Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

June 27, 2023

Encouragement

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

In the second letter to the seven churches, Jesus encourages the Christians in Smyrna, who were was facing persecution for their faith. Let’s focus on the words of Jesus and be encouraged as well.

  1. Do Not Fear: Jesus begins by addressing the fears that the church in Smyrna would face. Fear can cause a person to fight, flight or freeze. Jesus reminds us not to fear the trials and tribulations that come our way. He is with us and He is greater than any challenge we face.
  2. Testing and Tribulation: Jesus acknowledges that the church in Smyrna would experience severe suffering. Just as they faced opposition from the devil, we too encounter trials and hardships in our daily walk with Christ. However, in our times of testing, God refines our faith, strengthens our character, and deepens our dependence upon Him. Our struggles serve a bigger purpose in God’s plan for our lives.
  3. Be Faithful until Death: The central message of this verse is a call to be faithful, even if it cost us our lives. Jesus encourages the believers to remain committed to Him, regardless of the cost. This is a challenge for us today as well. We are called to hold fast to our faith and to remain faithful even in the midst of adversity, opposition, or persecution.
  4. The Crown of Life: In the midst of their suffering, Jesus offers the church in Smyrna a glorious promise: the crown of life. This crown is the eternal reward and the abundant life that awaits those who remain faithful until the end. It is a reminder that our temporary struggles are incomparable to the joy and fulfillment that await us in heaven. As we remain faithful, we can look forward to receiving the crown of life promised to all who love Him.

Regardless of the challenges you face, do not waver in your faith. God is with you in every trial, testing, and tribulation. As you remain faithful until death, God, who is Faithful and True, will reward you with the crown of life.

Pray

Lord, give me strength and courage to not fear the things that I often fear. Fill my heart with love and give me a sound mind. Thank You for being with me in every step I make. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 26, 2023

Encouragement

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬

In Revelation 2-3, Jesus addresses the seven churches. Each message contains a valuable lesson for believers, guiding us in our journey of faith. Today, we meditate on the message to the church in Ephesus. (Revelation 2:1-7)

Jesus commends the believers in Ephesus for their perseverance and endurance. He recognizes their faithfulness as they endured hardships and trials. It is remarkable to consider that the struggles they faced were not in vain but were endured for the sake of Christ.

As Christians, we are not exempt from difficulties. The Scriptures assure us that we will in fact face various trials. Yet, in the midst of our trials, we are called to stand firm in our faith and persevere just as the believers in Ephesus did.

Perseverance involves following Christ faithfully and obediently. It means remaining steadfast in our commitment to God, His Word, and His ways. Jesus reminds us that endurance is essential in our walk with Him.

Jesus goes beyond commending the believers’ perseverance. He addresses their flaw—the loss of their first love. While they were diligent in their works, they had neglected their love for God. Jesus urges them to repent and return to their first love.

It is not enough to persevere in our faith and endure hardships; we must also maintain a fervent love for God. When our love for God grows cold, our works lose their true purpose.

Have you allowed weariness and complacency to creep into your relationship with God? If so, take Jesus’ words to heart and repent. Seek a renewed passion for God and a fervent love that fuels your faith.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and love. I confess that at times I have allowed weariness and complacency to overshadow my relationship with You. Empower me to persevere in faith, even in the face of hardships. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 25, 2023

Encouragement

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬

At some point in our life we may find ourselves faced with a difficulty that will test our patience. It is during these moments that we may be tempted to give up on doing what is good and what is right. Today’s verse serves as a word of encouragement to keep striving for righteousness, even in the face of adversity.

When we made the decision to receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were called to live a life that reflects His love, compassion, and righteousness. We are commanded to do what is good all the time, not just when it is convenient or easy.

In our efforts to do good, we may encounter resistance or experience discouragement. We might face criticism or indifference from those around us. We might grow tired, but it is precisely in these moments that we must remember the words of Paul.

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He promises to be with us every step of the way (Matthew 28:20). When we feel like giving up, we can find strength through prayer and seeking divine power to sustain us.

Remember that your labor is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Every act of goodness and kindness you do, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant impact in someone else’s life. Your words can encourage, your kindness can comfort, and your righteousness can provide hope.

Never grow tired of doing what is good and what is right. God sees and rewards the good works done in His name.

Pray

Lord, empower me to keep doing Your will. Help me to not grow tired and discouraged, but fill me with joy everlasting. When I feel like giving up, help me to know that someone needs to see who You are through me.