Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

What Are You Asking Jesus For Today?

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:32‬ ‭

What if Jesus asked you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” What would be your response?  

What is the most pressing thing on your mind today?  Is there something that you could quickly ask for?

Jesus was passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and heard two blind men cry out, “Have mercy on us!”  Jesus walked over to them and asked them what they wanted Him to do for them and of course they asked for their eyes to be opened.  

This was a great miracle because there was no cure for blindness and there was no doctor that could restore someone’s vision.  The Scripture says Jesus compassionately touched them and they were able to see.  

As soon as their eyes were opened they saw Jesus!

We all have things that we want the Lord to do for us.  The problem is most of the time we ask selfishly for things that we really don’t need.  Most of the time it is considered a want and not a need.  

Jesus promises to give us what we need.  He always knows what we need.  He just wants us to have faith that He is going to meet our needs.

He wants us to go to Him first before we go to anyone else.  Just as these men cried out for mercy, we too should be crying out to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness. Only Jesus is able to do such wonders in our life.

What do you want to ask Jesus for today?

Pray

Lord, open my eyes that I may see You for who You really are.  You are my Lord and Master and I will serve you everyday. Give me mercy and forgiveness.

It Wouldn’t Have Mattered

Faith

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”
Mark 15:31

What comes to mind when you think about the crucifixion of Jesus? If we close our eyes and picture the horrific event we can envision several things. The cross obviously, the three nails driven into His hands and feet, a crown of thorns, and the blood-stained body of Jesus.

These are definitely the gruesome pictures that we have of Christ dying on the cross. But if we notice closely this is not what Mark’s account depicts of the crucifixion.

Mark 15:21-32 doesn’t put a lot of emphasis on the physical description of the crucifixion. Nor does Mark describe the agony that Jesus encountered on the cross.

Instead, Mark depicts the humiliating and emotional abuse that came from the people who watched Jesus suffer and die on the cross. They made fun of Him and joked about Him with words of mockery and insult.

The central idea of the people’s attitude claims that if Jesus was truly the Messiah then He should save Himself and come down off the cross. Even the religious leaders claimed that He saved others so He should be able to save Himself.

So what would Jesus have needed to do to make the unbelievers believe? Would saving Himself and climbing down off the cross be enough for them to believe? Or would an empty tomb be the best evidence?

Even after Jesus arose from the dead the mockers still didn’t believe!

Sometimes we fall into the trap of needing God to do something really amazing for us to know that He is present in our life. Let the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus be enough evidence to show that God loves you unconditionally and wants only the best for you.

Pray

Lord, when I struggle to believe that You are in control, help me to remember the cross. When I start to think You don’t care, let me remember the empty tomb. Help me to know I don’t need anymore proof.

Are You Dead To Sin?

Encouragement, Trust

‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? ‘
Romans 6:1-2

As a Christian, you died to sin. Temptations will be present but sin does not have control over you. You can still sin, but you are no longer under sin’s power. The victory over sin’s dominion was won on the cross at Calvary. The victory is won!

God’s grace is our motivation to resist sin. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin. You’re dead to sin.

God does not have to win a victory over your sin. He already has by sending Jesus to die in your place. You only need to apply His victory in each area of your life. If there is a sinful habit or an unrighteous relationship that needs to be dissolved, you just need to claim the victory of Christ’s saving power.

Do you have an ungodly attitude or a sinful habit? Do you have an unrighteous relationship that needs to end? What is keeping you from experiencing God’s the abundant life that God intends for you to live?

So many times we find ourselves disappointed because of our sin. While we should be convicted, we should never think that sin has that kind of power over us. Experience the victory of Jesus today that gives you the power over all things and live the abundant life that God intends for you.

Pray

Lord, I want to experience the great victory of my sin and shame. I want to know You and live out what You intend to be good for me. Help me to keep my mind on You.