Pastor Stephen Dedman

Life Is A Mystery

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬

Life is a mixture of mystery and wonder. It presents us with countless questions and circumstances that often leave us searching for answers.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the wise author Solomon invites us to embrace the uncertainty of life and recognize the profound work of God in everything. Today’s verse is a gentle reminder of the limitations we have as human beings and the awe-inspiring power of the Creator.

As we journey through life, we strive to understand the why and how of every that happens. We desire to make sense of the troubles we face and search for clarity and control. However, the wisdom that Solomon gives to us in Ecclesiastes encourages us to release our need for absolute understanding and surrender ourselves to the divine mystery of God.

God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension. Though we may not always understand the events of our lives, we can trust that God is at work in the midst of it all.

Instead of being consumed searching for answers, we need to cultivate a spirit of faith and trust. We find peace in the knowing that our Heavenly Father is sovereign over everything, and His purposes are perfect, even when they are far from our understanding.

As we draw closer to God, our perspective expands, and we begin to appreciate the beauty of His great works. When we are faced with uncertainty, let us be reminded that His plans are beautiful and purposeful.

Pray

Lord, I confess that I often seek answers and understanding when faced with the mysteries of life. Help me to surrender the need for control and choose to trust in Your perfect plan. Help me embrace the mystery and find peace in knowing that You are at work in every aspect of my life.

Strength And Confidence

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

We have a powerful reminder of the amazing privilege we have as believers to come before God’s throne and receive His mercy and grace. Let’s consider what it actually means to approach God’s throne with confidence, and how we can access the mercy and grace.

In ancient times, approaching the king’s throne was a serious matter. It required great reverence and respect, and those who approached the throne were often faced with fear and trembling. But through Christ, we have the privilege of approaching God’s throne with confidence. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

The verse also says that we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. This speaks to the fact that God’s mercy and grace are not just theoretical concepts, but practical resources that we can tap into in our daily lives. When we are struggling or in need, we can come before God’s throne and ask for His help. He promises to give us strength and confidence to face any challenge that comes our way.

You should be encouraged to approach God’s throne with confidence and receive His mercy and grace. Always remember that you are loved and accepted by Him, and that He is always ready and willing to help you in your time of need. And give thanks for the amazing privilege you have as a believer to come before His throne and receive His unfailing love and care.

Pray

Lord, I thank you for always giving me what I need to face my challenges and difficulties. Your love and grace encourage me to come before You with my struggles. I know You are always there for me.

A New Creation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
II Corinthians 5:17

As a Christian, it is important to understand that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer the same person we once were. Our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, is gone, and we are made new in Christ. This new creation is not something we can achieve on our own, but it is a gift from God that is given to us when we accept His Son as our Savior.

This transformation is not just a one-time event but is a continual process as we grow in our relationship with Christ. As we spend time in prayer, read and study the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, we begin to understand more deeply the love and grace of God. This understanding leads to a desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The new creation that comes through Christ is also about our relationship with others. As we grow in our faith, we begin to see others through the eyes of Christ. We begin to love them as He loves them and seek to serve them as He served people.

Becoming a new creation in Christ is a promise of hope. It reminds us that no matter what we have done or how far we have strayed from God, we can always come back to Him and find forgiveness and new life.

May we live each day with the knowledge that we are loved, forgiven, and made new in Him. And may our lives be a testimony to the power of God to transform us from the inside out.

Pray

Lord, I know that You are doing a transformational work in me. You have given me new life and eternal hope. Your grace gives me understanding of this transformation.