Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

God Desires Only The Best For You

Encouragement

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84:11‬ ‭

God desires to see you succeed and be prosperous. If you are walking in obedience and seeking to please Him, you can be assured that God will give you the best.  God can only do good. 

The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus proves how much God loves you.  And because God loves you, He desires to give you the best.  God will not withhold any good thing from those who seek His righteousness.  

God can only give good and perfect things because He is holy.  So when you ask God for something, believe that He will give only the best things.

With this concept in mind we must also know that if God does not answer our prayers the way we expect, it is for a reason.  God is all-knowing.  He knows what will happen in the future and will only give accordingly if it is what He wills for you.  

A “no” from God is ultimately a good thing.  If He knows it is not good for you, He will not give it.  This is great within itself.  We can trust that God will do what He knows is right.  

Sometimes it is a blessing to be told “no”.  When our priorities or mindset is not set on the things of God we need to be adjusted accordingly.  And by not giving us what we ask could eventually be a blessing.  

Do you remember a prayer that you were praying and God did not answer the way you expected?  Wasn’t it for the best?

Pray

Lord, I want my prayers to be aligned with Your will and way.  Holy Spirit reveal to me what I need to be praying. Thank You for answering my prayers.

Keys Of The Kingdom

Salvation, Trust

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:19‬

When you have a relationship with Jesus Christ you have all access to God the Father.  Because we are one with Christ, Jesus has given us access to everything that has been given to Him.  The keys of the kingdom of heaven represent this magnificent gift.

What more could a person desire? We are given authority and power because we belong to Jesus.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter used the power of Jesus’ name to preached the Gospel and three thousand people made a decision to follow Jesus. Peter used the kingdom keys for God’s glory. 

On the day that Peter commanded the lame man to get up and walk in Jesus’ name, he used the kingdom keys.  And the day that Peter was miraculously released from prison, the kingdom keys were used. Peter discovered and amazing opportunity of using the keys of the kingdom that were given by Jesus.

If you are a born-again Believer, you have the kingdom keys as well.  When you find yourself in fear or anxiety, remember you have direct access to God.  

When you are lacking anything, remember that you hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  

When you are broken or burdened, all you have to do is access the Father.  

God freely gives to those who belong to Him.  If you have the keys, you have something really amazing.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me direct access to You.  You have all that I need including eternal life. Help me to never forget what I have in You.

Abide In The Shadow Of God

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Has there ever been a time that you felt the Lord abandoned you in a difficult situation?  Rest assured that He has never left you nor has He ever forsaken you.  He can’t and He won’t.  

As long as we belong to Him this promise remains forever.  His love is too great to abandon us.  He desires for His children to rest in His presence.  

He is the One to turn to when in we run into trouble.  He is our safe place as this 911 verse promises.  The word “dwell” means to to take up residence. We live in the presence of God and seek Him as our shelter.  

The shelter of God is our protection.  This verse reminds us that He is continually looking over us and keeping us safe.  In the shadow we find relief from the heat.  Staying in His shadow guards us from disastrous elements.

Remember that as a child of God you will never walk alone.  Even though your struggles may seem hard and heavy, you still have the stronghold of God Almighty at your side.  Your difficulties are strengthening you for your next assignment from God.  

The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is packed full with the power of God.  It reminds us that He faithfully works all things together on behalf of those who love Him.  Allow God to fight your battles and use your circumstances to make you stronger in your faith.

Pray

Lord, help me to rest in Your presence and seek Your protection in all my situations.  Place me right where You want me to be. I will praise You in my storms.