Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Bold And Courageous

Encouragement

Peter said unto him, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” 
Matthew 26:35

The Passover meal was prepared. It was the twelve disciples and Jesus in the upper room. Over and over, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their feet. Their hearts were humbled. It was a time of celebration and reflection.

They knew Jesus was the Messiah and nothing could stop Him from bringing power back to the Jews. Or so they thought. They were bold and confident. Peter boldly stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

This reminds us of the times when our faith is so strong we could face any opposition and suppression and boldly proclaim our faith in our Lord. We stand tall and proud knowing that nothing can stand between us and the mighty hand of God.

It’s times such as these that our faith pushes us to do things we normally wouldn’t do. It’s faith in Jesus that allows us to stand with courage and speak boldly like Peter. “I am willing to die for Christ!”

But when darkness weighs heavily in our life and the tests and trials trouble our hearts, we often fail. By daybreak Peter swore he’d never been with Jesus.

What happened to the boldness and confidence? This is how quickly our testimony can be destroyed. If we aren’t careful, we too, can be just like Peter and fail the task laid before us.

Pray that you don’t enter into the temptation of the devil. Stand strong and be courageous in the Lord.

Pray

Lord, reveal to me if my pride is keeping me from experiencing Your presence and power. Forgive me of my arrogance and allow me to be filled with Your grace. 

Anger Makes You Foolish

Encouragement

Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9

People are entertained by conflicts. Especially when it’s reality drama. They are thrilled when someone gets what they deserve. It’s very sad but it’s true to say that some people like to watch others suffer. That’s why TV drama series are so popular.

It’s easy to get angry and lash out toward others. We see people act like fools because of their anger and bitterness. We must be careful that we never let our anger get the best of us.

As Christians we are called to be set apart from the rest of the world. However, if we fill our minds with the filth and garbage of reality TV, gossip, and drama, we tend to engage upon it.  There comes a point in time when the Holy Spirit urges us to stop feeding on the negativity and start feeding on positive thoughts and actions. 

Evil surrounds us in every direction and it will eventually entice us if we allow it. Evil thoughts and actions result from a heart full of anger and an unforgiving attitude.

But on the opposite spectrum, when we fill our hearts and minds with encouraging and uplifting spiritual things we produce holiness and righteousness. 

If you want to have less anger in your life you need to feed your heart and mind with grace and truth. The more you mature in the Word of God the more you will control your emotions of anger.

Instead of dwelling on the things that make you angry try focusing on the good things God has done for you. When you count your blessings one by one the things that make us angry will fade away.

Prayer

Lord, take my focus off the negative things of this world and allow me to see the great things You are doing in my life.  Help me to resist the temptation to sin in my anger.

In It To Win It

Encouragement

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7

This one verse is given as a message of hope. God’s design for human life is for us to succeed and not fail. However, fear will keep a person from accomplishing the best things God has to offer.

Satan uses fear and doubt to keep us from doing and witnessing extraordinary things.  Satan does not want us experiencing God’s power and love. Instead, he will try to paralyze our faith.

God gives us power, love and a sound mind to do things that will allow us to succeed.  We are capable of doing powerful things through Jesus when we put our faith to the test. Without Him we are nothing.

If we fall into Satan’s trap of fear we will give up and give in and Satan wins. God has given us everything we need to win. We have victory through our faith in Christ.

Is there any fear that is keeping you from living an extraordinary life? Is your unbelief keeping you from witnessing God’s great things? Remove that spirit of fear in Jesus’ name.

Prayer

Lord, I pray in the Name of Jesus to have all fear, unbelief and doubt removed from my mind and replaced with God’s power, love and truth. Give me the knowledge of what I can do through Jesus.