The Things That Are Unseen

October 2, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

The Things That Are Unseen

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬

Looking Up

It is exciting to come to the realization that we were created for more than just this world we live in now. This Earth is not our eternal home. If you ever feel such that you don’t belong to this world, you’re right. We were made to live with God and experience His beauty and majesty.

The Bible tells us that we have a future home to look forward to. We cannot fathom the great and wonderful things God has in store for those who believe in Jesus. There will be mansions, streets of gold, rivers of water that is crystal clear, and most of all the throne of God will be shining eternally. There will be no need for light because we will be living in the presence of God’s glory. What a sight to behold! Why would anyone ever think that the world we live in now is even comparable to what Heaven will be like. There is no paradise such as the one we will witness after we leave this earth. There are some beautiful places to see here on Earth but they don’t come close to the things we will see in Heaven.

The Lord wants us to keep our focus on the things above. He desires that we love the things that glorify Him. We are to enjoy what God has created for us here and now but we need not to get comfortable. This earth will pass away and all things will be made new. To God be the glory.

Prayer

Lord, allow me to understand that this world is not my final home. Help me to see things as temporal and to know that the things of Heaven are eternal.

In Spirit And Truth

September 29, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

In Spirit and Truth

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
‭‭John‬ ‭4:23‬

True Worshippers

The day that Jesus encountered the woman at the well something amazing occurred. Jesus went to the well after traveling and was very thirsty. He met a Samaritan woman who was drawing water and asked her to draw Him some water. He promised her living water that would truly satisfy. Then he asked her to call her husband. She said she had no husband but Jesus knew she has had five husbands, and was living with a man. This woman was looking for satisfaction and fulfillment but could never find it.

She tried to change the subject with her question about worship. The question is not where you worship but what you worship. She was trying to find satisfaction from a man instead of from God. Jesus, of course, had full knowledge of her heart and history.

The fact that the woman came to the well at noon reveals a lot. She did not draw water in the morning when the other women were around because she was shameful. But her encounter with Jesus changed her life. After she met with Jesus, “The woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”” (John 4:28–29) She immediately went to the people she had avoided with an invitation and an openness about herself. The shamefulness was over. Jesus knew all that she had done and still offered her living water. That is a result of a true worshipper.

Prayer

Lord, I worship You and You alone. You are all that I need. Change me and make me new.

Lord Of Glory

September 25, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Lord Of Glory

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
‭‭James‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭

God’s Beauty

What comes to mind when you think of God’s glory? Is it a cloud of smoke? Maybe a bright light? Both are great visions because of what men visioned the glory of God to be in the Scriptures.

James writes to believers who were scattered due to the persecution of the church in Jerusalem. He is concerned with the faith of believers and wants to make sure their faith is real. We too, should read the book of James with this concept in mind; is our faith real? Most certainly there are tests to confirm such a truthfulness as we live out our faith everyday. We face trials and sufferings and even encounter temptations because we are tested in our faith. Our faith will increase as we obey the Word of God and testify to the truthfulness of God’s Son. Faith in Jesus saves us from our sins and gives us eternal life in Heaven. That is why we all must be certain that our faith in Christ is real.

James says that our faith will reflect the glory of God. Real faith in Jesus will be evident in the things we say and do. Everything we do should show the beauty of God. Our lives will display the glory of God even though we suffer and are persecuted. The reflection of God’s glory will be a witness and testimony without having to declare that you are a Christian. People will see you for who you really are. They will see your actions in accordance to how you live your daily life. We all sin, but we show God’s glory through mercy and forgiveness.

Prayer

Lord, let Your glory shine through me today. Help me to be a witness of Your beauty.