Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Believe Or Not

Encouragement

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5

There are only two kinds of people in this world. Romans 8:5-8 draws a sharp and distinctive difference between these two kinds of people. There are believers and nonbelievers of Jesus Christ.

There are some who live according to the flesh (or self will) and some who live according to the Spirit (the will of god). There is a distinction between the two. There is not a third or fourth class of people. Either you are saved or not.

Paul states there is an indication of salvation in your life. Do you live for yourself or do you live for the Lord?

Once you make a decision to follow Jesus your mindset is changed. Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

No longer should you desire to live according the the things of the flesh. The things of the flesh lead to death but the things of the Spirit lead to everlasting life.

A true believer will show characteristics of being humble, kind, loving, and graceful. An unbeliever will show signs of being greedy, prideful, selfish, and unforgiving. It’s easy to see the difference, especially in the Christmas season.

What display of characteristics do you show? As long as you are walking in the flesh, you will display the things of the flesh. But if you are walking according to the Spirit of God, you will be displaying the image of God through everything you say and do.

Pray

Lord, I belong to You and You have changed my life. I no longer desire the things of the flesh but I desire to live for You. Help me to take up my cross everyday and die to self.

In Your Midst

Encouragement

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:17‬

Isn’t it great to have people who love you no matter your faults and failures?  

Zephaniah 3:17 is a great verse to remind you how much God loves you no matter what you look like or what you have done in the past.  God loves you with an unconditional, eternal love that is unfathomable.  

Today’s verse reminds us that God is always with us in the very middle of what is going on in our lives.  It’s comforting to know that the One who loves us the most is right in center of our lives.  

Even though we may think God is not thinking of us or involved with what’s happening in our lives, He is actively involved and holding everything together. With God in our midst, He is protecting us and guiding every step of the way.

When we look back through the history of God’s chosen people we can’t help but notice how much God loves His people.  Because God loves us, He wants to save us.  There is so much proof that He goes to great lengths to be with us.  He provides a way through His Son Jesus to bring us back to Him.  His love is so amazing that we can’t comprehend its greatness.

Never forget how much God loves and cares for His children.

Pray

Lord, thank you for Your everlasting love and kindness. Thank You for never giving up on me. I rest in Your great grace and forgiveness.

Remain Positive

Encouragement, Trust

For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:24-25‬

We hear a lot of bad news on a regular basis. We expect the news sources to keep us informed with what’s happening around the world but most of the news is negative. After hearing so much bad news and negativity for so long we can start to grow numb to it.

The Bible teaches us there is a day soon approaching when Jesus will come for His bride, the Church. The dead in Christ will rise from their graves and all Christians still living will meet Jesus in the air before entering into Heaven. This future event is called the Rapture.  

We see events unfolding everyday that leads us to believe the Rapture could happen at any time.  Violence and crime will continue to get worse and persecution of Christians will soon be like it was in the first century.  But don’t worry, there is hope.

The good news is given to us through the Word of God. The nightly news may be doom and gloom but God’s Word brings peace and comfort to those who believe it.

It is important to saturate ourselves with the Good News of Jesus Christ.. This dark world needs the positivity of the church until we leave this world. The Church should be the light that brightens the world.

What can you do today to brighten someone’s day? Can you share a compliment, extend a helping hand, or pass a smile to someone who is down. Positivity starts with you. You can make a difference in someone’s life today.

Pray

Lord, thank You for growing your church throughout the world. Help us be a part of spreading your good news. Keep me positive and grounded in Your truth.