Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Peace On Earth

Encouragement

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14

The Christmas story tells us in Luke 2:14 that a multitude of heavenly angels sang at the birth of Jesus. Pay close attention to the words that they sang. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men!

On the surface it sounds good. Is that what happened when Jesus was born? Did Jesus establish peace on earth? If so, then why is there so much conflict and chaos? And is there a lot of good will toward others?

Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” So what is it then? What were the angels singing about?

With a closer look we discover this verse has been misread for years. The English Standard Version (ESV) says it this way, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” This means there is peace on earth to those who have God’s favor.

The angels were right but maybe we’ve missed the actual meaning of this verse. Only those who experience God’s favor can truly experience peace on earth. And God’s favor is with those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God.

Jesus did not promise us that we would be exempt of conflict and chaos. But He does promise to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding while we encounter such conflict and chaos.

Pray

Lord, I need Your peace. I trust You to give me everything I need to endure the sufferings that I face. Help me to share the peace, love and joy of Jesus to others.

Make This Christmas Be All About Jesus

Salvation

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus , for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

Right now, millions of people across the world are preparing for Christmas Day. People are shopping for the perfect gifts. And with 10 days remaining until Christmas, some people are fearing the fact that some gifts may not arrive on time.

I love this time of year. I love seeing the generosity of people’s hearts, the excitement, and the anticipation. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

That first Christmas wasn’t about exchanging presents, hanging lights, or attending ugly sweater parties. It was about the greatest event in human history. God, Himself, left His throne in heaven and came forth as a Son to save people from their sins.

Christmas should be so miraculous and life-changing that people come to know Jesus as Savior. Christmas is a time of hope and joy for all people. It’s a time of reflecting on the wonder of it all.

We can rejoice because Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin. He saves us from the power of sin. And He saves us from the presence of sin.

Make this Christmas Season be all about Jesus. Share the good news with someone who needs to be encouraged. Let Jesus be the source of all your joy and hope.

Pray

Lord Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Your perfect plan of salvation is a blessing to the world. May the name of Jesus be lifted high today.

Stop Running

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:5‬

There is a story of a lawyer who was trying to deliver an important document to a man. Thinking it was a subpoena, the man avoided the attorney at all cost. But this was a very persistent attorney, and he wouldn’t give up.

This went on for many years, until the man ended up in the hospital, dying of a serious illness. As he was lying on his death bed, the lawyer walked up next to him with the document in hand. The man said, “I can’t run from you anymore. I’m dying. Just give me the subpoena.”

“What subpoena?” the lawyer asked. “I have a document here to prove that you’ve inherited $20 million dollars!”

That is how it is when we run from God. We’re saying, “Get away from me, God, I don’t want your forgiveness, your love, and your mercy. I don’t want your blessings. I want to live the way I want to live.”

People run from God for all kinds of reasons. Maybe it’s because we think God has abandoned us. Or maybe we run from God because of pride and rebellion. Some run because they’ve been hurt. Others run because they’re scared. The reason we run is because we believe the lie that God’s presence is not best for us.

Instead of running away from God we need to run to Him. God loves you and wants to help you. God forgives you and extends mercy and grace when we don’t deserve it. Don’t be like the man in the story who ran for so long that he ended up missing out on a great blessing. Don’t miss out on the best things God has to offer.

Pray

Lord, I run to you and you only. Into your hand I commit my spirit. Forgive me for not trusting you more.