Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

The Joy Of Generosity

Encouragement

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16

Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? How do you measure generosity?

It’s easy to spot a generous person. They are always searching for ways to give to others. Generous people can be spotted from a distance. Their personality brightens the room.

Generosity is a duty and a privilege for every Christian. A duty because it’s what we are called to do as followers of Christ. A privilege because we receive so much joy when we sacrificially give.

Generous people often attract others. The reason being that they are joyful people. Joyful people are just fun to be around. Joy and positivity go hand in hand.

A generous person will share and give what they have even when they are not asked. They just have it in their heart to be generous. They give because they desire to share what has been given to them.

The early church in the Book of Acts is known for their generosity. People gave of their possessions because they saw others in need. Their hearts were softened by the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were compelled to sell land and give the money to those who were in need.

When was the last time you generously did something for someone else? Not just donating money to a charity, but you went out of your way to share of yourself. Take some time today to share something of yourself.

What do you have to share? Is it some of your time? Some of your encouraging words? Maybe it’s sharing some of your knowledge and wisdom. Will you share the gospel with someone today?

Pray

Lord, You have blessed me with so much. In return I want to bless someone else. I pray that You put someone in my path or someone on my mind that I can bless today.

Godliness Is Profitable

Encouragement

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures physical exercise was very important. Most adult men participated in competitive sports and would devote themselves to staying fit. Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, and says the same work and commitment that people put towards physical exercise should be put toward pursuing godliness.

The word godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. It is a task to be godly but it is attainable. It is a worthy goal, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise. It takes effort, strength, and determination to achieve godliness which is comparable of how an athlete trains to be the best.

Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. Both require exertion and proper nutrition. Feeding our mind, heart and soul is just as important, if not more, than feeding our body. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread but replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭4:4)

Do you exercise towards godliness? Do you put forth an excellent effort to keep yourself pure and holy? It takes a great deal of strength and will power but it’s worth the effort. God is very pleased when we reflect the image of His character and attitude.

Pray

Lord, I pray Your Word feeds me and satisfies me more than anything else. Help me to know You more so I can be who You want me to be.

Jesus Is Coming

Encouragement

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3

People have been predicting the Rapture and the end of the world for centuries. However, none have ever come true.

The disciples asked two critical questions: “When will this happen (the destruction of the temple), and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end?” Jesus never instructed how to calculate the day of His return but emphasized the need to be ready.

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to be faithful, watchful, and prayerful. Jesus is coming soon and we can see the signs from Heaven. God is preparing this world for the return of Jesus. We must not only encourage ourselves, but we must encourage others as well.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Thessalonica said, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.“ I Thessalonians 4:16-18

We must tell others that Jesus is coming with words of comfort. Encourage someone today that Jesus is coming soon.

How we live is reflected by what we believe. Do you believe that Jesus could return at any moment? Are you ready?

Pray

Lord, encourage me to be Your witness today. Let people see the hope and love that I have in Jesus. Help me to prepare myself and others for what is to come.