Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

Preparing For Christmas

Encouragement

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18

One of the miracles that Christians believe is the Virgin Birth. Jesus was born of a woman and of the Holy Spirit. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin eliminated Him from being born as a sinner. Jesus did not inherit sin.

God had a specific plan and had specific people to carry out His perfect plan. As unusual as it may seem, it’s really a fascinating set of events. More importantly though, God’s ways are not always our ways.

The events leading to the birth of Jesus is the greatest story ever told in human history. It’s unimaginable, but it’s definitely true. People from far away made their way to see the new born King.

Because Christ was born, we can be filled with joy, hope, and peace! Christmas is about redemption. And that is something truly worth celebrating.

God will often call us to face difficulties because of our obedience to Him. It’s in those times that we must reman faithful to God. Like Joseph, we must trust that God will bring us through it.

As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, encourage yourself in the Word of God. Nothing will bring you more peace and comfort than the Holy Scriptures. Put the teachings of Christ first in your life and watch what happens.

Take a moment today to reflect on how God has brought you through difficult situations that now give you hope and peace.

Pray

Lord, help me this Christmas season to make it be all about You. You are the reason for joy, hope, and peace. May the world know You as Lord and Savior.

Do You Question God?

Encouragement

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
and from the words of My groaning?”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:1

There are times in our life that we tend to question God. “Why is this happening?” “Why me, God?” “Why now?” It’s natural for us to question God. 

Questioning God is not a sin. Doubting God is a sin, but asking God, “why”, helps us to better understand the suffering or difficult situations we encounter. 

God allows us the ability to endure hardships and trials for us to grow closer in our relationship with Him. God wants us to know Him and understand what He can do for us. 

When we better understand who God is, the better response we have to our sufferings. When we realize how much God loves us, there is no need to question Him. 

Sometimes we are perplexed with knowing why God is allowing something bad to happen in our life. Spiritual growth happens when we are faced with a difficult situation that challenges our faith. 

Sometimes God does not reveal the “why” but He does reveal Himself and His love. The life of Job is a wonderful example. Throughout Job’s suffering, God never revealed why He allowed Job to be tested but He did reveal His love to him. 

Would you rather know the “why” or would you rather experience more of God’s love? If you are questioning God today, you should stop asking “why” and start asking “what”. 

Pray

Lord, what do you desire to teach me today? I want to know You and Your great love more and more everyday. Help me to understand Your ways and Your thoughts.

Great Is His Faithfulness

Encouragement

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬

One of the most interesting things about this passage of Scripture is that for the first 20 verses the writer is focused on his personal struggles and afflictions. He explains in summary how life is full of pain and difficulty. And then all of a sudden he speaks of how God loves him, God is faithful, and God shows compassion.

There are two things we can take away from today’s verses. First, God loved us before we loved Him. His love is not like ours. He loves us with a committed or loyal type of love. It’s a fixed and final love.

God’s love not based on success or achievements. It’s a never changing love. He loves us because He wills to love us. 1 John 4:8 says “God is love.”  It is His nature. It is the center of His being.

It is important for us to understand this concept because it gives us security and hope. 

Here is the second take away… because God loves us, He is faithful to us. God has promises that are specifically for us today. There is a long list of promises that God has given to us through the Scriptures. He is faithful to keep His word.

This is also important because we know nothing will change, no matter who we are or what we do. If we choose not to serve God, He still loves us and keeps His promises to us. If we choose to disobey or rebel, God still loves us and remains faithful to us.

Nothing will ever change how God loves us. How great is His faithfulness. God’s love is unconditional and His faithfulness is great. What more can a person ask for? God’s love and faithfulness is all we need to get through life’s troubles and problems.

Pray

Lord, because You love me, I will love you. I will strive to serve you and honor you as my Master. Thank you for your love and faithfulness.