Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

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.

Are You Listening?

Encouragement

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21

The Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. If you want to increase your faith, it’s as easy as consuming yourself with the Word of God. God’s Word makes that kind of impact when you consume yourself in it.

When athletes prepare for a competition they must vigorously apply themself to the sport constantly getting better. The more practice and conditioning applied toward the event the better the athlete will perform. In a similar way, you’re strong when you’re absorbed in the Word of God.

God speaks through His Spirit, the Bible, and through special revelation. Revelation includes other believers, circumstances, or any way that God can speak to you. In Numbers 22:21-39, God used a donkey to speak to Balaam to get his attention. And we wonder sometimes what it will take to get our attention. God can use a rock if He wants to.

If you want to hear the audible voice of God simply speak the Word of God out loud. We need to hear the voice of God speaking to us. But we also need to practice the art of listening for the whisper of God. 

We are in such a rush that we tend to rush God as well. God does not work on our time scale. But God will do what needs to be done to get our attention. 

Is God trying to speak to you? Are you applying an effort to consume yourself in His presence?

Pray

Lord, use what ever You have to use to speak to my heart. I’m listening for Your voice. I am watching what You are doing. I desire to consume myself in Your Word.

The Power Of Jesus

Encouragement

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

As Christians we possess a power greater than human strength. But to experience that great power we must plug into the correct source. If you want a transformed life, you must plug into Jesus Christ.

That’s what Paul did and it changed his life. At first, Paul tried keeping the law to please God and to be accepted by Him. But after much exhausted effort, he realized a new truth when he said, “For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16

We have a greater spiritual power inside of us that is greater than our flesh and natural self. It’s a power that can overcome any temptation, sin or obstacle. If you continue using your own power you will become frustrated and exhausted. The fire will go out and you will become cold.

But once you get plugged into the real source of power, your life will never be the same. The power that He supplies will never run out or blackout. It gives us a new purpose and gives us courage to live in faith.

Are you exhausted? Are you trying to combat the things of this world on your own? Stop trying so hard to be good and accepted by God and start living in the light of Jesus Christ. Recharge your self in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and die to yourself.

Trust in the power of Jesus to give you all that you need.

Pray

Lord, I can’t do this on my own. I need You and I want You to take control. I surrender to Your authority and I trust in You to give me rest.