Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Serve The Lord

Encouragement

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35

A true follower of Christ looks for every opportunity to serve others in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t take much to notice the needs of others. Certainly we have more people today dealing with the pressures of everyday life.

In our spiritual walk we either strive to serve or to be served. We either contribute or we consume. Sadly, we live in a consumer mentality world. All advertisements lure you into the thinking that you need their product to live more happily and successful. Beware because it’s easy to get caught up in this trap.

Paul showed us through his ministry how important it is to support the weak. Paul’s mindset was to give all he had to help others in their spiritual walk with Jesus. His life was dedicated to contributing for the cause of Christ and avoiding selfish consumption.

Do you have a passion to serve Christ? If so, do you have an effective plan as to how you will serve? These are questions to consider if you truly follow Jesus. Jesus desires that we have a passion to serve.

What do you have to give for the glory of God today? How can you point someone closer to Christ? Make a plan to serve someone today.

Pray

Lord, today I am going to serve You with all of my heart. Place someone on my heart and mind who needs what I have to give. Let my service to You be an example of the grace and love you have given to me.

Be Strong In The Lord

Encouragement

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes life can be a real struggle. Reality can be obscured from a fantasy of what we watch in advertisements, in Hollywood, and what we see on social media.

While the battle itself is invisible, the battlefield is very much visible. Individuals fight, couples argue, families quarrel, and churches split. Add school shootings to the list as well. The struggles of our children are amongst the conflicts as well. Depression and anxiety added to the mix equates for a real messy situation. Life is a struggle.

The true reason of why we struggle in life is much deeper than we can imagine. What we commonly think is the source of our struggle is not seen. Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an invisible battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

The good news is that we are strengthened and set free through Jesus Christ. Through Him we obtain strength and courage to endure any situation. The Lord helps us overcome any obstacle we face.

Satan doesn’t have any power over God’s children. When Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and defeated death on the third day when He arose. We who believe are set free to live an abundant life.

However, when we don’t rely on the strength of the Lord we become weak. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. The struggle is real but the Lord is ready to deal with our struggles.

Armor up with the strength of the Lord through the truth of His word. Face your daily struggles with confidence and assurance of who you are in Christ. Don’t try to do life without Him!

Pray

Lord, I am powerless and need You. Strengthen me in the knowledge of Your truth and wisdom. Help me to understand that without Jesus I am nothing. Thank You, Lord.

Love Everlasting

Encouragement

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3‬

This is a beautiful passage of Old Testament Scripture. It is directed towards the people of Israel and how God has loved them with an everlasting love. The Lord surely fulfilled His promise to regather His children back into their promised land.

This is a great reminder that God’s love is everlasting. The Lord loves us in a way that we cannot fathom.

He redeemed His children from Egyptian bondage and provided for them while wandering in the wilderness. Even in times of rebellion and unbelief, God never rejected His children. Although there were times of discipline, He always restored them to a position of honor because He loved them so much. 

This is the love story told throughout the whole Bible. It’s His story of how He loves His special people unconditionally. No one can ever understand how much love He has for us.

There may be times when you may feel that you are not loved so be certain that God loves you. His love for you is everlasting just like the Israelites.

You may go through times of rebellion and unbelief, but God will never turn His back on you. No one will ever love you like God loves you. He doesn’t just say it, He proves it everyday. 

Pray

Lord, I love you. I am thankful for your unending love for me. As I show love toward others, let them sense your love that is in me.