Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Your Problem Is Not God

Encouragement

‘For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.’
Jeremiah 2:13

Why would anyone ever forsake the Lord and turn to something else for hope?  Could there be anything better than the Lord?  

Sometimes we encounter seasons when we drift away from the Lord and seek our own ways. It’s during these times that we come up dry and wanting. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)  

Jesus wants to give us an endless supply of fresh living water.  A water that will last for eternity.  A living water that gives all.  

Why would we ever seek for anything else but the best that the Lord has to offer?  God said, “My people have created their own water pots that can’t even hold water.”  This is so true when we try to rely on our own power and strength.  

Without Jesus we are nothing and can do nothing.  God desires to give the best that He has to offer to us, which is Jesus.  The problem lies when we think that we can do something bigger or better than God. There is nothing in this entire universe that could ever out do God.

Think about the things that you are seeking in your life today.  Are they the things of God or the things of self ambition?  His ways are much better than our ways.  His provision is much healthier and will sustain us for eternity.  If you are encountering a dry spell in your relationship with the Lord, the problem is not with God.

Pray

Lord, Your promise is that when I seek You, I will find You.  When I draw close to You, You draw unto me even closer.  Let me experience Your power today.

The Pursuit Of Peace

Faith

‘Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ‘
Hebrews 12:14

Have you ever considered the importance of peace and holiness? The command in today’s verse is to pursue peace and holiness. This means that we are to walk right with both men and God.

A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with the Lord. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Unholy Christians are the plague of the church. They are spots in our feasts of charity. Like hidden rocks, they are the terror of navigators. It is hard to steer clear of them; and there is no telling what wrecks they may cause.”

You may be active in church attendance, engaged in spiritual activities, and believe you are a spiritual person, but if you do not have holiness you are missing a vital part of being a follower of Christ. Holiness is godliness and Christlikeness.

Jesus lived a holy and perfect life that was in complete obedience to God the Father. Everything He did pointed people to God. His peace and holiness showed the glory of God.

You cannot pursue peace and holiness outside a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Good works alone will not get you into Heaven. The closer you are to the Lord the more peace and holiness you will pursue.

Pray

Lord, will You give me the strength and courage to avoid evil and pursue peace and holiness? Forgive me and cleanse me of all sin. Fill me with Your love and joy.

The Unconditional Love Of God

Encouragement

‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ‘
John 15:9

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus. God’s love for the world is witnessed through the person of Jesus for the sole purpose that all people should be saved. His love is unconditional and unchanging.

The promise of the Scripture tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35). As we study the Word of God, the message of His love is embedded through every book and every chapter. God wants us to know how much He loves us.

During times of uncertainty and difficulty His love never fails. His great love is what gives us hope and joy to endure the difficult times. Hence the reason for Jesus saying, “Abide in my love.” When we remain in His love we can endure to the end.

It’s easy to forget about how much Jesus loves us. Sometimes we stray from His Word and we let the distractions of life to control our minds and hearts. But the only way to stay in His love is to stay in His Word.

What’s more important than being in God’s Word and being reminded of His great love? No matter how busy we get or how famous we become we can never forget how much He loves us. Stay in His love and stay in His Word.

Pray

Lord, whatever is keeping me from being closer to You needs to be removed. Help me to remain in Your love and in Your Word. Thank you for loving me even when I’m hard to love.