Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Comfort Me, Lord

Encouragement

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.
Psalms 107:28-29

What do you do when you are in distress? Psalm 107 describes five stories of people who were in distress and God rescued them. Each story has a common theme of redemption.

Verse 28 says the sailors cried out to the Lord when they were in distress. That is the first thing we should do when we find ourselves in the middle of a storm. God not only calmed the waves, but He brought them to safely to land. (vs. 30)

We often sail in stormy waters. We need God’s help when we are in circumstances that are beyond our control. This is when we can witness what only God can do.

It’s good for us to endure struggles and distress. It shows us how small we are and how big God is. Distresses prove to us that we need God to help us.

There are people who think they can go through life without the help of God. It is so sad to witness people who will not call on God for help. We need not to hesitate to cry out to God in our distress.

Jesus calmed the waves on the Sea of Galilee for the disciples. He spoke and the wind and waves obeyed. It is amazing to watch how God can speak to nature and it listens.

Praise God for helping you in your time of distress. Rejoice in knowing that as a child of God we have a Father who will take care of us and place us safely on dry ground. Can you give thanks to God for His goodness and mercy?

Pray

Lord, I call upon Your great name. You have the power to give me peace and comfort in the time of my distress. Comfort me in Your word.

Experience His Fullness

Encouragement

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16

John chapter 1 introduces us to the humanity of Jesus Christ, which means Jesus was God in human flesh.  He is eternal God who became part of creation.  God came to this earth to live among mankind in human flesh.

The Apostle John declares to us the Word became flesh and dwelt with mankind.  John is writing in first person because he saw Him, touched Him, and heard Him.  John wants us to know that Jesus is the living God.

In verses 14-18 John wants us to know about Jesus’ glory and grace. These two words help us to understand the person of Jesus.  When we receive His grace we can then see His glory.  

It takes grace for our spiritual eyes to be opened that we may see Him for who He is.  That is why the world does not know Him.  The world cannot know Jesus because they have not experienced His grace.  In essence, unbelievers are spiritually blind.

John says in verse 16, “because of His fullness we have received grace upon grace.”  The fullness that John is speaking of is the fact that Jesus fulfilled the law and became the spotless Lamb that permanently took away our sin.  The Old Testament sacrifice was only temporary but the fullness of Jesus is everlasting.  It is because of this fullness that we all receive grace upon grace.

Are you experiencing unending grace through Jesus Christ?  God wants us to experience His grace and see His glory now before we ever get to Heaven.  He wants to reveal Himself to you.  Take time today to look for His grace and enjoy life.  Paul said it best, “His grace is sufficient!” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace. Your grace is all that I need. Help me to understand the fullness of Your never ending grace and love.

Preparing For Christmas

Encouragement

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18

One of the miracles that Christians believe is the Virgin Birth. Jesus was born of a woman and of the Holy Spirit. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin eliminated Him from being born as a sinner. Jesus did not inherit sin.

God had a specific plan and had specific people to carry out His perfect plan. As unusual as it may seem, it’s really a fascinating set of events. More importantly though, God’s ways are not always our ways.

The events leading to the birth of Jesus is the greatest story ever told in human history. It’s unimaginable, but it’s definitely true. People from far away made their way to see the new born King.

Because Christ was born, we can be filled with joy, hope, and peace! Christmas is about redemption. And that is something truly worth celebrating.

God will often call us to face difficulties because of our obedience to Him. It’s in those times that we must reman faithful to God. Like Joseph, we must trust that God will bring us through it.

As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, encourage yourself in the Word of God. Nothing will bring you more peace and comfort than the Holy Scriptures. Put the teachings of Christ first in your life and watch what happens.

Take a moment today to reflect on how God has brought you through difficult situations that now give you hope and peace.

Pray

Lord, help me this Christmas season to make it be all about You. You are the reason for joy, hope, and peace. May the world know You as Lord and Savior.