Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

No Room In The Inn

Encouragement

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7

We have the Christmas story of what took place when Jesus was born. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit through a virgin named Mary. He was born in a small farming village called Bethlehem. And He was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a feeding trough.

What we don’t have is the story of what took place in heaven when Jesus came to earth. We must remember that Jesus left His eternal glory in heaven and came to a place that was limited to time, space and matter. In heaven, Jesus was not constrained to time, space, or matter.

Hebrews 10:5 says, “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.'” God the Father prepared and used a mortal body for Jesus to live through that could be used to identify with humanity.

As God-Man, Jesus experienced sufferings, encountered sorrows, and endured sin but knew no sin. He identified Himself with us. There is nothing that we face that Jesus didn’t face. He can sympathize with us.

Whatever you are facing today just know that Jesus cares. He cares about your sorrows, your pains, your sufferings, and even your sins. He cared so much about them that He laid down His life so that you didn’t have to. Because of Jesus we can live a victorious life.

Pray

Lord, You know what I am facing and what I am feeling today. I lay my burdens at Your feet. Help me to live victoriously in Your name.

Peace On Earth

Encouragement

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14

The Christmas story tells us in Luke 2:14 that a multitude of heavenly angels sang at the birth of Jesus. Pay close attention to the words that they sang. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men!

On the surface it sounds good. Is that what happened when Jesus was born? Did Jesus establish peace on earth? If so, then why is there so much conflict and chaos? And is there a lot of good will toward others?

Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” So what is it then? What were the angels singing about?

With a closer look we discover this verse has been misread for years. The English Standard Version (ESV) says it this way, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” This means there is peace on earth to those who have God’s favor.

The angels were right but maybe we’ve missed the actual meaning of this verse. Only those who experience God’s favor can truly experience peace on earth. And God’s favor is with those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God.

Jesus did not promise us that we would be exempt of conflict and chaos. But He does promise to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding while we encounter such conflict and chaos.

Pray

Lord, I need Your peace. I trust You to give me everything I need to endure the sufferings that I face. Help me to share the peace, love and joy of Jesus to others.

Make This Christmas Be All About Jesus

Salvation

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus , for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

Right now, millions of people across the world are preparing for Christmas Day. People are shopping for the perfect gifts. And with 10 days remaining until Christmas, some people are fearing the fact that some gifts may not arrive on time.

I love this time of year. I love seeing the generosity of people’s hearts, the excitement, and the anticipation. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

That first Christmas wasn’t about exchanging presents, hanging lights, or attending ugly sweater parties. It was about the greatest event in human history. God, Himself, left His throne in heaven and came forth as a Son to save people from their sins.

Christmas should be so miraculous and life-changing that people come to know Jesus as Savior. Christmas is a time of hope and joy for all people. It’s a time of reflecting on the wonder of it all.

We can rejoice because Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin. He saves us from the power of sin. And He saves us from the presence of sin.

Make this Christmas Season be all about Jesus. Share the good news with someone who needs to be encouraged. Let Jesus be the source of all your joy and hope.

Pray

Lord Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Your perfect plan of salvation is a blessing to the world. May the name of Jesus be lifted high today.