Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: god’s grace

Suffering For A Purpose

Faith, Trust

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬

We often find ourselves in the midst of suffering. Suffering can surface in various forms such as mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we live for Christ, we will suffer for Christ.

So what should our attitude be when we encounter such great suffering?

Peter gives us detailed steps on how we should respond to suffering. First, we are to rejoice. 1 Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” God is in control of all things and allowing your suffering for a reason.

Second, verse 17 says we are to review our lives. “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Our suffering may be happening because God is cleaning house and He will start with His own first. If the suffering is due to our sin, we need to confess and repent immediately. But always remember Job; he suffered hard and was righteous.

Third, verse 19 says we are to simply rely on Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” When we realize that our suffering is for the cause of Christ, we need to rely on the grace of God. Just rely on God’s promises.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to endure the suffering You have set before me and give me wisdom to understand why. Help me to rely on You for all things.

Attributes Of Jesus

Faith, Trust

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:37‬

Jesus had a multitude of followers but they were not the educated or the sophisticated. They were common people who gladly listened to His words. They received His preaching and teaching because His words were relatable and understandable.

Jesus had three attributes that contributed to His messages. First, He had godly character. People will listen when they witness godly character. If you don’t display godly character in your life, people will not listen to your message or testimony.

Second, Jesus had holy conduct.  His conduct proved what He said was true and honest.  His conduct was without flaw.  Holy conduct proves what you believe.  His conduct reflected what He taught.

Third, Jesus had concern for others.  Because He was concerned for others salvation, people would give their attention to Him.  When you show people that you care for them, they will gladly hear what you have to say.

With these three attributes people gladly listened to Jesus when He spoke.  Do you exhibit these three attributes in your life? Make your voice be heard by living like Jesus.

Pray

Lord, let others see You through my actions.  Let my words prove that You are my Lord. Give me boldness to share the gospel with everyone I see.

Jesus Forgives

Faith, Salvation, Trust

“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:10‬

God does not grade on a curve. There are no divisions or levels of sin. Someone who told a little white lie is just as guilty as the person who committed murder.

The “godly” person who sinned only once yesterday is just as guilty as the “wicked”one who sinned a hundred times. All sin is ultimately the same in God’s eyes. However, we tend to categorize sin and expect God to treat us accordingly.

We all need God’s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. There is no one who is too far from being saved. The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”‭‭(Romans‬ ‭3:23‬). Jesus died on the cross for everyone. Even the most evil person you can think of can be saved. No one is ever out of God’s reach.

God does not see people as liars or murderers. He sees people in need of grace. So that means everyone is eligible for His salvation.

Now let’s get a little personal. Are you carrying any shame or guilt from sins from the past? God did not set a limit on the size or quantity of sins He was willing to forgive. He sent Jesus to save us all.

Jesus will save anyone. He saves all people and He saves all sins. We all can turn to Him in faith today and be saved and forgiven of all our sins with no limits and no exceptions. Bring your sins to Jesus and trust the promises of His love.

Pray

Lord, forgive me of my sins. I confess that I have fallen short of the glory of God. Thank You for giving me salvation.