Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Daily Devotional

Transfigured

Faith, Trust

Transfigured

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:2‬ ‭

Daily Devotional

On The Mountain

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain and was transfigured before them.  Literally, Jesus’ face was bright as the sun and his clothes were as white as light.  This mountaintop experience had a lasting effect upon these three disciples as they witnessed Christ being glorified.

Mountaintop experiences are wonderful to behold.  These are the times when Heaven seems to open up and we get a glimpse of glory divine.  We never forget these times in our lives when everything just seems right and perfect.  We usually linger around expecting more of what God might do.  We stand in awe of what God has done and what might happen next.  Jesus definitely wanted these three disciples to remember this day for the rest of their lives.  The disciples were so impelled by this experience that they fell down on their faces in fear.  It took the touch of Jesus and a command to arise for the men to get up.  After this they only saw the person of Jesus standing alone.

The transfiguration gives additional testimony to the fact that Jesu is the Messiah.  Jesus shined with the glory of God and both Moses and Elijah gave witness to this event.  When we experience mountaintop moments we need to also consider that God desires for us to witness His glory.  His glory and presence gives us confidence that He is God and He is in control of all things.  When we are on the mountaintop we are full of faith and joy.  We long for these experiences to happen in our life.  It’s when we come off the mountain and into the valley that we lose focus and begin to fear and lack faith.  Keep your mountaintop experiences close to mind and never forget what you saw.

Prayer

Lord, I trust You to show me your glory and allow me to witness Your power and presence in my life.  Let me see what You are doing in my life.

Daily Devotional

I Am With You

Encouragement, Trust

I Am With You

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬

His Presence Is Everything

This is a verse we all should memorize and keep close to our hearts.  Whenever you feel that God may not be listening, remember this promise.  Or when you feel you just can’t make it another day, know that God is still there.  When you just cannot do it, He will.  He holds everything together in the palm of His hand.

The truth of this great verse is found in the promise of His presence. We never know what we may encounter from day to day, but we can count on God being right here with us.  If we have fear, His presence is all we need.  If we are without understanding, His wisdom surrounds us.  When we are lacking, He fills us with His love.  The power of His presence is overwhelming when we realize how close He is.  God is not far away.  As a Christian, He is living inside of you.  He wants to be part of your life.

We should seek and desire His presence everyday.  Moses said to God in Exodus 33:15, “If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”  Moses didn’t want to make a move until he knew God was going with them.  Moses was so use to seeking His presence that He would be lost without it. That should be our same attitude and desire.  God’s presence is the most important thing we know.  The Holy Spirit is God’s presence.

Prayer

Praise Him out loud by saying or singing, “You are my strength, You are my help, You are my God!”

What Is This

Faith, Trust

What Is This

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:27

 

Man Of Wonders

When Jesus spoke people listened. They were amazed at what a great teacher He was.  He spoke with authority and people respected Him. Jesus made people think and gave them a reason to act upon what they heard. He is the greatest teacher ever known.

We learn many things when we study the life and ministry of Christ. His teachings were full of grace and full of wisdom. He astonished even the religious leaders with great knowledge.  But most of all, His teachings were associated with miracles that left everyone in awe.  Mark 1:27 doesn’t emphasize so much what He taught as much as how He taught.  John Mark wants the reader to know what a great teacher Jesus was.  When Jesus showed up to the synagogue it was something special for those who were present.  Jesus didn’t just preach and teach the Scriptures, He called people to a personal response.

Today we have many Bible teachers and preachers who proclaim the Gospel of Jesus with authority and wisdom.  Many are great scholars of God’s Word and share great witness of the power of the Holy Spirit.  But no one compares to Jesus.  We still are able to listen to His authority and wisdom by reading and studying the gospels.  It is important for a Christian to know Jesus and to understand how He taught.  His teachings are still the same.  We learn from Him everyday.

Prayer

Lord, teach me and make me to be the person you want me to be.  Give me wisdom to understand your Words and help me to respond the way you want me to.