Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: stephen dedman

May 21, 2023

Encouragement

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬

Prayer is a precious privilege that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father, sharing our heart, our desires, and all of our concerns with Him. The apostle John, encourages us to pray with confidence and to pray according to God’s will.

The assurance of being heard by God gives us comfort, hope, and strength. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness. God invites us to share our needs with Him because He cares deeply for us.

It is essential to understand that our confidence is not based on a presumption that God will grant every request we make. Our confidence is in knowing that God hears us and responds according to His perfect wisdom. As we align our prayers with His will, we can trust that He will answer in the way that is best for us and brings glory to His name.

Praying according to God’s will requires us to surrender our heart with Him. It means seeking His guidance and aligning our desires with His purposes. It involves a willingness to lay aside our own desires and submit to His perfect plan.

God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than our ways. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when we cannot comprehend it in the moment. We can find comfort in knowing that God is always working things out for the best.

As we grow in our relationship with God and develop a habit of praying according to His will, our prayers will become more aligned with His heart. Our desires will become He desires. Our confidence is never in the outcome we desire, but in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Today, when you approach the throne room of God in prayer, align your desires with His purposes. Trust in His wisdom and timing knowing that He is already working all things together for your good.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me the privilege of prayer. Teach me to pray according to Your will and to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Increase my faith as I wait upon Your perfect timing. In Jesus name, amen.

May 20, 2023

Encouragement

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬

Jesus affirmed the assurance we have as Believers, assuring us that no force can ever snatch us away from the loving grip of our Heavenly Father.

It is essential to grasp the significance of this wonderful truth. We will undoubtedly face trials and difficulties in our journey of faith. The enemy will attempt to sow seeds of doubt and insecurity, seeking to separate us from the love and grace of our saving God. But we can find comfort and peace in knowing that nothing will ever snatch us away from the grip of our heavenly Father.

When you feel weak and vulnerable, remember that you are not alone. You have a Shepherd who goes before you, walks beside you, and carries you when you cannot walk on your own. He is intimately acquainted with your struggles, your pain, and your fears. In His hand, you find refuge, strength, and everlasting security.

In times of uncertainty, when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm, you can rest assured that you are held firmly in the hands of the One who holds the universe together. The trials we face may seem unbearable, but they are no match for the power of our God. Trust in His unfailing love, knowing that His grip is unyielding and His promises are unbreakable.

Let this truth strengthen your faith and deepen your trust. Surrender completely to the care of a Good Shepherd, knowing that you are forever secure in the hand of your heavenly Father.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the assurance that I have in Your Word. I am grateful for the love and protection You extend to me through Jesus. Help me to remember that nothing can snatch me from Your hand.

May 19, 2023

Encouragement

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬

As believers, we are called to embrace both truth and love. These two components are inseparable when it comes to our relationships with God and with others. Living in a world full of lies, deception, and manipulation, the call to speak the truth in love is a requirement for every believer.

When we speak the truth, we align ourselves with the character of Christ. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Truth is not merely a concept but the person of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him with our words, actions, and attitudes.

However, speaking the truth can sometimes be a challenge. Especially when it involves addressing difficult or sensitive issues. Hence the reason why the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love. Truth without love can become condemning. On the other hand, love without truth can lead to compromise. The combination of the two brings about peace and harmony.

Speaking the truth in love is not about winning arguments or proving our superiority but about nurturing genuine connections and fostering growth in others. When we embrace the call to speak the truth in love, we become examples of Christ.

Do your words, actions and attitude reflect a right fellowship with Christ?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs me. Help me to embrace the call to speak the truth in love. Fill my heart with Your truth, that my words and actions will reflect Your character.