Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: christ

It Is I

Faith, Trust

It Is I

But He (Jesus) said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:20‬

No Need To Fear

After Jesus fed the 5,000, the people who witnessed the miracle wanted to make him their king.  Jesus swiftly slipped away into the mountains to be alone.  The disciples got into the boat and set sail across the lake.  A storm was brewing and the waves became rough due to the high winds.  They rowed for about three to four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water.  They became frightened as He came near the boat.  They thought it was a ghost.  Jesus spoke to them and they recognized His voice and gladly received Him into their boat.  The Scripture then says immediately they were at the shore.

There are some interesting truths packed into this event.  First, after every victory there is a valley awaiting.  Don’t be disappointed because the Lord is always with us regardless of where we are.  He is with us in our good times and with us in our suffering.  Second, the Lord’s presence makes for peace.  Jesus appeared during their struggles and spoke a peaceful word, “it is I; don’t be afraid.”  The Lord always provides peace and comfort during our trying times.  He will allow us to build strength and faith but He will never neglect us.  Third, the Lord’s power over nature.  Jesus walked on the water.  Some want to discredit the Lord walking on the water.  We must never forget that the Lord can do what He pleases to do.

Trusting the Lord during good times is easy.  Trusting the Lord during hard times is difficult.  Our faith in the Lord is what pleases Him the most.

Prayer

Lord, let me see You for who You are.  I want to be in Your presence and feel Your peace.  Help me to overcome my trials and suffering with your grace.

Resurrection Sunday

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Resurrection Sunday

He is not here, for He has risen, as He (Jesus) said.

Matthew 28:6

Because He Lives

Today we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior of the world. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be sure that God’s promises are true and that redemption is accomplished. Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. In other words, Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin which is death!

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by bringing Himself back to life. Only God the Son could do such magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could live and die and then live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He lives, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all will leave this Earth but glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory. There will be no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! Celebrate today with the joy and blessedness that we have received because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish. Jesus gives us everlasting life!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for dying in my place and forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven. I will live for your glory so that others may know you as I do.

Daily Devotional

Call Upon Me

Faith, Trust

Call Upon Me

And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
Psalm 50:15

A Right Way of Thinking

The theme of Psalm 50 specifically deals with our view of God and how a wrong view of God can lead to a wrong way of thinking.  It primary deals with our giving to God, financially.

The scene is portrayed in a courtroom where God is the judge and He gathers the faithful ones to the stand (vs. 5).  It’s as if God’s people are the defendants on trial.  The people were giving but foolishly thought God needed their sacrifices and it insulted Him (vs. 8).  God reminded them that He didn’t need anything because He owns everything (vs 9-13).

Three things are listed in verses 14-15 that will establish a right way of thinking.  First, every gift (tithe and offering) must be offered up to God with a heart of thanksgiving. Everything belongs to God and He gives to everyone liberally.  It shouldn’t be an issue to give back to God a portion of what He has given to us.  Second, vows are to be paid to the Most High as a way of keeping our promises made to Him. An example might be, “God if you will let me out of this speeding ticket, I will give $100 to someone in need.”  Paying a vow expresses knowledge that God fulfilled His obligation. Third, call upon the Lord in the day of trouble.  We need to acknowledge that He is in control of all things.  He will delivers us and we praise His great name.

Give with gratitude, keep your promises, and call out to God for help.  These things please the Lord and gives Him glory.

Prayer

Pray and glorify God for His amazing grace!