Pastor Stephen Dedman

A New Year

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.
Romans 7:18

It’s a new day and a fresh new year! The question at hand is, “What does God desire to accomplish in and through me this year?”

Many people are asking God what they can do for Him, but more importantly we should be asking God what He wants to accomplish through us. This life is much more than just what we can do for God. It’s about what He can do in and through us.

God does not need us, but He chooses us. He desires to use people to display His image and glory. People need to see the love of God in us so they can know Him.

Paul says that nothing good dwells in us, that which is in the flesh. The flesh is never good enough to please God. It’s only through the righteousness of Jesus that we are found righteous before God.

So instead of striving to do something good for God, let’s allow God to do something good in and through us for His glory.

Set your mind on the things of God.

Pray

Lord, I praise You for taking away my sin. Help me to keep my sinful nature dead and the new nature alive in You. Thank You for doing a good work through me.

Merry Christmas

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1:5

Merry Christmas!

We can celebrate life because Jesus was born. We can have peace because Jesus died. We can have joy because Jesus lives!

Let the love and light of God shine brighter in your life like never before. Be proud to be called a child of God. And stand firm on His Truth.

Remember the light of Jesus can shine through any darkness and overcome it.

Merry Christmas to each one of you and may God shower you with His blessings.

Pray

Lord, Your love is unending and Your grace is everlasting. Surround me with Your presence and protection. Keep me in Your word of truth so I will grow in wisdom.

Sing Praise To The Lord

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever. I will praise You every day; yes, I will praise You forever. Great is the Lord ! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure His greatness.
Psalms 145:1-3

As we begin this week of celebrating Thanksgiving, let’s do it with praise. Everyday this week let’s sing praise to God. He is worthy of our praise!

As David writes this psalm or song, he is proclaiming that only God deserves his praise. And He deserves it everyday.

Do you pray? I am sure your answer is a quick “YES!” But let me ask you, “Do you praise God?” And if you do, how do you praise God?

David draws deep from within his heart the praise and worship that God is worthy of. He says in verse 3, “No one can measure His greatness.” That my friend is speaking from experience.

Is it easy for you to praise the Lord? Can you do it even when it’s not Sunday?

More importantly, can you praise the Lord even when things are not going your way? If God is worthy of praise He is worthy of praise all the time, even during difficult circumstances.

If you are having a difficult time praising the Lord right now, then start with exalting His name. Even the name of God has to be exalted. And exalting His name lifts Him up. It’s a great way to start.

Today, reflect upon the name of the Lord and how you can exalt Him and His greatness.

Pray

Lord, I lift Your name up and praise Your greatness. Nothing is compared to Your excellence. I praise You as Lord and King of my life.