Pastor Stephen Dedman

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You Who Seek The LORD

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

You Who Seek The LORD

Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51:1‬ ‭

Where Do You Come From

The nation of Israel began with the faithfulness and obedience of Abraham.  For several generations God blessed the children of Israel by showing them favor and giving them prosperity.  God revealed Himself to many strong and spiritual leaders.  Men like Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah witnessed some amazing things from God.

However, there are also some times in the Bible that we discover that people turned their back on God and served other gods.  The children of Israel missed out on the amazing things of God because they were not seeking Him first.  The Bible is full of history that details the events that took place when God’s people were not being blessed and were even taken captive by evil nations and evil kings.  It shows us how important it is to never fall away from trusting God and waiting on His promises.

Can you see the big picture of God’s redemption and grace?  You are an important person when it comes to God’s plan.  You may not think that you have any significance but for generations to come your faith can be spoken about through children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and more.  Think about your heritage and just ponder on the people who have made an impact on your life.  Our forefathers made a great difference in which we are reaping what they sowed both good and bad.  What are you doing or what can you start doing today that will make a difference in the lives that aren’t even born yet?  We can start with what we have right now.  Demonstrate righteousness and faithfulness today and watch what happens.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me part of Your great plan and giving me a purpose.  Help me to make a difference in the life of others today.

What Is Man

Trust

What Is Man

What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalms 8:4

God Cares For You

It is so important that we always remember how much God loves us.  It is easy for someone to start thinking that God does not care or that He is not concerned with our circumstances.  God is fully aware of what is happening in your life, even at this very moment.  God has you in mind.  The good and bad things that happen in our life are not by accident and show that God wants to be included in every area including the small things.

When we visualize the great work of God’s creation we can’t help but ponder how small we are in comparison.  King David is reflecting on this concept as he pens this song.  It is amazing how God takes such great interest in the human race.  It amazed David that the Lord of the universe would even think about man.  But that is where God makes sure that a way for His people is established and offered and it’s through Jesus Christ.

Throughout the entire Bible we see stories and promises related to mankind and how God wants to be part of our lives.  However the problem occurs when we do not let God in our daily routines.  Starting every day with a fresh word from God will help us develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  An intimate relationship with Jesus helps us to overlook our problems and view them with a mindset that God is working everything together to bring about His perfect will and way.

Prayer

Pray and thank God that He has considered you as a special part of His creation.

One Spirit

Faith, Salvation, Trust

One Spirit

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬

Our Identity

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned against God there has been a separation from mankind and God.  After Adam sinned he was afraid. Genesis 3:10 says, “And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.””  Adam was afraid because he realized he was naked.  On that day Adam, due to his sin, was stripped of his identity in God.  Thankfully we can have the identity again with God through Jesus and His accomplishment on the cross.

Paul reveals in 1 Corinthians 6:17 that believers are joined so closely to Christ that we become “one spirit with Him.”  Paul is comparing our oneness with Christ to the oneness that takes place in marriage between a man and a woman.  Even in marriage we keep our individual identities while at the same time two people become one flesh.  A similar thing happens when we place our faith in Jesus Christ.  However our oneness with Jesus goes far deeper than human marriage as it produces eternal results.

We all inherit the sinfulness of Adam.  We are all born lost and separated from God.  But we can do something about it by placing our faith in Jesus and become one with Him.  As a believer you are adopted into the family of God to never be separated again.  Paul says in Galatians 3:29, “and if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”  If you are in Christ and Christ is in you, you are saved and redeemed.  No longer do you need to be afraid.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus.  I know that I am in Him and He is in me.