Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: faith

Stand In The Gap

Encouragement

I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30

God desires for His people to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of others. As believers, we are called to be watchmen for our families, communities, and nations. God is looking for individuals who are willing to stand in the gap and intercede for others.

We are called to be a bridge between God and those around us, praying for their needs and seeking His wisdom and guidance in their lives.

Standing in the gap requires courage and faith. It means being willing to step out of our comfort zone and pray for those who are hurting, lost, and in need. It means being willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and a word of encouragement to those who need it most.

Are you willing to be the one who stands in the gap? Are you willing to pray for those who are lost, help those who are hurting, and be a source of hope and light in this dark world?

When we stand in the gap, we are not standing alone. God is with us, empowering us with His Spirit, and working through us to bring about His will on earth.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust in Your guidance, Your strength, and Your love. As I seek to be a faithful servant who stands in the gap, fill me with Your courage and wisdom.

It Was Planned From The Beginning

Encouragement

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5

Throughout history, God had been preparing the world for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. When the set time had fully come, He sent His Son to be born of a woman and to live among us, fulfilling the law and providing a way for us to be redeemed.

Jesus’ birth was not a random event or a coincidence. It was all part of God’s plan from the beginning. His birth fulfilled prophecies that had been made hundreds of years earlier, such as Isaiah’s prophecy that a virgin would give birth to a child who would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).

Jesus’ birth was also significant because He was born under the law. This means that He was subject to the same laws that govern all of humanity, and He fulfilled all the requirements of the law perfectly. As a result, He was the only One able to redeem those who were under the law, freeing them from the curse of sin and death.

God’s plan for salvation was not an afterthought or a last-minute decision. It was part of His plan from the beginning of time, and He sent His Son to redeem us at just the right time. Let us be grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf and let us live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I know You have always considered me even from the beginning of time. You brought forth Your only Sone so I could have peace and life with You in Heaven. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life.

Breathed Out By God

Encouragement

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17

As Christians, we believe that the Bible is not just a collection of human writings, but it is the very Word of God, given to us to guide and instruct us in all areas of life.

The phrase “breathed out by God” in this verse means that the Bible is God’s own words, spoken through human authors. The Bible is not just a human book, but it is a divine book written for our benefit.

The Scriptures are profitable for teaching us what is right, rebuking us when we go astray, correcting us when we make mistakes, and training us in righteousness so that we can live a life that pleases God.

As we read the Bible, we should read it with an open heart and mind, asking God to speak to us through its pages. We should seek to apply its teachings to our lives, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

In a world that is constantly changing and filled with conflicting messages, we can trust in the unchanging and timeless truths of the Bible. It is our source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort.

Are you committed to reading, studying, and obeying the Scriptures? Find joy in learning what God has to offer you through His Word.

Pray

Lord, Your Word is life to my soul and light to my path. Help me find satisfaction in searching Your truth and wisdom. Thank You for giving me joy.