Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Christmas Eve

Encouragement

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:13-14

Have you ever wondered what it was really like that first Christmas?  Was there excitement and joy in the air? Was there a great anticipation of what was about to happen?

For Mary and Joseph it must of been terrifying. They were out of town and having their first baby. They were in a place that was not suitable for having a baby. There was no comfort of a proper delivery but God provided a barn with a manger. Praise God, He always provides.

While that may not have been exactly what the young couple desired, it’s what God determined. Sometimes our plans may not ever come to pass but God has it all under control. We must trust the will of God. Glory to God.

God wants us to experience the joy of Jesus. God loves you so much that He has provided a way for you to experience joy that is unexplainable. A joy that sometimes doesn’t make sense. A joy that lasts forever.

God has a way of bringing all things together at the right time and at the right place. He will never fail you. He will only impress you as you patiently wait on Him. Is there anything that you need God to provide for you?

While you are waiting, start praising Him. Sing praises to His name. Lift your head and be ready to receive whatever God provides because whatever it is, it’s what He determines to be good for you. Praise His great name.

Pray

Lord, You are the great Provider. You always know what I need and what is best for me. Help me to wait on You and trust Your great ways.

Another Way

Encouragement

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:12

We’re not told what happened to the wise men after they saw Jesus. They worshiped Him, then gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and then they departed. The Bible doesn’t say but they must have lived out the rest of their days as believers.

It was no accident that these men came to meet and worship Jesus. The star that guided them to the young Child gave way to a spiritual transformation. Today’s verse says they departed for their own country, but in another way.

Has your life taken a new direction since coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ? New life in Christ takes on a whole new direction. The truth of Jesus Christ is a truth that will set you free and give you a new purpose for living.

We should learn from these wise men. They searched for Jesus and when they found Him they worshiped Him. When they worshiped they were prepared to give sacrificially.

“Those who look for Jesus will see Him: those who truly see Him will worship Him: those who worship Him will consecrate their substance to Him.” – Charles Spurgeon

When is the last time you spent time talking with Jesus and listening to His voice? Has your new life in Christ set you in a new path? Are you still on that straight path?

Pray

Lord, You gave us Your best and in return I worship You with my best. I give you my heart, soul, and mind. I love You and will follow You all the days of my life.

God Had A Plan From The Beginning

Encouragement

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
Luke 2:4

What’s the big deal about Bethlehem? Have you ever wondered why God chose Bethlehem to be the birthplace of Jesus?

Bethlehem which means “House of Bread”, has historical significance as the place where David was crowned as king of Israel thus giving Jesus a royal lineage. According to the Book of Ruth, Bethlehem is where Ruth gleaned the fields for grain.

Joseph and Mary had to travel about 80 miles south of Nazareth to reach Bethlehem to register for the census. It would have taken them several days as they journeyed down the dusty and rocky roads. Being 9-months pregnant, Mary would have either walked or rode on a donkey.

Needless to say, it was difficult and dangerous for the young couple. But it was Bethlehem that Micah prophesied to be the birthplace for the Messiah (Micah 5:2). So they went.

Sometimes our life’s journey is difficult and dangerous, but God has a plan for our life. We may not know why we go where we go but God directs our steps. We just need to be obedient and go.

Are you being obedient to the plan of God? Are you allowing God to use you right where He has you?

Pray

Lord, Your plans and Your purposes are much better than mine. Your ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine. Help me to trust you in every area of my life. Even when I question what is happening help me to trust in You.