Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: Forgiveness

A New Opportunity

Encouragement

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

Don’t you love the fact that God offers us second chances? And third chances! And so many more chances.

We need more than just second chances. But at the same time we can’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again. We need the grace of God, but we cannot continue in sin.

God gives us the opportunity to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Forgiveness gives us a fresh start and a new beginning. The Christian life is life of hope. In Jesus, everyday is a new beginning.

True forgiveness allows us to put the past in the past. The only way to receive true forgiveness is through Jesus Christ. Today’s verse narrows in on the word “if”. If anyone is in Christ, he or she is made new.

Are you resting in the promise of newness in Christ? Do you seek the opportunity to refresh yourself in the person of Christ everyday? Everyday is a new chance to start fresh and to let go of the past things that kept us from glorifying God.

Make today count. Let everything be made new in and through Christ. Set your mind on the things of Christ that can create new blessings of opportunity.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me a new day and a new opportunity to seek forgiveness and repent of my sins. You have saved me from a death in Hell and given me life in Christ. Let me make the most of it today.

By Grace Alone

Faith

‘Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. ‘
2 Corinthians 7:1

Our acceptance by God is on the basis of grace through faith. We can’t earn it and we definitely don’t deserve it. God offers His righteousness so that we may be accepted through His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s grace!

Paul told the Philippian jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31) There was nothing that he needed to do but believe and receive. Grace secures our position in Christ as being right with God.

Paul ultimately says in today’s verse, “Since we have been given grace we work toward complete holiness because we desire to honor God.” We honor God when we are practicing holiness. The day that we accepted Christ as Savior, our sins were forgiven but it doesn’t mean we are sinless.

Everyday we grow and mature in our faith. Our lives reflect what we believe. Are you working towards holiness? Are you becoming more like Christ?

The good news is that as a Christ follower, you have already been accepted by God. The pressure is off in regards to living a perfect life. When God looks at you He sees the perfection and righteousness of Jesus in you. In return, we desire to please Him in everything we do and say. We work out what God has worked in you through His power and grace.

Pray

Lord, I desire to please You with my life. Thank you for giving me the free gift of grace. I strive to live my life holy unto You.

God Can Turn It Around

Faith

‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ‘
Genesis 50:20

Sometimes we don’t understand why bad things are happening to us. Especially when we are in the will of God and doing exactly what He has called us to do. It’s in these times that we must know that God is up to something great.

Our character and faith are tested during times of difficulties. We are not promised a life of ease just because we are Christians. In fact Jesus said we will be hated by the world because the world hated Him first (John 15:18).

After Jacob’s death, his elder sons feared that Joseph would seek revenge for mistreating him. Indeed, payback would be expected. But Joseph’s attitude was outstanding. Joseph told them, “God intended it for good so that many would be saved.”

When we live by faith, we see that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Joseph understood that God can take the worst of circumstances and turn them into a blessing.

Have you experienced God’s grace? Are you witnessing God working in your life? Give Him praise!

Pray

Lord, Your ways are higher than mine and Your thoughts are better than mine. Help me to see what You are doing in my life so that I become a hero of faith. Change my heart.