Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

June 8, 2023

Encouragement

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭21‬

Paul’s words urge us to examine our hearts and ensure that our lives are aligned with the will of God. He uses imagery to compare the cup of the Lord with the cup of demons.

The cup of the Lord represents grace, truth, and righteousness. It symbolizes fellowship with Christ and the unity we share as members of His body. Drinking from this cup is a commitment to Christ and our desire to walk in obedience to His commandments.

On the other hand, the cup of demons represents the deceptions of the world that are against the values of God. It represents the things that draw us away from God. By drinking from the cup of demons, we jeopardize our relationship with the Lord.

Paul says we cannot have a foot in both worlds. We must make a choice. We cannot claim to follow Christ and engage in practices that are contrary to His teachings. We cannot please both God and the world.

The context of this verse addresses the issue of idolatry and participating in idol worship. It calls us to examine what we allow to shape us. Are you partaking of anything that hinders your fellowship with the Lord?

We should be intentional about cultivating a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. By feeding our souls with His Word, spending time in prayer, and not forsaking the fellowship of other believers, we equip ourselves to resist the cup of demons.

As we face the pressures of the world, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Let your heart be wholly devoted to Christ, surrendering every aspect of your life to Him.

Pray

Lord, I come before You with a grateful heart. I pray for the strength and discernment to choose You above everything else. Help me as I drink from the cup of the Lord and to abstain from anything that would cause me to go astray. May my life be a testimony to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 7, 2023

Encouragement

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬

In a world that promotes praise and the applause of others, Jesus invites His followers to take a different approach. He instructs us to give in secret, where only God sees and knows our actions.

Why would Jesus call us to give in secret? It is because He understands the selfish desire within us to be seen and praised by others. He knows that when we do charitable deeds for human applause it can ruin the best of intentions. However, when we give out of the genuineness of our hearts, our deeds become an act of worship to God.

True giving is about meeting the needs of others with sincerity and humility, without seeking anything in return. When we give in secret, our hearts are aligned with God’s heart, and our actions reflect His character.

Jesus teaches that when we give with the right motives, our acts of kindness are seen and awarded by our Heavenly Father who blesses us with eternal riches. Our eternal blessings outweigh any earthly reward.

Today, let us examine our hearts when it comes to giving. Are we seeking the praise of others, or are we motivated by a sincere desire to bless those in need? Let our giving be in the quietness of our hearts, knowing that God approves and appreciates our acts of generosity.

Pray

Lord, help me to embrace the secret forms of giving. Give me a genuine heart of compassion and selflessness, and help me to give without seeking the approval or recognition of others. May my acts of kindness be an offering of love and worship to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

June 6, 2023

Encouragement

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬

There are times when we need to be reminded of our former life and the transformative grace of God that has given us new life in Christ.

As we reflect on this verse, we are confronted with the reality of our sin nature. We were once foolish, making unwise choices. We were disobedient, rebellious, and willingly followed our own desires. We were seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in worldly pursuits that left us empty and unsatisfied.

But through God’s wonderful grace…, our life was transformed. This verse reminds us of the amazing work of redemption and transformation that God has accomplished in us through Jesus Christ.

Through faith in Jesus, we have been made new. Our past sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus. We are no longer defined by our past, but rather by the righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ.

This verse also serves as a challenge for ongoing transformation. We need to recognize the parts of our old nature that still exist. We must consistently yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.

Are you thankful for the great love and mercy God has bestowed upon your life? Are you walking in obedience and love towards Him and one another?

Pray

Lord, Your love and grace never fails to amaze me. I am so thankful for what You have done in my life. Help me to continue striving to please You in all that I do.