Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Strength And Confidence

Encouragement

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

We have a powerful reminder of the amazing privilege we have as believers to come before God’s throne and receive His mercy and grace. Let’s consider what it actually means to approach God’s throne with confidence, and how we can access the mercy and grace.

In ancient times, approaching the king’s throne was a serious matter. It required great reverence and respect, and those who approached the throne were often faced with fear and trembling. But through Christ, we have the privilege of approaching God’s throne with confidence. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

The verse also says that we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. This speaks to the fact that God’s mercy and grace are not just theoretical concepts, but practical resources that we can tap into in our daily lives. When we are struggling or in need, we can come before God’s throne and ask for His help. He promises to give us strength and confidence to face any challenge that comes our way.

You should be encouraged to approach God’s throne with confidence and receive His mercy and grace. Always remember that you are loved and accepted by Him, and that He is always ready and willing to help you in your time of need. And give thanks for the amazing privilege you have as a believer to come before His throne and receive His unfailing love and care.

Pray

Lord, I thank you for always giving me what I need to face my challenges and difficulties. Your love and grace encourage me to come before You with my struggles. I know You are always there for me.

A New Creation

Encouragement

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
II Corinthians 5:17

As a Christian, it is important to understand that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer the same person we once were. Our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, is gone, and we are made new in Christ. This new creation is not something we can achieve on our own, but it is a gift from God that is given to us when we accept His Son as our Savior.

This transformation is not just a one-time event but is a continual process as we grow in our relationship with Christ. As we spend time in prayer, read and study the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, we begin to understand more deeply the love and grace of God. This understanding leads to a desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The new creation that comes through Christ is also about our relationship with others. As we grow in our faith, we begin to see others through the eyes of Christ. We begin to love them as He loves them and seek to serve them as He served people.

Becoming a new creation in Christ is a promise of hope. It reminds us that no matter what we have done or how far we have strayed from God, we can always come back to Him and find forgiveness and new life.

May we live each day with the knowledge that we are loved, forgiven, and made new in Him. And may our lives be a testimony to the power of God to transform us from the inside out.

Pray

Lord, I know that You are doing a transformational work in me. You have given me new life and eternal hope. Your grace gives me understanding of this transformation.

Stand In The Gap

Encouragement

I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30

God desires for His people to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of others. As believers, we are called to be watchmen for our families, communities, and nations. God is looking for individuals who are willing to stand in the gap and intercede for others.

We are called to be a bridge between God and those around us, praying for their needs and seeking His wisdom and guidance in their lives.

Standing in the gap requires courage and faith. It means being willing to step out of our comfort zone and pray for those who are hurting, lost, and in need. It means being willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and a word of encouragement to those who need it most.

Are you willing to be the one who stands in the gap? Are you willing to pray for those who are lost, help those who are hurting, and be a source of hope and light in this dark world?

When we stand in the gap, we are not standing alone. God is with us, empowering us with His Spirit, and working through us to bring about His will on earth.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your guidance, Your strength, and Your love. As I seek to be a faithful servant who stands in the gap, fill me with Your courage and wisdom.