Pastor Stephen Dedman

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭4‬

The world can be a frightful place, and it’s easy to become “fearful-hearted.” But in Isaiah 35:4, we are reminded of a powerful message of hope and reassurance from God.

First, we are encouraged to “be strong” and not to give in to fear. This strength doesn’t come from our own abilities, but from the divine source of strength – God Himself. It is a call to trust in His power and promises.

The verse goes on to proclaim that God will come with vengeance and recompense. This is a reminder that justice ultimately belongs to Him, and He will set things right. The injustices we see in the world will not go unnoticed or unpunished.

Most importantly, the verse concludes with the beautiful promise that the Lord will come and save us. No matter how dire our circumstances may appear, God is our ultimate savior. He is with us in our trials, and His salvation is our ultimate hope.

Let this verse be a source of strength and a reminder of God’s unwavering love and commitment to His people. We can take refuge in His promise to save us, knowing that we are never alone in our journey. So, be strong, do not fear, and trust in the God who is our Savior and Redeemer.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Savior and Redeemer. Give me strength and courage to overcome any fear I may face today. I trust Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us? 

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬

Today’s verse takes us to a place of confidence. Every promise and truth found in the Bible stand as a pillar to guide us through our journey of life. 

As we face the challenges of each day, we are not left defenseless. God’s Word is not merely a collection of ancient writings; it is a living and active force, serving as a shield to those who trust in Him. Imagine a shield that withstands the arrows of doubt, fear, and despair – that is the assurance we have in God’s promises.

Trusting in God’s Word is an intentional choice to rely on His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. In moments of uncertainty, when the path ahead seems unclear, we can trust in the unchanging nature of God’s promises. His Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through the darkest of days. 

Renew your commitment to trusting in the Word of God. You can find comfort in its purity, strength in its promises, and guidance in its wisdom. As you put your trust in Him, you will discover that His Word is not just a collection of verses but a source of life, hope, and unwavering security.

Pray

Lord, may Your promises be a guiding light in my life, leading me through every challenge and uncertainty. Grant me the strength to trust wholeheartedly in Your Word, finding in it a shield that guards my heart and mind, and a source of hope. In Jesus’ name, amen