Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

June 28, 2023

Encouragement

I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬

In the third letter to the seven churches, we discover a powerful message to the church in Pergamos. Pergamos was a beautiful and art-filled city known as the place where Satan’s influence and power was very strong. Pergamos was a center of pagan worship.

Despite living in the midst of darkness, the believers in Pergamos stood strong in their faith and held firm to the name of Jesus. Even when Antipas, a faithful witness of Christ, faced persecution and death, they did not coward down their faith.

As followers of Christ, we will certainly face spiritual battles. While the severity may vary, we encounter daily temptations, challenges to our faith, and worldly distractions. Yet, like the believers in Pergamos, we are called to remain true to the name of Jesus.

It is during these moments that our commitment to Christ is tested. We may experience trials that tempt us to compromise or turn away from our beliefs. Yet, today’s verse serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of persecution and hardship, we are to never deny Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

The faithfulness of the Christians in Pergamos shows us that our commitment to Christ is not determined by our daily circumstances. True faith is revealed in how we respond when the pressures of life bear down on us. It is in times of adversity that our loyalty to Jesus is proven.

As you navigate the challenges in your own life, remember that even in the midst of adversity, you have the power of Christ living inside of you. You have the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and equip you to remain faithful. Are you committed to Christ no matter the circumstance?

Pray

Lord, give me strength, courage, and unwavering faith to stand firm in the face of adversity. Help me to overcome the challenges and temptations that come my way. Empower me to be faithful in the midst of a world filled with evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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.