Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

We Can Make A Difference

Encouragement, Trust

‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ‘
Acts 2:1-4

There are defining moments in our lives when our life changes and we are never the same. Some of those moments are anticipated and are welcomed into our life but other times they come unexpected and sometimes with pain.

Often times we struggle with change and wonder how God can bring about any good with the pain and suffering. But God always has a way of working all things for our good, even when the enemy intends to do harm.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples lives changed. Something happened that defined who they were. They were ordinary men who were able to be used by God like never before.

But they had to wait for the very specific time and date. They had to wait for the exact moment for it to happen. They had to wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

As we live in a world full of chaos and turmoil we need to know that God wants to do something great. God wants to use us in this fallen world.

It is up to you and me to make a difference. It is up to us to stand up and be like Jesus in this world and to make a statement of love and mercy. It takes courage and the strength of the Holy Spirit to do it.

Pray

Lord, fill me with courage and grace to speak words of love and encouragement. This world needs You. We need Your grace and love.

A View From God’s Perspective

Faith, Salvation

‘Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.’
Exodus 3:6

Could you imagine standing on the moon looking back at the Earth? When we think about the enormous size of the earth, it makes us feel really small doesn’t it? Just think how small we are compared to the rest of the universe.

God has a certain way of showing us things that are bigger than ourselves. He also has a way of showing us things from an eternal perspective. This is what happened the day Moses witnessed the burning bush.

Moses was just a humble shepherd minding his own business when all of a sudden he saw something that didn’t make sense. A bush was burning but was not being consumed in the fire. He needed a closer look to understand what was taking place.

As he approached the burning bush the voice of God spoke to Moses from the midst of the bush. At that moment he realized the God of all creation, God Almighty, Jehovah God, was audibly speaking words to him. Moses must have felt terrified as he hid his face.

God revealed Himself to Moses by declaring His relationship to the patriarchs. And now Moses would become essential to the covenant promise. God used Moses to accomplish a work that was larger than he could comprehend.

While we may be compared to a spectacle of dust compared to the universe, God uses us to accomplish His purposes. Each and everyone of us are essential in building the kingdom of God. Each of us play a vital role in winning the lost to Christ. What is your part?

Pray

Lord, use my life to show who You are. Give me words to speak that will speak life into others. Help me to see an eternal perspective of accomplishing Your will and way.

God Can Turn It Around

Faith

‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ‘
Genesis 50:20

Sometimes we don’t understand why bad things are happening to us. Especially when we are in the will of God and doing exactly what He has called us to do. It’s in these times that we must know that God is up to something great.

Our character and faith are tested during times of difficulties. We are not promised a life of ease just because we are Christians. In fact Jesus said we will be hated by the world because the world hated Him first (John 15:18).

After Jacob’s death, his elder sons feared that Joseph would seek revenge for mistreating him. Indeed, payback would be expected. But Joseph’s attitude was outstanding. Joseph told them, “God intended it for good so that many would be saved.”

When we live by faith, we see that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Joseph understood that God can take the worst of circumstances and turn them into a blessing.

Have you experienced God’s grace? Are you witnessing God working in your life? Give Him praise!

Pray

Lord, Your ways are higher than mine and Your thoughts are better than mine. Help me to see what You are doing in my life so that I become a hero of faith. Change my heart.