Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Are You Ready For 2023?

Encouragement

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Colossians 4:5

As we approach a new year let’s remember that each new day brings about new opportunities. New opportunities to serve and glorify the Lord. If we live each day to the fullest we know we’ve done all that we can do.

Now that 2022 is finished what would you do differently? What would you not have done?

I remember when we were entering into a new century and we didn’t know if the lights would stay on or if we would have running water the next day. I remember thinking what if the ATM machines didn’t work. I remember thinking what if the VCR’s quit working. How silly of a mindset was that. We’ve definitely grown in wisdom.

I hope we have grown in biblical wisdom as well. Now more than any other time in history, we need to be walking in wisdom toward those who are not Christians. Our faith in Jesus should be a witness to others especially those who do not believe in Jesus.

Over the last year we have realized the sad condition of our nation. We are a divided people in all areas of life. And because we are divided, we are losing our status as a Christian nation. People all around us are falling away and not growing closer to Christ.

Make 2023 be a year of growing closer to Jesus. Set goals for this new year to spend more time in the Word of God. Pray more than you’ve ever prayed before. Spend more time focusing on the things of God than on the things of this world. Make every effort to redeem the time because before you know it, we will be counting down to 2024!

Pray

Lord, I know I have let many opportunities slip pass me. Give me wisdom to use every opportunity You place before me to serve You and to share my faith with those who needs hope and salvation.

Jesus Turns Problems Into Miracles

Encouragement

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.
‭‭John‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬

Jesus’ first miracle was performed when there was a big problem at a wedding feast. The groom’s family ran out of wine early into the festivities. It must have took a lot of drinks for a wedding feast to last for an entire week. Jesus’ mother quickly turned to Jesus to solve the problem.

As we count down to the end of 2022, we need to take some time and look back and notice how God worked in our lives. Some of our problems were so concerning in the moment but afterward they are soon forgotten.

I can easily look back and see how God worked out some of my problems by turning them into miracles. I can remember staying up late many of nights praying for God to work out some of the issues I was facing. Some of them were church related while many of them were personal. I can remember lying in bed praying for God to heal me from severe illness. I prayed for God to help me out of financial hardship. I prayed for God to give me wisdom for a very important decision that I needed to make. And through each one of these, God worked it out. He turned each of my problems into miracles.

Running out of wine was no issue for the Lord. He told the disciples to fetch some water and they did so swiftly. As they returned the water was turned to wine. Jesus turned a problem into a miracle.

Deep down in our hearts we know the Lord can do such a miracle in our life but we often lose faith with the idea that maybe the Lord won’t do it for us. The crazy thing is He desires to turn our problems into miracles. He wants to see us blessed and Him glorified.

Survey this last year and think about the problems that God worked out for you. Praise Him right now for turning your problems into miracles. Give Him all the glory.

Maybe you’re praying for a miracle right now to happen. Just know He is the miracle worker. He is the problem solver. He wants you to trust Him completely.

Pray

Lord, I praise Your great and mighty name for answering my prayers when I called on you. You never failed me. I pray that You keep turning my problems into miracles

Peace Renewed

Encouragement

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:19

After the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples stayed in the upper room for fear of the Jews. Because they were disciples of Jesus, they feared they may be crucified next. But along with the fear they were confused as to what to do next.

For three years they dedicated themselves to the ministry work that Jesus taught them. On top of the fear and confusion, the women reported to them that Jesus was alive and spoke to them. Fear, confusion and bewilderment!

All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, Jesus appeared to them in the upper room. There is a reason why His words were, “Peace be with you.” They were terrified. The doors were locked. And there appeared Jesus, alive and well.

There was a common response to everyone who witnessed Jesus after the resurrection. They were amazed and wanted to tell others. They went from fear, confusion, and bewilderment to a new sense of amazement and excitement. The disciples were reenergized with faith and hope.

We all need a renewed peace in our life that can only come from Jesus. His presence brings us peace. His voice gives us peace.

If you want to renew your peace with God all you have to do is draw close to Him. The Bible promises that whoever draws near to Him, He will draw near to them. (James 4:8)

Pray

Lord, I want to encounter You right now. Forgive me of my sins and refresh my faith and hope. I turn to You for everything I need.