Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: change

Do You Need A Change?

Encouragement, Faith

“For I am the Lord , I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:6

We need to remember an amazing truth about God. He will never change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8)

Because God will never change, we can seek Him for stability. It brings us great comfort to know that because God never changes, His promises never change. What God promised thousands of years ago remains the same today.

The same power that God displayed throughout the Bible is the same today. That should bring us peace and comfort. We trust that God is with us no matter what is going on in our life.

The world around us is changing quickly. It seems like everyday something new is being invented or discovered. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with technology.

One thing we should never change is the Word of God. The Word is what it is and does not need to be changed. The method of how we share the Word of God may need to change but the message of God’s Word is perfect and final.

You may not realize it but you have changed over time. Your looks, hair, or style may change slowly over time. Some changes need to be made if you are not as close to God as you should be.

What can you do to make your life more like Christ? Do you need to change anything to look more like Jesus?

Pray

Lord, allow me to see who I am before You. As I look into the mirror I want to see You. If there is anything that I need to change to make me more like You, please show me.

Pray like Jabez

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”
‭‭1 Chronicles 4:10

This is an exciting verse that we have in front of us today. This verse is a prayer that was desperately prayed and God answered it. Do you realize that as a child of God your prayers are heard and answered?  God does not hear the prayers of those who do not belong to Him.

Jabez is only mentioned in verses 9 and 10 and this is all that we know about him. So let’s learn a few things from him.

First, we learn that no matter what is bothering us we can go to God for help. His name indicates that he either suffered pain or caused pain. Regardless, he needed help and turned to God. His prayer changed everything as God granted his request.

Second, we learn that our negative circumstances should never define our life.  Our hardships and trials shape us for what we can become.  We become better people when we overcome trials.  It increases our faith.

Third, we learn that we all are unique and have a special purpose in this life. We were created in the image of Almighty God and we should give Him glory for our unique attributes. God gives each of us special gifts and talents to honor Him with and to bless others.

Pray the “prayer of Jabez” and see how it changes your mindset and your outlook.