Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

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.

Trusting God’s Timing

Trust

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’
2 Corinthians 6:2

God never has to be in a hurry because He is never late. God’s timing is always perfect. His schedule and our schedule may not be the same but He’s always right on time.

Our faith is tested when we learn to trust His timing. Waiting on God is a difficult thing to do when we are impatient and needing God to do something quickly.

At times it may seem like God is not listening but He is. It may seem like He is not meeting our needs but He is. God hears our prayers and He hears our cries.

The day that You need Him, God will be there to help. Don’t lose faith and never lose hope. And don’t ever think that He doesn’t care. He does care and He knows your needs.

Sometimes it can be frustrating having to wait on the Lord, but His plan for our lives is good. When we place our trust in His timing we can have total peace and joy.

In Genesis we see that Joseph had to trust God’s timing. He waited many years for the fulfillment of his dreams to come to pass. God was with him every step of the way. There was some trying times in his life but God timing was always perfect.

Trust that the Lord’s timing is perfect for you too. God wants to show you what you need to know when it’s the right time and place. Be patient and wait on the Lord. Good things come to those who wait upon the Lord.

Pray

Lord, I know Your timing is perfect. Give me knowledge and wisdom to discern the difference between my timing and Yours. Help me to wait on You.

Merry Christmas

Encouragement

Let your heart be filled with the wonder of Mary,
as obedient as Joseph,
as joyful as the heavenly host of angels,
as eager to seek the Savior as the shepherds,
determined like the magi,
and may the peace of Christ satisfy your soul.

A Christmas Prayer

Father God, let Your glory shine upon us that we may conform ourselves to Your goodness. You have come to us as a Child for us to be filled with Your joy. Your everlasting love is the greatest gift known to mankind. Your majesty and power is too much for us to understand. Let Your mercy reach down from Heaven and redeem us each and every day. Let us strengthen our faith through fellowship with You. May we enter into the rest of recognizing Your presence in our life. Give us peace that passes all understanding. Reveal Your holiness to us that we may purify our hearts with gladness. Forgive us from our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. May we trust in You with all of heart and mind. Give us the courage and wisdom to seek Your will and way. We praise Your holy name. It’s in the most precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas!