Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

God’s Truth Makes Him Faithful

Faith, Trust

‘Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; ‘
Deuteronomy 7:9

We live in a world full of broken promises. From workplaces to marriages there are people suffering from broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.  A person’s word has no merit when it comes to contracts and legal documents.  Unkept promises make for a very frustrating life.

When we learn about the truth of God we know that faithfulness is part of His character.  It’s what makes Him God. He keeps His word because He is faithful.  If God were not faithful, we could not be saved nor would there be any reason to pray and absolutely no hope for the future.

To say that God is faithful we must realize that what He speaks is the truth.  He says what He means and means what He says.  His word never fails or falters.  His promises will always come to pass.  2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His Glory.”  If God says it we can count on it.

Sometimes when we face trials in our life we tend to think that God has either forgotten about us or He doesn’t care what happens to us.  That is far from the truth and we must change the way we view God’s character.  God loves His children and He is faithful in every aspect known to man.

Pray

Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises. I know that You can only be the Truth. As I rely on Your word for hope and joy, let me never forget Your faithfulness.

Is God Woking Through You?

Salvation, Trust

‘The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.’
Romans 8:16-17

How do you know that you are born again and saved by the blood of Jesus? What gives us assurance that when we die we know that we are going to heaven?

We are blessed that the Holy Spirit confirms and testifies that we belong to the family of God, that God is our Father and we have been born again. Paul says it’s “the Spirit Himself” that bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God.

We should be able to look at our lives and see how God is working in and through us to make us more like Jesus. The Spirit brings a profound awareness of how God is at work in our hearts. It’s this awareness that gives us assurance and confidence of salvation.

It would be very difficult to live the Christian life if we didn’t have the assurance of salvation. You must be confident that you are born again. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that you have repented of your sins.

We don’t have to wonder if we are really Christians or not. God’s children know who they are.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit that gives us confidence that we belong to You. Allow me to see how You are working in my life today. Take my life and use it as You desire.

A Father’s Example

Faith, Trust

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9

The best way to lead is by example. Dads have a major responsibility with leading their family but the most important teaching that should come from a dad is how to worship God. And what better way than by example.

As spiritual leaders it is a privilege and responsibility to be an example to others. Paul encouraged others to follow his life as an example. It’s one thing to just learn what the Bible teaches but it’s a whole different issue to live it out.

We are instructed to be obedient to what the Bible teaches and to obey each command. Paul knew the reward for such obedience is the blessing of God’s peace.

Like Paul, we’ve got to live in such a way that we can say, “Learn what I teach – by my example!” What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? Is it an example of love and compassion? Is it an example of fearing and honoring God as sovereign Lord? Is it an example of leading others to Christ? Your life is a testimony to others.

People need to witness Christ-like examples of Christian living. Our children need to witness what it means to live holy and righteous. Our world needs to witness examples of God’s grace and forgiveness. Our churches need men who set an example of what it means to be faithful and true. The challenge is before us to practice the things which we have learned.

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving us Christian men and women who have been great examples of how we should live our lives. Help me to pass on to others what I have learned so that someone may witness who You are in me.