Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

The Wise Men

Encouragement

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”’
Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men followed “His star” to Jerusalem and made it known to king Herod that they were searching for the King of the Jews. After Herod consulted with the chief priests and scribes it was made known that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So the king sent the wise men to find the young Child, Jesus.

The wise men followed His star. Some say it was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Some suggest it was a supernova and some think it was a specific created unique star or sign in the sky. Whatever it was, it is significant that God used His star to point them to the Savior of the world.

Herod desired to be accepted by the Jews whom he ruled but he was not a Jew. The Jews had so much hatred for him. It troubled him that the wise men where looking for the King and it wasn’t him.

It’s significant to note that Jesus was considered King of the Jews from birth. No baby has ever been born a king. They first spend time as a prince before becoming a king. Jesus was born the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s.

Do you honor Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Submit to His authority today and be a servant of the King.

Pray

Lord, I pray today that we all honor You as King. We as a nation and as individuals need to bow and worship You. Let my manner of worship be glorifying to You.

God Has It All Worked Out

Encouragement

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22-23

Today’s verse says, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled.” God knew 700 years before the birth of Christ that He would be born of Mary in Bethlehem. He spoke to Isaiah, the prophet, with these words of prophecy so that we would understand that the plans, purposes, and promises of God will always come to pass.

For Mary and Joseph, it was not the best timing. It wasn’t the best of circumstances. But it happened the way that God ordained it to happen! And because Mary and Joseph were faithful and obedient everything worked out just perfect.

It’s amazing to see how God works all things out for His glory. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the big picture when we have a small perspective. But with faithful and obedient hearts we don’t have to worry we can just trust God to work it all out.

Every detail of God’s ordained purposes are already worked out. It’s already done. God knows exactly where you are going and He knows how you’re gonna to get there. He is uniquely orchestrating every step of the way.

I want to encourage you today to trust God in all things. God knows what is best for you and what is to come in the near and distant future. Just trust and obey. Remember, God has it all worked out.

Pray

Lord, give me wisdom and understanding of Your Word so that I will trust you more. You have never failed me nor forsaken me and I know You never will. Give me peace in my heart that You are working out all the details of my life.

The Joy Of Generosity

Encouragement

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16

Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? How do you measure generosity?

It’s easy to spot a generous person. They are always searching for ways to give to others. Generous people can be spotted from a distance. Their personality brightens the room.

Generosity is a duty and a privilege for every Christian. A duty because it’s what we are called to do as followers of Christ. A privilege because we receive so much joy when we sacrificially give.

Generous people often attract others. The reason being that they are joyful people. Joyful people are just fun to be around. Joy and positivity go hand in hand.

A generous person will share and give what they have even when they are not asked. They just have it in their heart to be generous. They give because they desire to share what has been given to them.

The early church in the Book of Acts is known for their generosity. People gave of their possessions because they saw others in need. Their hearts were softened by the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were compelled to sell land and give the money to those who were in need.

When was the last time you generously did something for someone else? Not just donating money to a charity, but you went out of your way to share of yourself. Take some time today to share something of yourself.

What do you have to share? Is it some of your time? Some of your encouraging words? Maybe it’s sharing some of your knowledge and wisdom. Will you share the gospel with someone today?

Pray

Lord, You have blessed me with so much. In return I want to bless someone else. I pray that You put someone in my path or someone on my mind that I can bless today.