Pastor Stephen Dedman

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The Mighty Works Of God

Encouragement, Trust

Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
Luke 7:16

What should be the proper response when we witness the mighty works of God? In today’s verse we read about the response of fear (honor) and praise. There was a holy fear of the person and power of Jesus.

When the people witnessed Jesus raise the widow’s dead son back to life, they instantly realized that they had seen the mighty work of God. They knew only God could raise someone from the dead.

The raising of the widow’s son is another great illustration of how much God cares and loves His children. God is at work in the lives of His children and He deserves to be feared and praised.

God is involved with our daily concerns and wants us to recognize His greatness. Everyday God displays acts of blessing, mercy and grace upon those who believe. It is up to us as to how we respond.

This widow was helpless and hopeless. She needed more than just comfort. She needed supernatural providence. And Jesus was the source of what she needed.

What is your response when you face your struggles? Do you get angry at God or praise God? Do you blame Him or do you worship Him?

If we keep a proper response of honor and praise to God in our daily lives, we will naturally praise and honor Him even in our struggles.

Keep a watch for the mighty works of God today.

Pray

Lord, You know my heart and concerns. You know what is on my mind and what I need today. I thank You and praise You for Your daily provisions and for blessing me with amazing grace.

What Is Your Story?

Faith, Salvation

 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

When was the last time you boldly asked someone if they have ever received God’s free gift of salvation?

There may be someone close to you that needs to hear your story of how you came to Jesus in faith.  Did you know that people are more likely to listen and relate to your story than they are to respond to a sermon?  That’s why it is so important for every Christian to be ready to give an account of their faith.

Every one has a testimony or a story of how and when they met Jesus Christ.  There is no testimony that is too boring or meaningless.  Your story might be the perfect words for someone to understand God’s grace and mercy.  

Don’t be fearful or bashful because the Holy Spirit will give you exactly what you need to say to those who need to hear exactly what you have to say.  You just need to be willing and ready to share your faith with everyone.

Truth is, most everyone who needs Jesus just needs the basics of knowing God’s love and compassion.  Simply telling someone that God sent His only Son to die on the cross for their sins could turn their life around.  

Just by speaking in the name of Jesus could make a world of difference.  A very easy way to start a conversation with someone is to simply say, “Have a blessed day!”

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me Your salvation. Give me boldness to speak out and speak up for Jesus. Let my story be encouraging to others.

Pure Hearts Are Blessed

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:8‬

Jesus began His teaching and preaching ministry by going straight to the heart of His listeners. Jesus was more concerned with a persons inward character than He was about a persons outside performance.

the Bible says the heart is the center of man’s life. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs‬ ‭23:7‬)

Pure in heart refers to holiness and righteousness. To have a pure heart is to be like Jesus. It really means to be one with God.  God said of David, “I have found a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22)

Jesus frequently spoke about the Pharisees as being hypocrites because their hearts were not right.  Jesus didn’t want His disciples to be like the Pharisees.  They were to be holy and set apart by the Holy Spirit of God.

“For they shall see God” means they see the glory of God in nature, history, and in the spiritual things. God will make Himself visible to those who are pure in heart.  The pure in heart will see God’s glory.

It also refers to those who will be with God for eternity.  It takes a pure heart to see God.  We can see God in a beautiful sunset, in the daily happenings of our life, and in the history of mankind.  God reveals Himself to those whose eyes have been spiritually opened.  

Is your heart right with God?

Pray

Lord, cleanse and purify my heart and set my heart in tune with Yours.  Help me to love the things You love and hate the things You hate. Let my heart be set on fire for You.