Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

June 17, 2023

Encouragement

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬

James asks a thought-provoking question that invites us to consider the root cause of the conflicts that arise in our lives. He declares the source is the internal battle within ourselves—the war of self-pleasure.

James says that our external conflicts are merely reflections of the battles that are raging within our hearts. At this point we need to stop and ask ourselves two questions.

  1. Are our desires rooted in self-seeking motives, seeking to gratify our own desires without considering the well-being of others?
  2. Are our desires rooted in love, seeking to honor God and serve others?

We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. When we choose to seek God’s will and align our desires with His, our conflicts will diminish.

Today’s verse is challenging us to examine our hearts and surrender our passions to God. As we yield to His guidance, we will experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and witness the transformation of our relationships for His glory.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize the passions I have in my heart that are not surrendered to Your will. Give me strength to overcome the battles that I’m facing and wisdom to pursue unity with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 16, 2023

Encouragement

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

What an of incredible blessing we have received as followers of Christ: an anointing from the Holy One. This anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, empowering and guiding us.

God’s anointing serves as a seal of divine approval, a mark of identification that sets us apart as His chosen ones. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reveals the deep mysteries of God’s Word.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual discernment. It empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance.

Have you considered the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be a blessing in your Christian walk?

Listen to His voice today and yield to His leadership. By doing so, you will experience the abundant life that Christ has promised.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit and the anointing I have received. Help me to fully embrace Your presence. Guide me and empower me to be the person You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 15, 2023

Encouragement

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21

Living as citizens of heaven in a fallen world can sometimes be a challenge. We are constantly faced with temptations and distractions that attempt to sway us away from our true identity and purpose. However, our hope lies in the glorious promise of Christ’s return.

The anticipation of Christ’s return should impact the way we live. It should motivate us to live in a manner that reflects the character and nature of our heavenly citizenship. Our lives should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel and demonstrate a life that is surrendered to Jesus.

Our earthly bodies, which are subject to decay, will one day be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious, resurrected body. This truth gives us great comfort. The issues we face in our mortal bodies are just temporary. The day is coming when we will experience a perfect condition.

As you endure the ups and downs of life, continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. Just know that we belong to something greater—a kingdom that will never fade away.

Seek to honor God in all that you do. And share the hope we have in Christ with those who need to experience the joy and peace we experience. Let your life be a reflection of the glory of God.

Pray

Lord, thank You for blessing me with the privilege of being a citizen of heaven. Help me to have an eternal perspective, watching for Your return. Strengthen my faith, as I strive to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.