Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

It Is I

Faith, Trust

It Is I

But He (Jesus) said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:20‬

No Need To Fear

After Jesus fed the 5,000, the people who witnessed the miracle wanted to make him their king.  Jesus swiftly slipped away into the mountains to be alone.  The disciples got into the boat and set sail across the lake.  A storm was brewing and the waves became rough due to the high winds.  They rowed for about three to four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water.  They became frightened as He came near the boat.  They thought it was a ghost.  Jesus spoke to them and they recognized His voice and gladly received Him into their boat.  The Scripture then says immediately they were at the shore.

There are some interesting truths packed into this event.  First, after every victory there is a valley awaiting.  Don’t be disappointed because the Lord is always with us regardless of where we are.  He is with us in our good times and with us in our suffering.  Second, the Lord’s presence makes for peace.  Jesus appeared during their struggles and spoke a peaceful word, “it is I; don’t be afraid.”  The Lord always provides peace and comfort during our trying times.  He will allow us to build strength and faith but He will never neglect us.  Third, the Lord’s power over nature.  Jesus walked on the water.  Some want to discredit the Lord walking on the water.  We must never forget that the Lord can do what He pleases to do.

Trusting the Lord during good times is easy.  Trusting the Lord during hard times is difficult.  Our faith in the Lord is what pleases Him the most.

Prayer

Lord, let me see You for who You are.  I want to be in Your presence and feel Your peace.  Help me to overcome my trials and suffering with your grace.

Resurrection Sunday

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Resurrection Sunday

He is not here, for He has risen, as He (Jesus) said.

Matthew 28:6

Because He Lives

Today we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior of the world. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be sure that God’s promises are true and that redemption is accomplished. Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. In other words, Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin which is death!

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by bringing Himself back to life. Only God the Son could do such magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could live and die and then live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He lives, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all will leave this Earth but glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory. There will be no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! Celebrate today with the joy and blessedness that we have received because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish. Jesus gives us everlasting life!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for dying in my place and forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven. I will live for your glory so that others may know you as I do.

Daily Devotional

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

Encouragement, Trust

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:32‬

Walking With Jesus

After Jesus’ resurrection He appeared to two disciples who were leaving Jerusalem and apparently witnessed His crucifixion.  They received the news that Jesus was not in the tomb but was alive.  They were very sad as they discussed the details of the events that happened over the weekend.  As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined their conversation and they did not know that it was Him.  Jesus spent much time with them as they talked on the road to Emmaus.

As Jesus spoke to the two disciples, He began with Moses and the prophets to tell the story of Himself.  They spent time together as He shared the Scriptures with them and broke bread together.  Their eyes were finally opened to see that it was Jesus who spoke with them concerning all things.  After they considered all things they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us and as He opened the Scriptures to us?:  Their hope was restored and their passion was renewed.  The fire burned in their hearts as they heard the words of Jesus.

In the same way, Jesus wants to renew your passion for Him.  Notice that it begins with the Word of God.  A you walk with Jesus, He wants to spend time with you to reveal His goodness and mercy for you to be encouraged.  We must allow time for Him to speak to us and the fire will be rekindled within our hearts.

Prayer

Open our hearts to what You have to say to us and help us to learn from Your word.  Give us what we need to hear.