Pastor Stephen Dedman

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Unshakable Faith

Encouragement

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
II Timothy 1:12

Today’s verse serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in God is unshakable, and that he is always with us, even in the midst of our suffering.

The apostle Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned for his faith, facing persecution and the very real possibility of death. Despite his circumstances, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and trusted in God’s power to protect him and the gospel message that he had dedicated his life to spreading.

As Christians, we will face challenges and difficulties that will test our faith. However, we can take comfort in knowing that our faith is rooted in Christ who is infinitely powerful and trustworthy. When we face trials, we can turn to Him for strength and guidance, knowing that He is able to protect us and keep us safe.

In times of struggle, let us hold fast to these words in 2 Timothy 1:12, trusting in God’s power and love to see us through. May we find comfort in knowing that He is with us always, guarding our faith and guiding us on our journey towards eternal life.

Pray

Lord, You are all-knowing and I can trust that You know my every concern. Give me strength to face today with bold faith. I know You are with me right now.

Joy In The Midst Of Pain

Encouragement

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬

Psalm 30:5 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love towards us, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The psalmist acknowledges that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

This verse speaks to the reality that life is full of ups and downs. There will be times when we experience pain, loss, and heartache. But in those moments, we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us and that he will bring us through to the other side.

God’s anger towards our sin is real, but it is also temporary. His grace and favor towards us are eternal. No matter what we have done or what we are going through, God’s love for us remains constant.

As we face the trials of life, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good. We may not always understand what he is doing or why, but we can be sure that he is with us and that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

May we hold onto the promise of Psalm 30:5, and may we always remember that joy comes in the morning. Let us trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness, and may we find hope and peace in him, no matter what we may face.

Pray

Lord, I trust your mercy and grace will see me through today. Help me to enjoy what you have supplied me with and I will find peace in resting in Your presence.

Give Me Peace

Encouragement

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬

In today’s verse we find a promise from God to those who trust in Him. There’s no doubt that we all need more peace in our lives today. Have you noticed when you’re nearest to God there is more peace and joy? 

That is because your trust is in Him. But how can we keep that “perfect peace” when we are faced with difficulties of life?

We need to rid ourselves of the fear and doubt that intrudes our minds which ultimately affects the way we think and act. 

Oswald Chambers said, “Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be ‘bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together.” 

If we place our minds on anything else we may experience temporary and imperfect peace, but God alone is the giver of perfect peace. God is the only One who can deliver on the promise of perfect peace. 

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus calls us to build our lives on Him and to obey His words. The rain will fall, the floods will come, the winds will blow, but those who build on the foundation of Christ are like a house built on a rock that can withstand these storms. But those who put their trust in anything else other than Christ are like houses built on sand that can’t hold up and are washed away. I pray you place your mind on Christ and trust God who will provide you with peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Pray

Lord, remove all doubt that I have. Give me peace that surpasses all understanding. Let my faith in You be greater than all my fears.