Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Practical Instructions

Encouragement

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬

In the book of Romans, Paul offers practical instructions on how believers should live in light of God’s mercy and grace. Paul encourages and guides us through life’s many ups and downs, reminding us of the eternal hope we have in Christ Jesus.

We will always be faced with challenges, disappointments, and uncertainties. In the midst of these trials, it can be difficult to find joy. However, as followers of Christ, we find joy through the hope that is rooted in the promises of God. Hope anchors us during the storms of life.

Trials and tribulations are going to be part of our journey as believers. As we endure tribulations, we must rely on God’s grace to sustain us, knowing that our faith and character is being shaped through these challenges.

It is through prayer that we connect with God, express our deepest longings, and seek His guidance and provision. In times of blessing, prayer is an overflow of gratitude, and in times of tribulation, prayer is our source of comfort and strength.

As we think on Romans 12:12, let us be inspired to live out these truths in our daily lives. We find joy in the hope we have in Christ, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. We cultivate patience in the face of tribulations, trusting that God is at work in every situation. And we prioritize a life of prayer by seeking His presence and guidance in every step we take.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Help me to rejoice in the assurance of Your faithfulness. Give me strength to be patient when tribulations arise, knowing that You are working all things for my good.

Life Is A Mystery

Encouragement

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬

Life is a mixture of mystery and wonder. It presents us with countless questions and circumstances that often leave us searching for answers.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the wise author Solomon invites us to embrace the uncertainty of life and recognize the profound work of God in everything. Today’s verse is a gentle reminder of the limitations we have as human beings and the awe-inspiring power of the Creator.

As we journey through life, we strive to understand the why and how of every that happens. We desire to make sense of the troubles we face and search for clarity and control. However, the wisdom that Solomon gives to us in Ecclesiastes encourages us to release our need for absolute understanding and surrender ourselves to the divine mystery of God.

God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension. Though we may not always understand the events of our lives, we can trust that God is at work in the midst of it all.

Instead of being consumed searching for answers, we need to cultivate a spirit of faith and trust. We find peace in the knowing that our Heavenly Father is sovereign over everything, and His purposes are perfect, even when they are far from our understanding.

As we draw closer to God, our perspective expands, and we begin to appreciate the beauty of His great works. When we are faced with uncertainty, let us be reminded that His plans are beautiful and purposeful.

Pray

Lord, I confess that I often seek answers and understanding when faced with the mysteries of life. Help me to surrender the need for control and choose to trust in Your perfect plan. Help me embrace the mystery and find peace in knowing that You are at work in every aspect of my life.

He Is Holy

Encouragement

And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”
Isaiah 6:3

The repetition of the word “Holy” three times is significant. In Hebrew, repeating a word three times is a way of emphasizing importance. So when the angels proclaim that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy,” they are emphasizing the utter perfection and purity of His nature. There is no one like God, and nothing compares to Him.

As we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of the greatness of our God. He is the Creator of the universe, and everything in it belongs to Him. He is completely separate from sin and evil, and His ways are perfect. He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.

But this verse also reminds us of our own sinfulness. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he was overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. He cried out, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5)

When we encounter the holiness of God, we become aware of our own sinfulness. We see that we fall short of His perfection, and we are humbled before Him. But the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and made clean. When we confess our sins and ask for His forgiveness, He cleanses us and makes us holy.

So let us worship our holy God with reverence and awe. Let us acknowledge our own sinfulness and turn to Him for forgiveness. And let us live our lives in a way that brings glory to Him, knowing that the whole earth is full of His glory.

Pray

Lord, You alone are worthy to be praised. I trust in You only. Help me to become more holy.