Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

Remember The Cross

Encouragement

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Most all of our problems are due to sin. Some of our problems cause us great suffering. But sometimes our problems are so severe they can lead to death. 

We all have somewhat similar problems. However, some of us have more serious problems than others. But praise Jesus, there’s a great promise given to us from the Scriptures. 

The message of the cross is the power of God for us who are being saved. What that means is the cross that Jesus died on was a burden that Jesus overcame for you. It was for your sin, which causes problems. The cost has been paid. And it’s been paid in full. 

The next time you think about a problem you are facing just think about the cross. Think about the cross and the victory that Jesus had on the cross. 

The message of the cross is that Jesus defeated sin and conquered death. This means that Satan will not and cannot have any power over us as Christians. Jesus has all the power! 

Your problem is never too big for God. Don’t let your problems of this world get the best of you when God gave His best for you. 

Pray

Lord, there is no problem that I have that you can’t handle. Take my worries away. Take my burdens away. Let me focus on what you want me to be focused on today. 

Be Strong And Do Not Fear

Encouragement

Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4

Isaiah prophesied about a time of judgment that would bring the nation to their knees but then God would strengthen them, raise them up, and save them. The people of Judah had committed adultery against God but God wanted to reveal His love to them.

Always remember God only chastises those whom He loves. He straightens our crooked paths and puts us back on track. He does this because He wants what is best for us. 

Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”The writer of Hebrews quoted Isaiah 35 while driving home the point that after God’s chastisement there is hope and healing. 

Just like ancient Judah, we need hope and healing in our country today. We need God-fearing believers to be strong and courageous. We strengthen ourselves when we walk closely with the Lord.

Even in our present trials we have the hope of Jesus Christ to help us overcome our fearful hearts. The hope that we have is in the confidence that God will save us and redeem us.

Are you progressing in your walk with the Lord today? Are you strengthening yourself in the Father’s love? God is actively seeking you to do His great work.

Pray

Lord, I need your strength today to do fulfill Your great will. Help me to overcome my fears and failures with Your hope and healing. Help me to encourage others to progress in their Christian walk as well.

Encouragement

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
John 6:38

After Jesus fed the 5,000 men He gave a discourse about the Bread of Life. He wanted people to know that He was sent from God to do the will of the Father. He wanted them to know He was the Messiah, the Christ, in the flesh.

Jesus wanted to show His followers He could provide all their needs, from bodily sickness to spiritual brokenness of the soul. He used the natural to illustrate spiritual truths and miracles to demonstrate His power.

Many refused to believe in Jesus until He performed a miracle. They were seeking Him to satisfy their earthly appetites while He was trying to satisfy their spiritual poverty. He told them, “you have seen Me and yet do not believe.” (John 6:36)

May we never get caught up in trusting Jesus to solely meet our earthly desires only to miss out on the spiritual blessings that satisfy our soul. Just as we need bread and water to survive, we need Jesus for eternal life and joy. We never need to be so focussed on our earthly problems that we forfeit the joy and peace that Jesus brings into our life. 

Do you trust Jesus to meet your needs? If so, why do you worry? 

Do you believe Jesus can give you life and life more abundantly? If so, why not seek Him for spiritual blessings that nothing on this earth can satisfy.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to come and accomplish Your will on this earth. Keep me from earthly appetites and carnal desires so that I can be filled with the spiritual blessings from Heaven.