Pastor Stephen Dedman

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The Unconditional Love Of God

Encouragement

‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ‘
John 15:9

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus. God’s love for the world is witnessed through the person of Jesus for the sole purpose that all people should be saved. His love is unconditional and unchanging.

The promise of the Scripture tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35). As we study the Word of God, the message of His love is embedded through every book and every chapter. God wants us to know how much He loves us.

During times of uncertainty and difficulty His love never fails. His great love is what gives us hope and joy to endure the difficult times. Hence the reason for Jesus saying, “Abide in my love.” When we remain in His love we can endure to the end.

It’s easy to forget about how much Jesus loves us. Sometimes we stray from His Word and we let the distractions of life to control our minds and hearts. But the only way to stay in His love is to stay in His Word.

What’s more important than being in God’s Word and being reminded of His great love? No matter how busy we get or how famous we become we can never forget how much He loves us. Stay in His love and stay in His Word.

Pray

Lord, whatever is keeping me from being closer to You needs to be removed. Help me to remain in Your love and in Your Word. Thank you for loving me even when I’m hard to love.

God Has You Right Where You Belong

Encouragement

‘Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.’
Proverbs 22:29

Do you know what makes you stand out in your talents and abilities? Do you love what you do for a living?

God blesses every believer with extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in your life to show you who you are in Christ. You are special to God.

The Lord places us right where He wants us to be. You are where you are because God has a plan to use your gifts and abilities for His glory. You need to have confidence in knowing that God has a specific plan for you. Nothing happens by accident or incidentally.

God does not make mistakes. He has equipped you and given you the opportunity to work a specific task that can only allow God to shine. You did not get where you are without the help and guidance of God.

God blesses those who use their gifts to bless others. It is vital that you understand the gifts that God has given to you through the Holy Spirit so that you can minister or serve others. When you use your gifts you will receive joy and peace.

Pray

Lord, today I will use my gifts to serve others. Thank you for giving me the abilities to do what I do. Thank you for giving me the knowledge and wisdom to be who I am. I pray that my life will point others to You.

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.