Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: grace

Experience His Fullness

Encouragement

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16

John chapter 1 introduces us to the humanity of Jesus Christ, which means Jesus was God in human flesh.  He is eternal God who became part of creation.  God came to this earth to live among mankind in human flesh.

The Apostle John declares to us the Word became flesh and dwelt with mankind.  John is writing in first person because he saw Him, touched Him, and heard Him.  John wants us to know that Jesus is the living God.

In verses 14-18 John wants us to know about Jesus’ glory and grace. These two words help us to understand the person of Jesus.  When we receive His grace we can then see His glory.  

It takes grace for our spiritual eyes to be opened that we may see Him for who He is.  That is why the world does not know Him.  The world cannot know Jesus because they have not experienced His grace.  In essence, unbelievers are spiritually blind.

John says in verse 16, “because of His fullness we have received grace upon grace.”  The fullness that John is speaking of is the fact that Jesus fulfilled the law and became the spotless Lamb that permanently took away our sin.  The Old Testament sacrifice was only temporary but the fullness of Jesus is everlasting.  It is because of this fullness that we all receive grace upon grace.

Are you experiencing unending grace through Jesus Christ?  God wants us to experience His grace and see His glory now before we ever get to Heaven.  He wants to reveal Himself to you.  Take time today to look for His grace and enjoy life.  Paul said it best, “His grace is sufficient!” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace. Your grace is all that I need. Help me to understand the fullness of Your never ending grace and love.

Preparing For Christmas

Encouragement

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18

One of the miracles that Christians believe is the Virgin Birth. Jesus was born of a woman and of the Holy Spirit. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin eliminated Him from being born as a sinner. Jesus did not inherit sin.

God had a specific plan and had specific people to carry out His perfect plan. As unusual as it may seem, it’s really a fascinating set of events. More importantly though, God’s ways are not always our ways.

The events leading to the birth of Jesus is the greatest story ever told in human history. It’s unimaginable, but it’s definitely true. People from far away made their way to see the new born King.

Because Christ was born, we can be filled with joy, hope, and peace! Christmas is about redemption. And that is something truly worth celebrating.

God will often call us to face difficulties because of our obedience to Him. It’s in those times that we must reman faithful to God. Like Joseph, we must trust that God will bring us through it.

As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, encourage yourself in the Word of God. Nothing will bring you more peace and comfort than the Holy Scriptures. Put the teachings of Christ first in your life and watch what happens.

Take a moment today to reflect on how God has brought you through difficult situations that now give you hope and peace.

Pray

Lord, help me this Christmas season to make it be all about You. You are the reason for joy, hope, and peace. May the world know You as Lord and Savior.

Do You Question God?

Encouragement

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
and from the words of My groaning?”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:1

There are times in our life that we tend to question God. “Why is this happening?” “Why me, God?” “Why now?” It’s natural for us to question God. 

Questioning God is not a sin. Doubting God is a sin, but asking God, “why”, helps us to better understand the suffering or difficult situations we encounter. 

God allows us the ability to endure hardships and trials for us to grow closer in our relationship with Him. God wants us to know Him and understand what He can do for us. 

When we better understand who God is, the better response we have to our sufferings. When we realize how much God loves us, there is no need to question Him. 

Sometimes we are perplexed with knowing why God is allowing something bad to happen in our life. Spiritual growth happens when we are faced with a difficult situation that challenges our faith. 

Sometimes God does not reveal the “why” but He does reveal Himself and His love. The life of Job is a wonderful example. Throughout Job’s suffering, God never revealed why He allowed Job to be tested but He did reveal His love to him. 

Would you rather know the “why” or would you rather experience more of God’s love? If you are questioning God today, you should stop asking “why” and start asking “what”. 

Pray

Lord, what do you desire to teach me today? I want to know You and Your great love more and more everyday. Help me to understand Your ways and Your thoughts.