Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: love

Don’t Be Amazed

Encouragement

Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.
I John 3:13

I know that you may not realize it but as a Christian you are hated by the world. The world despises the righteousness of God. No wonder we witness so much hatred in the world.

Jesus said the world hated Him first. People try so hard to fit into this world that they are hated and rejected by. We must realize that our permanent home is not this earth and we should be seeking our citizenship in heaven.

It’s difficult trying to live in this world but not being accepted. In fact a Christian should feel uncomfortable in this world. If we ever become comfortable with the lifestyle of the world then something is wrong.

John writes to us to let us know that it is okay to be rejected and persecuted by the world. Because the world does not know God, the world does not know us. But according to Romans 12:1 we are to be in this world but not of it.

We should stand as sore thumbs in this world. People should be able to pick us out of a crowd and know that we belong to Jesus. We should talk like Jesus, act like Jesus and love like Jesus.

Today you may be tempted to be transformed to this world. Don’t get trapped! Know that you belong to God and He will give you everything you need. Don’t trust the world’s system.

Pray

God Has No Limits

Encouragement

‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ‘
Ephesians 3:20

Paul’s desire is that we fully understand the riches of God’s grace and love. We may never know the entirety of God’s goodness until we get to Heaven. Paul wants us to grasp that God is able to do things that we cannot even imagine.

God only wants what is good for us. However we must trust that God is able to do things in our life that is supernatural and miraculous. God is all-powerful and all-knowing!

Paul uses a unique word to describe God’s greatness in power. Some translations of the term include “immeasurable”, “above and beyond”, and “infinitely more.” Ultimately there is no limit as to what God is able to do for us.

When was that last time you were blown away by an answered prayer? Did God not prove His love for you in giving you more than you asked for?

One might argue that the reason we don’t witness great and awesome things of God is because of our lack of faith and disbelief. God wants us to trust in Him for all things.

Jesus revealed to men what God is able to do if only we place our faith in Him. Only a few followers witnessed the glory of God through His Son. God wants to show us what He is able to do in our lives.

Take a little time today to experience God’s goodness. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Ask God to reveal some supernatural things to you.

Pray

Lord, You are completely amazing. Words cannot even describe what You are able to do. You do it all because You love me and want what is good for me. Thank You, Lord!

The Ultimate Demonstration Of Love

Encouragement, Trust

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.  God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16

What is perfect love?  It’s a love that is full and complete and needs no improvement.  A love that is at its maximum.  It’s a love that everyone longs for but no one will ever find outside of a relationship with God.

Perfect love is demonstrated through the person of Jesus Christ.  John 13:1 says, “when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”  

Jesus loved perfectly.  His love was full and complete all the way to the cross.  He loved with grace and compassion and forgiveness.  This is the kind of love people are looking for.  A love that has no end.

It’s easy for us to love when we are loved in return.  However, it’s difficult to demonstrate love for someone who does you wrong.  This is what separates perfect love from all other love.  

Jesus loves those who curse Him and blaspheme His name.  He died for those people as well.  Jesus demonstrated His love for the entire world through selfless sacrifice.  And that same love abides in the heart of every Believer.

As Christians we are to love as Christ loved.  We are called to demonstrate love to those who love us and to those who hate us.  Our ability to love comes from the love of God that is in us.  We are to love one another because God is the source of love and perfect love puts God on display.  Love is evidence of salvation.

Pray

Lord, give me a heart that is like Yours. Help me to love like You love. Your love overwhelms my soul and renews my spirit.