Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

June 11, 2023

Encouragement

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that even though we may have the right to engage in various activities, not all things are going to be beneficial for our spiritual growth. We should be motivated to build up others, rather than satisfying our own desires.

Each day we are faced with countless choices such as how we will spend our time, what words we will speak, and the actions and attitudes we will take. Each decision we make reflects our love for God and our love for others. We must consider how much of an impact it will make on our spiritual well-being, as well as how much influence it will have on those around us.

A good example is with our finances. How we choose to earn, save and spend money can make an influence on others. Even though we have the right to do whatever we desire with our own finances we should be conscious of how it will influence others and how it glorifies God.

What you choose to do is all up to you. Choosing things that edify, encourage, and strengthen others in their faith will bring glory to God. Be mindful of your influence and seek to be a positive example, inspiring others to walk in righteousness with Christ.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the freedom You have given to me. Teach me to exercise discernment in my choices and consider the impact they have on my spiritual growth and the edification of others. Help me to build up others through my words, deeds, and decisions. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 10, 2023

Encouragement

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

Today, James reminds us of the consequences of having a judgmental spirit. If we pass judgment onto others, we too will face the same judgment.

However, when we embrace the mercy of God, it is greater and more powerful than any human standard of judgment. When we show mercy to others, we align our hearts with the heart of God and invite His mercy to be revealed through us.

As people who have received the blessing of God’s great mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others. When we choose mercy over judgment, we exemplify the character of Christ. Mercy creates a spirit or attitude of grace and forgiveness. It breaks down the barriers of bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness and creates the best opportunity for healing and growth.

We must also understand that mercy does not mean we turn a blind eye to a sinful behavior. Rather, it involves recognizing our own need for forgiveness and acknowledges that we fall short of God’s holy standards. It is about viewing others as Jesus does.

Mercy allows us to see beyond others external actions and attitudes and see the brokenness and pain that people are experiencing. Most of the time, people produce bad behavior as a result of being lost or out of fellowship with God. Showing mercy can turn others to God.

As we encounter those who hurt us, wrong us, or disagree with us, let us choose mercy over being judgmental. Practice extending forgiveness, compassion, and grace. When you do so, you will experience freedom and peace and will point others to our loving Father who will transform their life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your great mercy that triumphs over judgment. Help me to extend the same mercy to those around me. Teach me to see others the way You see them, with grace and understanding. Help me to be humble, acknowledging my own need for Your forgiveness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 9, 2023

Encouragement

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say—
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭124‬:‭1‬

Imagine for a moment what it would be like not having the presence and protection of the Lord. Without Him, we would be helpless against the storms of life. We would be left to our own devices, relying on our own strength and wisdom to navigate through the trials that come our way.

Praise be to God! He has promised to be our refuge, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

The Lord’s presence in our lives is active and transformative. He is leading us, guiding us, and fighting on our behalf. When the enemy rises up against us, the Lord raises a standard of deliverance (Isaiah 59:19). When we stumble or fall, He extends His mighty hand to lift us back up (Psalm 37:24). When we are weak, He becomes our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Truly, if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, we would have perished.

Let your heart be filled with gratitude for the Lord’s presence in your life. Proclaim that your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). When you are faced with uncertainty or despair, remember that you are not alone. The Lord is with you, and in His strength we have the assurance of victory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for being my ever-present help in times of trouble. I know that without You, I am hopeless and helpless. Help me to remember that You are my refuge and deliverer, and in You, I find strength and victory. Guide me through the storms of life and lead me into the assurance of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.