Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: hope

God’s Compassion

Encouragement, Salvation

God’s Compassion

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew the he had already been there a long time, he said to him, Do you want to be healed?
John 5:6

Healed by Jesus

While in Jerusalem, Jesus walked by a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years.  Every day he would sit next to the Pool of Bethesda waiting for someone to pick him up and place him into the pool when it began to stir.  Foolishly, there was a well known superstition that supposedly an angel would stir the water and the first person to step into the pool would be healed of their disease.  For 38 years this man anticipated the day that he would be healed.  On this certain day Jesus walked up to him and asked if he wanted to be healed.  Instead of a yes or no answer the man gave an excuse that no one would help him into the water.  Jesus then told him to get up and pack up his bed and walk.  Instantly the man was healed and he walked away.

This miracle was the result of God’s great compassion.  The first thing to notice is the fact that this man could not save himself.  He had good intentions but he couldn’t do it on his own. He needed help and he needed a Savior.  Second, this man was chosen by Jesus.  In John 15:16 Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…”  Thirdly, Jesus gave him new life.  For 38 years this man was stuck in unfavorable circumstances until Jesus came into his life and gave him hope.

Are you thankful for God’s compassion and saving grace in your life?

Prayer

Pray and thank God for sending His Son, Jesus, into this world to save you for giving you eternal life and hope.

Why Worry

Trust

Why Worry

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25‬

Anxious For Nothing

Did you know most of the things that you fear will happen never happens?  Most of our fears come from a misunderstanding of God’s love and sovereignty.  You must understand that you were created for God’s glory and for His purpose.  If God takes care of His children then why do we worry?

Jesus provides a solution to not just treat anxiety but to eliminate it.  In Luke 12:22 Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry about the physical side of life.  Jesus says your life is more than about food or clothing.  Because you exist to glorify Him, He will supply your every need.  We are not to worry if we have enough now or if we will have enough in the future.  Worry is a lack of trusting that God will provide.  Worry is a sin!  Remember that God provided in times of hunger.  There are many examples including, Joseph saving his family, God providing daily Manna, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and the list can go on and on.  When you worry, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The solution to a worry-free life is to live a life of worship and praise to God.  Seek Him first, then all other things will be added.  Paul says in Colossians 3:1, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Set your mind on Heavenly things.

What are you worried about today?  Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Prayer

Pray, “Lord, set me free from worry, stress and fear because I completely trust You.”

He Who Humbles Himself

Encouragement, Faith

He Who Humbles Himself

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:11‬

A Lesson of Humility

In Luke 14:1-6 Jesus was invited to a prestigious dinner with the religious leaders. He was the honored guest but only for evil intentions. There was also another man invited that day who had dropsy (known as edema). The lawyers and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into breaking a law on the Sabbath but their plan backfired. Jesus asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath but they remained silent. Jesus then healed the man and sent him away. The lawyers and Pharisees were speechless.

The miracle of healing should have been enough to demonstrate that Jesus was God but Jesus wanted to teach them a valuable lesson concerning the Kingdom of God. He used His position of honor to honor God.  The Pharisees used their position of honor to elevate themselves.  Every person who was honored would then honor someone else, as this was their custom.  It was all about being recognized.

Jesus used this opportunity to share another parable. He said, “Instead of placing yourself at the end of the table where the most distinguished guest should sit, move further down the table.  In doing so you will save yourself from shame when the host comes to you and asks you to move because that seat was reserved.  Sit further away and let the host move you to the position of honor.  Then you will be honored by all.”

God does not look lightly upon prideful people. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Every Christian needs to learn the important principle of humility.  Let’s learn from the Master and use our God given positions to praise Him and not ourselves.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to make you more aware of your sin and position yourself at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.