Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

God Has It All Worked Out

Encouragement

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23

Today’s verse says, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled.” God knew 700 years before the birth of Christ that He would be born of Mary in Bethlehem. He spoke to Isaiah, the prophet, with these words of prophecy so that we would understand that the plans, purposes, and promises of God will always come to pass.

For Mary and Joseph, it was not the best timing. It wasn’t the best of circumstances. But it happened the way that God ordained it to happen! And because Mary and Joseph were faithful and obedient everything worked out just perfect.

It’s amazing to see how God works all things out for His glory. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the big picture when we have a small perspective. But with faithful and obedient hearts we don’t have to worry we can just trust God to work it all out.

Every detail of God’s ordained purposes are already worked out. It’s already done. God knows exactly where you are going and He knows how you’re gonna to get there. He is uniquely orchestrating every step of the way.

I want to encourage you today to trust God in all things. God knows what is best for you and what is to come in the near and distant future. Just trust and obey. Remember, God has it all worked out.

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and understanding of Your Word so that I will trust you more. You have never failed me nor forsaken me and I know You never will. Give me peace in my heart that You are working out all the details of my life.

Godliness Is Profitable

Encouragement

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures physical exercise was very important. Most adult men participated in competitive sports and would devote themselves to staying fit. Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, and says the same work and commitment that people put towards physical exercise should be put toward pursuing godliness.

The word godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. It is a task to be godly but it is attainable. It is a worthy goal, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise. It takes effort, strength, and determination to achieve godliness which is comparable of how an athlete trains to be the best.

Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. Both require exertion and proper nutrition. Feeding our mind, heart and soul is just as important, if not more, than feeding our body. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread but replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭4:4)

Do you exercise towards godliness? Do you put forth an excellent effort to keep yourself pure and holy? It takes a great deal of strength and will power but it’s worth the effort. God is very pleased when we reflect the image of His character and attitude.

Pray

Lord, I pray Your Word feeds me and satisfies me more than anything else. Help me to know You more so I can be who You want me to be.

Jesus Is Coming

Encouragement

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3

People have been predicting the Rapture and the end of the world for centuries. However, none have ever come true.

The disciples asked two critical questions: “When will this happen (the destruction of the temple), and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end?” Jesus never instructed how to calculate the day of His return but emphasized the need to be ready.

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to be faithful, watchful, and prayerful. Jesus is coming soon and we can see the signs from Heaven. God is preparing this world for the return of Jesus. We must not only encourage ourselves, but we must encourage others as well.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Thessalonica said, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.“ I Thessalonians 4:16-18

We must tell others that Jesus is coming with words of comfort. Encourage someone today that Jesus is coming soon.

How we live is reflected by what we believe. Do you believe that Jesus could return at any moment? Are you ready?

Pray

Lord, encourage me to be Your witness today. Let people see the hope and love that I have in Jesus. Help me to prepare myself and others for what is to come.