Pastor Stephen Dedman

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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.

Your Problem Is Not God

Encouragement

‘For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.’
Jeremiah 2:13

Why would anyone ever forsake the Lord and turn to something else for hope?  Could there be anything better than the Lord?  

Sometimes we encounter seasons when we drift away from the Lord and seek our own ways. It’s during these times that we come up dry and wanting. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)  

Jesus wants to give us an endless supply of fresh living water.  A water that will last for eternity.  A living water that gives all.  

Why would we ever seek for anything else but the best that the Lord has to offer?  God said, “My people have created their own water pots that can’t even hold water.”  This is so true when we try to rely on our own power and strength.  

Without Jesus we are nothing and can do nothing.  God desires to give the best that He has to offer to us, which is Jesus.  The problem lies when we think that we can do something bigger or better than God. There is nothing in this entire universe that could ever out do God.

Think about the things that you are seeking in your life today.  Are they the things of God or the things of self ambition?  His ways are much better than our ways.  His provision is much healthier and will sustain us for eternity.  If you are encountering a dry spell in your relationship with the Lord, the problem is not with God.

Pray

Lord, Your promise is that when I seek You, I will find You.  When I draw close to You, You draw unto me even closer.  Let me experience Your power today.

The Pursuit Of Peace

Faith

‘Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ‘
Hebrews 12:14

Have you ever considered the importance of peace and holiness? The command in today’s verse is to pursue peace and holiness. This means that we are to walk right with both men and God.

A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with the Lord. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Unholy Christians are the plague of the church. They are spots in our feasts of charity. Like hidden rocks, they are the terror of navigators. It is hard to steer clear of them; and there is no telling what wrecks they may cause.”

You may be active in church attendance, engaged in spiritual activities, and believe you are a spiritual person, but if you do not have holiness you are missing a vital part of being a follower of Christ. Holiness is godliness and Christlikeness.

Jesus lived a holy and perfect life that was in complete obedience to God the Father. Everything He did pointed people to God. His peace and holiness showed the glory of God.

You cannot pursue peace and holiness outside a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Good works alone will not get you into Heaven. The closer you are to the Lord the more peace and holiness you will pursue.

Pray

Lord, will You give me the strength and courage to avoid evil and pursue peace and holiness? Forgive me and cleanse me of all sin. Fill me with Your love and joy.