Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: salvation

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.

The Good News Of Christmas

Encouragement

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”
Luke 2:10

In just a few days, people all across the world will be celebrating Christmas Day. But how many people will know the true meaning of Christmas and will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ?

The shepherds out in the field didn’t know about Jesus until the angel of the Lord came down to them. He said to them, “Don’t be afraid, I have good news, of great joy, for all people!” In verse 15, they were ready to go to Bethlehem and see what the fuss was all about.

I think we could all use some good news this Christmas Season. So many people right now are living in fear and worry and it makes it difficult to enjoy the wonder of Christmas. Let’s echo the angel and tell everyone we see “Fear not! Jesus brings you joy!”

Just imagine if more people around us were filled with this kind of joy and happiness. It would turn the world upside down. It starts with you and me, telling others about Jesus and how He is the source of joy.

We need the people in our world wondering what the fuss is all about when it comes to the birth of Jesus. People need to know about Jesus’ birth. And we need to be telling how it happened and why it happened. I encourage you today to tell someone about the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t assume that everyone knows about Jesus.

Pray

Lord, put someone in my path today that I can speak to about the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to share with them the good news of Jesus. Let the light of Jesus shine bright in my soul.

A Sign To Believe God’s Promises

Encouragement

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

The miracle of Christmas is that God didn’t just make promises, He followed through. God didn’t just speak words, He took action. Jesus’ birth is the revealed promise of God.

When Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, Israel was in a time of judgment. Even though the nation deserved to be punished for turning their back on God, He promised to save them and bless them.

God sent a message of hope to His chosen people despite their unbelief. God wanted to display His love and forgiveness and grace. So He came to save His people of their sins.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas we need to be reminded that God came to be with us. But most importantly, we need to invite Him into our life. Have you asked Him into your life?

It’s sad to know that people could actually reject God’s grace and mercy. God wants to bless us with His presence and His promises but it is up to each one to accept His gift.

This Christmas, let Jesus fill your heart with joy. Let the message of hope restore your soul. God wants to do amazing things in your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for coming to save me of my sin. Now my hope is in Your coming again.