Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Do You Have Hope?

Encouragement

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:4‬

There is so much power in the Word of God. Not only is the Bible for our learning, but it gives us the hope and assurance to face each day with confidence till the Lord returns. 

When we are comforted with Scripture we have assurance that everything will work out as God designs. The reason why a person wouldn’t have hope is because they are lacking in the area of hearing and reading the Word of God.

There is a story in Luke 24 about two disciples walking down the road to Emmaus. In their minds, Jesus had failed in His mission and everything was doom and gloom. He had been crucified, and He was gone. They had set their hopes on Him thinking He would redeem Israel. They were very disappointed that it ended so tragically.

As they were walking along the road, a stranger joined them. They didn’t know who it was, but it was Jesus.

Jesus asked them why they were so sad. So they began sharing Jesus with Jesus. And they weren’t doing a very good job of it. 

They said, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to redeem Israel”. Then Jesus gave them a summary of all the Old Testament passages that pointed to Him. As He spoke their hope was restored. And when they sat down to eat with Jesus, they realized it was Him. Then He suddenly disappeared.

So how did Jesus restore their hope? He comforted them through the Scriptures. Of all people, we who are followers of Jesus should be filled with hope and joy. Are you filling yourself with hope straight from the Scriptures? Are you rejoicing that one day you will be in the presence of Jesus?

Pray

Lord, give me hope through your word today. Give me a word that will set my heart on fire for you. Let me meditate on it and let it live in my heart. 

Our Living Hope

Encouragement

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1:3‬

Are you living in the hope of Jesus Christ? We have hope through Jesus’ death and resurrection because he defeated sin on the cross.

The hope that we have is based upon Jesus coming back for what we call the Second Coming of Christ. When Jesus comes all things will be made new. This earth will be dissolved and a new earth will be created for our good. Until Jesus comes back we patiently wait for the glorious day to appear. 

Some days we let the worries of the world get the best of us. We sit and sour over things that sometimes are meaningless. If we dwell in the living hope of Jesus our mindset will give us a positive outlook on life. Our hope in Jesus will give us courage to face opposition of the enemy.

Until the day Jesus comes back we honor and praise His wondrous name. We live our life in a way that brings glory to God. We set ourselves apart from evil and resist the devil. We live every day like it is our last day here. We desire to hear Jesus say, “good and faithful servant.” 

You may be faced with a dilemma today but rest in the blessed hope of Jesus. He will see you through to the end. It may not be the outcome you were expecting but God has a purpose and a plan just for you. Will you trust in His blessed hope today?

Pray

Lord, thank you for giving me hope and assurance. I praise you and honor you for who you are. As I go through this day, help me to see what you have in store for me. 

He Is Risen

Encouragement

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:6

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be assured that God keeps His promises. 

Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth, His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. Jesus became the spotless lamb that satisfied the wrath of God. 

Jesus defeated death and sin by raising Himself to new life. Only God could do such a magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is alive!

Only Jesus could live, die and live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him! 

Because He is risen, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all shall leave this Earth. But glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. 

Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory where there is no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! 

It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! 

Celebrate today with joy because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Our faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. Paul says, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile (worthless and powerless); you are still in your sins!” (I Corinthians 15:17) 

Let your faith in Jesus be the proof that others may see and believe.

Pray

Lord, I praise Your great name. You have opened my eyes to see who You are and I believe in You. Show me Your glory and increase my faith.