Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

God Loves You

Encouragement

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3‬

This is a beautiful passage of Scripture. It is primarily directed towards the people of Israel and how God has loved them with an everlasting love. It states that the Lord will certainly fulfill His promise to regather His chosen people back together as a chosen people.

It is a reminder that His love for them is everlasting. The Lord chose the people of Israel to be His special people. 

He redeemed them from Egyptian bondage and provided for them while wandering in the wilderness. Even in times of rebellion and unbelief, God never rejected them. Although there were times of discipline, He always restored them to a position of honor because He loved them so much. 

This is the love story told all through the Bible. It’s His story of how He loves His special people unconditionally. No one can ever fathom how much love He has for us. 

There may be times when you may feel that you are not loved, but be certain that God loves you. His love for you is everlasting just like the Israelites. We may go through times of rebellion and unbelief, but God never turns His back on us. No one will ever love you like God loves you. He doesn’t just say it, He proves it everyday. 

Pray

Lord, I love you. I am thankful for your unending love for me. As I show love toward others, let them sense your love. 

God Never Changes

Encouragement

“For I am the Lord , I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:6

We need to realize an amazing truth about God. He will never change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8) 

Because God will never change, we can seek Him for stability. It brings us great comfort to know that because God never changes, His promises never change. What God promised thousands of years ago remains the same today. 

The same power that God displayed throughout the Bible is the same today. That should bring us peace and comfort. We trust that God is with us no matter what is going on in our life.

The world around us is changing quickly. It seems like everyday something new is being invented or discovered. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with technology. 

One thing we should never change is the Word of God. The Word is what it is and does not need to be changed. The method of how we share the Word of God may need to change but the message of God’s Word is perfect and final.

You may not realize it but you have changed over time. Your looks, hair, or style may change slowly over time. Some changes need to be made if you are not as close to God as you should be. 

What can you do to make your life more like Christ? Do you need to change anything to look more like Jesus?

Pray

Lord, allow me to see who I am before You. As I look into the mirror I want to see You. If there is anything that I need to change to make me more like You, please show me.

Courageous Leadership

Encouragement

Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
Exodus‬ ‭5:22-23‬

If you are in any position of leadership you know the weight and responsibilities that come with the position. People under your leadership need to know that you are mindful and cautious in every decision you make. 

As a leader you are responsible no matter what happens. People often turn to leaders for help but people don’t always respect their decisions. Part of being in leadership is knowing that you must make tough decisions and live with the consequences or rewards.

Good leaders aren’t always popular people. They lead the best they know how and do what they think is right. But most importantly, every leader must lead with courage. 

Moses knew the burden of leadership when God appointed him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses did as God instructed but Pharaoh resisted and punished the people even more harshly. Moses was distraught. He didn’t understand why God was not following through with His part. 

At first Moses was the bad guy in the eyes of the Israelites. However, Moses stood courageous and confident in the Lord’s power. Good leaders must exercise great courage.  

The definition of courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Moses didn’t think he could be a good leader but God wanted to use his weaknesses to display His power. Moses led according to God’s Word and that takes courage. 

It takes courage to stand for what is right, to face your enemy, to rise above evil, and to call out wickedness. God will never ask you to do something He will not equip you to do. He will use you to display His power and glory. God just wants you to be a courageous leader!

What are some of the decisions you have made or having to make that are not very popular with other people? Do your decisions point people to Jesus? Does your leadership reflect the character of God?

Be strong and courageous!

Pray

Lord, I know you will give me the power and wisdom to do what you’ve called me to do. I trust you to use me any way I can be used. Give me courage and boldness.