Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

Love Everlasting

Encouragement

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3‬

This is a beautiful passage of Old Testament Scripture. It is directed towards the people of Israel and how God has loved them with an everlasting love. The Lord surely fulfilled His promise to regather His children back into their promised land.

This is a great reminder that God’s love is everlasting. The Lord loves us in a way that we cannot fathom.

He redeemed His children from Egyptian bondage and provided for them while wandering in the wilderness. Even in times of rebellion and unbelief, God never rejected His children. Although there were times of discipline, He always restored them to a position of honor because He loved them so much. 

This is the love story told throughout the whole Bible. It’s His story of how He loves His special people unconditionally. No one can ever understand how much love He has for us.

There may be times when you may feel that you are not loved so be certain that God loves you. His love for you is everlasting just like the Israelites.

You may go through times of rebellion and unbelief, but God will never turn His back on you. No one will ever love you like God loves you. He doesn’t just say it, He proves it everyday. 

Pray

Lord, I love you. I am thankful for your unending love for me. As I show love toward others, let them sense your love that is in me.

Refresh Yourself

Encouragement

And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”
I Kings 19:14

Doing the Lord’s work can be extremely exhausting. That’s why it is important to stay refreshed and encouraged. One can be easily defeated in the area of being discouraged.

Elijah got discouraged from doing the work of the ministry. He had just called down fire from heaven and experienced one of the most powerful victories on Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal were defeated and people turned to God. It was a powerful revival.

But because of this great awakening, Elijah was facing death threats causing him to run for his life. He felt defeated and discouraged. Oh how quickly it can happen in our life as well.

When we focus more on our troubles and problems than on the power of God we can become overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and fear. And the devil will attack when we least expect it. Often times we get to this point right after we have accomplished great things.

The good news is that God commanded Elijah to rest. It refreshed his mind, body, and soul. God also sent him a helper, friend, and companion. Elisha was a blessing to Elijah.

Sometimes we just need to take a moment to get refocussed and refreshed. If you are overwhelmed and exhausted you probably need to rest. Trust the Spirit of God to get refreshed and encouraged.

One of the best ways to rest is to take time to worship and reflect on the goodness of God. Even God rested on the seventh day to reflect upon His good work.

Pray

Lord, You alone are God! You are my Lord and Salvation! I focus on You and Your kingdom today. Encourage me and strengthen me through Your Spirit.

Are You Full?

Encouragement

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
I John 1:4

Are you full? The quick answer to that question may be yes since it’s the day after Thanksgiving. It’s easy to be full of turkey, dressing, potatoes, and pies on one of the biggest eating days of the year.

But are you full of joy? That is what matters the most. Being full of joy can bring so much encouragement to our lives.

God desires that we be full of joy. Our hearts should overflow with joy and love. God’s grace and mercy is enough to fill us with joy when we consider it.

The Apostle John encourages Christians to be full of joy. Joy is an essential element of our walk with the Lord. A daily dose of Jesus can increase our joy. Are you filling yourself with joy?

It’s easy to be filled with meanness and darkness. Just participate in the ways of the world and those things will occur naturally. But joy comes from being in the presence of the Lord.

I want to encourage you today to be filled with joy. If you are not filled with joy start by counting your blessings and be thankful to God for His salvation. Then you can start a process of being filled with joy.

If you are overflowing with joy today let it show. Let the world know that you are full of God’s love and grace and kindness. Take time today to smile at people and encourage them as well.

Pray

Lord, fill my heart with your love. Let me be filled with joy that is indescribable. Let my joy be contagious to others.