Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Are You Witnessing To Others?

Faith, Salvation, Trust

“”You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10‬

In the Bible, God’s children experienced miracles beyond imagination. They had prophets that preached warning and prophecy straight from God. What more did they need to be able to tell others how good God was to them? Other nations were jealous because God favored Israel so much.

There are countless passages of Scripture that prove God takes care of His chosen people. They are protected against their enemies and they are given gifts and blessings beyond comprehension.

Israel was God’s chosen people, a nation called to be His witnesses. They were told to proclaim the good news of God to pagan nations and to show them the need for salvation. They were to be a light to the Gentiles.

They were commanded to teach others about God and warn them that false gods and idols were useless and powerless. God established a promise and a blessing for His chosen people so others would notice how God was protecting and providing for them.

As Christians we are called to be witnesses for God. We need to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We need to openly speak about how good God is.

We are to shine the light of Jesus into our dark, sinful world. Unbelievers need to witness what we truly have in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Is your life a witness to others? It’s not so much in what you say but in what you do. Your faith in God is proven through the choices you make everyday.

You may be faced with difficult choices today and your faith may be the deciding factor. Your faith in God will declare to others how and what you believe to be true about God. Others are watching you to see if what you believe is true.

Show the wonders of God by witnessing to others the wonderful love and grace of our amazing Father.

Pray

Lord, I need you today. Show me Your glory. Help me to be a living testimony to others. I want others to see You in me.

God Is Up To Something Big

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.””
‭‭John‬ ‭11:32‬

There are great blessings for those who patiently wait on the Lord. Wonderful things happen in His timing and according to His will. Sometimes we just don’t understand why things are happening but we must remember that God is up to something big.

Lazarus had been dead 4 days when Jesus arrives to Bethany and He performs His last public miracle.  Mary and Martha came to Jesus and they were both an emotional wreck.  A messenger had been sent to tell Jesus to come quickly so He could heal their brother but He delayed and Lazarus died.  

As Mary and Martha were mourning the death of their brother, Jesus finally showed up. They were sad, angry and blaming Jesus for not healing their brother.  Little did they know something wonderful was about to happen.  

Jesus walked over to the tomb and cried out with a loud voice for Lazarus to come forth and instantly he came walking out of the tomb. Everyone who witnessed this miracle was amazed and Mary and Martha rejoiced.

Jesus is never too late. He is always right on time. He knows what is happening in your life but the timing is all part of His master plan.  Sometimes we rush the things of the Lord.  We think we know what is best and we don’t wait for the Lord to do His wondrous work. This is when we mess up and take matters into our own hands.  

Abraham made a similar mistake with Sarah’s servant, Hagar, and forced the birth of a son (Ishmael) before having Isaac ?  It caused many years of serious havoc.

Always wait upon the Lord because He is going to show up at the perfect moment and will always prove Himself to be true through His blessings.

Pray

Lord, give me a spiritual mindset to understand Your master plan. Help me to patiently wait for all things to come together in perfect timing.

At The Name Of Jesus

Encouragement, Salvation, Trust

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:6‬

Peter and John were walking into the temple to pray and they were greeted by a lame man begging for money.  Peter looked at him and said, “I don’t have any money but I’ll give you something better.  In the name of Jesus get up and walk!”  

Instantly the man was healed and he jumped up and began praising God.

Let’s unpack this wonderful miracle.  Notice the place where this miracle occurred.  It was at the temple gate entrance where many people, including the Pharisees, would pass through to get inside.  The lame man knew the place would be an ideal location because the Pharisees exercised their giving in front of other people to be noticed.  It was guaranteed to be profitable place.

Now notice the problem that was solved.  Poverty and paralyzation left the lame man with no hope or purpose.  But after being healed he was filled with joy.  This miracle gave him new life and purpose.  There’s no problem that Jesus can’t solve.

Notice the people who witnessed this great miracle.  Verse 9 says the people who saw him walking and worshipping were filled with amazement.  This miracle wasn’t just for the lame man.  It was for all the people to witness before Peter proclaimed the Gospel.  This miracle opened an opportunity for their hearts and minds to receive the Gospel and be saved.

Are you trusting money to solve your problem? Or are you trusting in someone else to take care of your needs? Trust Jesus and allow His Word to bring you joy and amazement as He works all things out for the glory of God

Pray

Lord, instead of focusing on my negative circumstances today, I will praise You for the miracle of grace You have shown upon me. Help me to be a witness for Your glory so others can experience Your grace.