Him as the Bible presents Him. He is God and He is man. He died and He arose.

The Bible is clear to say that Jesus will return for His people. He will come in a cloud just like He left this earth. He will return and take His children away from this earth while the remaining people endure seven years of tribulation. What a horrific time that will be. The earth has never seen such chaos and tragedy.

Until Jesus returns we are to shine the light of Jesus into the darkness. We are to spread the love of Jesus among the poor and needy. We are to share the message of God’s grace and forgiveness.

If we truly expect Jesus to return soon, we need make sure everyone knows Him like we do. Someone may be watching and listening to you today, expecting you to share the good news of Jesus with them.

Pray

Lord, I know You are coming soon. I want to let others know about You. Use me to show someone who You are. Thank You for saving my soul.

The Importance Of Prayer

Faith, Trust

‘Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ‘
James 5:16

Did you know that you can get God’s attention through prayer? It’s not so much in what you say but what your heart desires. James, the brother of Jesus, gives us a great truth to always remember.

James gives us the insight on how to get God’s attention when we pray. He says to confess our sins. This is necessary to have good fellowship with God. We need to confess our sins and cleanse our hearts.

All through the Bible, the righteous were close to God and He was near to them. Anyone who comes into the presence of Almighty God will be renewed and changed. It is important that we confess our sins and remain pure at heart. This is how we can know God will hear our prayers.

In the next verse, he uses the example of Elijah as he prayed fervently that it might not rain and there was no rain for 3 1/2 years. And then in verse 18, he prayed again for rain and heaven poured down rain. So what made Elijah’s prayers get God’s attention?

Proverbs 15:29 says the Lord hears the prayer of the righteous. But this same verse also says the Lord is far from the wicked. When the righteous speak, He hears. But God does not hear those who do not repent.

Also, James says to pray for one another. Is your heart’s desire set on the healing of others? Not just the healing of sickness but spiritual healing as well. It is important that we pray for others and not just ourself.

Perhaps the greatest key to getting God’s attention is in our faith in the One True God. Our faith is what gets God’s attention the most. Our faith speaks louder than words. Is your faith strong? Do you pray expecting God to answer your prayers? Don’t be so surprised when God answers your prayers.

Pray

Lord, forgive me of my sins and renew a right spirit in me. Cleanse my heart and make me new again. Help me know that you hear my prayers and You will answer according to Your Will.

Joy Is Near

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬

King David called for the nation to praise the Lord and gives them plenty of reasons to lift up their praise to Heaven. He describes God’s anger as brief when compared to His grace. His slowness to anger and His readiness to save makes it easy for anyone to praise Him.

David said there will be times of weeping, but by the mercies of God, we will experience joy. God allows us to go through seasons of sadness and sorrow, but only for a little while. There will be times when we are down but joy is right around the corner. Just as we can expect the sun to rise in the morning, we can hope that a time of joy is near.

A beautiful sunrise will give you a reminder of how God works. There may be times of darkness and gloom but God is at work. He knows what is happening in this world and He cares.

So when you finally see the break of dawn and the sun begins to give light, just know that joy has come. God is going to do a good work. A beautiful sunrise gives us hope of a new and fresh beginning.

Give God the glory for the grace and joy you are given.

Pray

Lord, You are worthy of praise. You deserve to be worshipped and adorned. Allow me to see how You are working things out for my good.