Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

The Chosen Life

Encouragement

So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭16‬

The context and background to this verse is very important to understand. Jesus shared a story (a parable) with His disciples so that they would understand more about the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus told them a story about a good landowner who agreed to pay his laborers a denarius which was far and above what the job entailed. When it came time to pay their wages the first ones who were hired complained because they saw the gracious landowner pay the others equally who didn’t work as long and hard.

Jesus was having this teaching moment because he knew the hearts of the disciples. They were thinking they needed more rewards because of their committed service to the Lord. Jesus needed them to understand that the gift of eternal life in heaven was more than what they deserved.

Then Jesus concluded by saying, “For many are called but few chosen.” Jesus extends an invitation to all but only a few will accept His salvation. Others will not believe in Jesus because they think He is not good, gracious or generous. So they walk away like the Rich Young Ruler, thinking they have everything they need.

You have been called but have you said “yes” to giving up everything to follow Jesus? His payment of heaven is more than fair. Do you desire eternal life more than anything this world has to offer? Your service to the Lord will be proof.

Pray

Lord, Your grace is enough. Your mercy and forgiveness is what I need. I surrender my life to receiving Your gift of eternal life.

Has God’s Word Changed You?

Encouragement

Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.
Ezekiel 3:10

The Bible was written not just to inform us but to change us. Real transformation comes from spending time with God. No one can truly meet with God and not be changed. When we read the Scriptures we need to let the truth sink deep into our heart as Ezekiel 3:10 states.

How do you hear God’s voice? How do you know He is speaking to you and it’s not just your own thoughts or worse, the devil? The best way to know you are hearing the voice of God is to engage in the Scriptures on a daily basis. 

The best way to allow the Word of God to sink into our hearts is to meditate on the Scriptures. Allow the words to marinate in your mind and hear them as you read them. Most of the time there will be a word or phrase that leaps off the pages of the Bible and makes a difference in your life.

Take that word or phrase and allow it to change your life. Watch how it changes your mind, attitude, or heart. Try to remember that word or phrase from the Scripture and reflect on it all day. 

For example take today’s verse and ponder the words, “Listen, carefully.” Those two words can change your life. They can speak truth through the day. Every time you think of the words you will be reflecting on what you need to listen carefully to, or who you need to listen to. Try it and see for yourself.

Pray

Lord, speak to me through Your Word today. Let Your words make a real change in my life. Help me to meditate on Your Word.

Are You Looking To Jesus?

Encouragement

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Philippians 3:10

What is your number one goal for today? If your aim and focus is pointed toward knowing Jesus, you will not be let down or disappointed. Knowing Jesus more everyday should be our top priority.

To hit the target that God has for our life, we must narrow our focus to the one thing that changes everything. For a long time Saul (Paul) was aiming at the wrong target. But the day that he encountered Jesus, everything changed. His focus was then set on Jesus. It was truly transformational.

Paul narrowed his focus to one thing. He said, “that I may know Jesus.” Paul didn’t just want to know about Jesus, he wanted to pursue Jesus with his whole heart, mind and soul. That one experience on the road to Damascus is all it took. One look at Jesus changed his life.

Paul’s aim was to know Jesus in a personal relationship. The closer we are to Jesus the more we can be more like Jesus. Jesus wants us to be like Him. He wants us to love like He loves. He wants us to look at Him.

What are you focussed on today? What are you aiming for? When your aim is to know Jesus, it takes the pressure off trying to achieve some particular goal or end. 

Life is a joyful journey when shared with Jesus. Every circumstance is an opportunity to know Jesus in a more meaningful way. Are you looking for Jesus in every circumstance?

Peace replaces stress and faith overcomes our fears. He strengthens our weaknesses and turns our troubles into triumphs. 

The more you know Jesus the more you experience His great love and grace!

Pray

Lord, I desire to see You work in my life. Let me focus on what is most important and that is experiencing You in a new a fresh way. My focus is on You.