Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

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.

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Encouragement

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for today. And we must give thanks for everything. In everything there is something we can give thanks for.

The Apostle Paul clearly instructs us to be thankful for everything, good and bad. Paul set forth an example of how to be thankful even when his circumstances were not good. His heart was full of joy and he knew they it came from the Lord Jesus Christ.

A heart that is thankful is overflowing with joy. A heart that is not thankful is full of groaning and complaints. The difference is your heart’s condition.

God can make a difference in your life. If you are having a difficult time expressing gratitude just set your mind on praising God for all that He has done for you and you will see a difference. Hopefully you’re already praising and thanking God for who He is and what He has done for you.

Despite all the negative things that have happened in our lives we have so much to be thankful for. We have many people who we should be thankful for. We have many things that we should be thankful for. But most of all we serve a God who deserves our expression and devotion of gratitude.

Thanksgiving is more than just food, family and fellowship, it’s a way of life. Let God fill your heart with joy and let it overflow with praise and thanksgiving.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for everything. I praise You for everything. Most of all I thank You for showing me mercy and grace and giving me eternal life.