Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: thoughts

What Sort Of Man Is This

Faith

What Sort of Man Is This

And the men (disciples) marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:27‬

A Marvelous Man

Jesus calmed the wind and waves and the disciples were in complete astonishment.  They had just witnessed a miracle. They went from fearful to fascination in matter of seconds.  The disciples thought they were going to drown but instead they saw God in action.  It’s like the fans in the stands that are praying for a miracle and then their favorite team suddenly wins in the last seconds and they are stuck in disbelief.  Why are we in disbelief when God does something so amazing?  Especially when we are praying for it.

This same event is paralleled in Mark 4:35-41.  The disciples woke Jesus and said, “do you not care that we are perishing?”  I wonder how many times we think in our minds that God does not care about what we are facing?  Believe me, He cares!  He cares about the big stuff and he cares about the small stuff.  How awful it is for a child of God to think He doesn’t care for His own.

The disciples realized at that very moment that they were in the presence of God.  God was in the boat.  Now they know Jesus is God.  This truth was revealed to them and they knew they were following the true Messiah.  How awesome to know that the One who has power over nature is living inside our life and will do supernatural wonders that will make us marvel.  If you believe in God’s love and power you can weather any storm that comes your way.

Read Psalm 107:23-31 and be marveled.

Prayer

Pray Psalm 107:30 and “thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!”

The Lord Is With You

Encouragement

The Lord Is With You

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.
‭‭Judges‬ ‭6:12‬

Mighty Man of What?

At first Gideon was not a man of valor (courage), he was weak and cowardly.  In fact, he was the smallest and youngest of his family and would be the least of many to be called a warrior.  What’s ironic about this passage of Scripture is the angel spoke these words to Gideon while he was underground hiding in fear of the Midianites robbing and killing him. But God had something special in store for Gideon.

God called upon Gideon to rise up when the Israelites finally cried out to the Lord for help after suffering seven years of punishment for worshipping Baal.  It wasn’t long after the Israelites were living comfortably in the Promise Land that they turned their back on God and broke the First Commandment.  Now it was time for Gideon to be the man God was going to use to save the Israelites from the Midianites.

Gideon led an army of 300 Israelites into victory by blowing trumpets, smashing clay pots, holding up torches and raising their voices (Judges 7:20).  The Midianites were defeated and Gideon never had to raise the first sword.

Gideon is a great example of God using the least of many to do great and wonderful things.  No matter your position or calling you are someone God wants to use.  He wants to use the ordinary to do extraordinary things to show His mightiness.  Never underestimate your usefulness because God wants to do amazing things through you.

Prayer

Pray for God to use your life to show others what a mighty God you serve.

Praise His Name

Encouragement

 

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:9‬

Jesus is a powerful name. In the name of Jesus miracles happen and prayers are answered. At the name of Jesus demons flee and every knee bows.  For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus saves!

But have you ever noticed how many names and titles are given to Jesus in the Bible. For example, some of the names and titles given to Jesus are:  Christ, Emmanuel, Master, Son of God, Son of Man, Word, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of the Jews, Rabbi and Messiah.  Overall it is said there are about 700 names and titles that can be referenced to in Scripture. Have you ever considered why God gave so many names and titles to His only Son?

Names in the Bible have significant meanings. The Old Testament name given to Joshua means “Savior” or “Deliverer” as he delivered God’s people into the Promise Land. A New Testament name given to Peter means “Rock” as he was the first to build the Church. So the names and titles given to Jesus actually describe his attributes and character and describe who He is and how He works in the lives of so many people.

As you read Scripture that denotes a specific name or title given to Jesus, stop for a moment and discover how God wants you to know Him. By doing this you will build a more intimate relationship with Jesus. Plus it will give you a broader perspective of what Jesus can do in your life.  The more we know about Jesus, the more we become like Jesus.

Praise God for sending Jesus and for who He is to you. You will be blessed in doing so.