Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

Saved

Encouragement, Trust

Saved

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭

Power of God

The message of the cross is all about Jesus Christ. It is a redemption story that will be retold for eternity, even in Heaven. The most amazing element of the message is love. Jesus endured the punishment of sin so that you would be set free. Set free from your bondage and guilt of sin.

For those who are spiritually blind and ignorant of the truth, it is foolishness. Paul was stating the fact that for some people the message of the cross is meaningless. Some people do not realize how much love God has for them. Even though God hates sin, He loves the sinner and wants to redeem him/her and bring them into a right relationship and fellowship with Him and the Saints of God.

However, for us who have been saved the message of the cross brings us power. The power of God is given to us through the Holy Spirit of God that reveals to us what it means to be saved. Being saved of our sins gives us freedom to live under grace and not by the Law. No one can keep the Law perfectly but everyone can experience the grace of God. It’s given and not earned. It is power to the Believer because we know the truth. The power of God is what makes us live confidently in this evil world. It produces boldness and courage for those who desire to please the Lord.

Prayer

Lord Father, we thank you for sending us Jesus to die in our place. We boldly confess You as King. Give us someone to share Your love and grace with.

God Has Done It

Trust

God Has Done It

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:14‬

 

Forever, Amen

Solomon shares his wisdom and experiences of life in the Book of Ecclesiastes.  He brings a worldview of believing in God as Creator and Sustainer of life.  Ecclesiastes 3 begins with the subject of time.  Verses 1-8 can be summarized as there is a time for every purpose under heaven and shows us the need to take full advantage of the time God gives each of us.  Verses 9-12 centers the focus of thinking of God as the master of time and He made everything beautiful in its time.  Then in verses 12-15, Solomon speaks of the things of God being eternal.

Solomon describes God’s actions in three aspects.  First we need to realize that God’s actions are permanent as they endure forever.  On the contrary, anything man made is temporary.  The automobile that you drive, the clothes that you wear and the treasures that we store will not last.  But the Word of God endures forever. (Isaiah 40:8)  Second, God’s actions are perfect as nothing can be added to it.  The things of God lack nothing.  Even from the beginning, His perfect plans are carried out. His plans and ways are much better than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  Third, God’s actions are protected as nothing can be taken away from it.  God safely secures everything according to His power and might.  There is nothing that can defeat or demise His will.  Everything happens as He see fit. (Romans 8:28) Because God’s actions are eternal they are permanent, perfect and protected.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you an eternal perspective on life and to reveal His goodness through everything He does in your life.

You Who Seek The LORD

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.