Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Servant Of All

Encouragement

‘And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”’
Mark 9:35

Jesus had to have a teaching moment with the disciples. When the Scriptures say that He sat down, it meant business. Jesus had something important to say.

The disciples where disputing among themselves who would be the greatest. Jesus could have easily said He was the greatest but He didn’t. Jesus never put attention upon Himself.

Jesus wanted to teach them the importance of servanthood. He was actually giving a challenge. And the challenge is for us as well.

In the world, a man of great power is distinguished by how many servants he has serving him. But Jesus taught them to be servants to others. Being last and least of all was a choice.

It’s easy to get caught up in the world system of power and recognition. Some would even call it egotistical. A person can get so caught up in being served and honored that he/she loses the sense of being humble.

Jesus was not abolishing ambition. He was simply challenging the disciples to be self-controlled servants. To recognize others as equally important and to never look down on another person as being lesser of a person.

Do you view yourself as a servant? Take a moment today and do something for someone else that shows you know how to be a servant. Pick up someone’s trash. Step aside and let someone go before you while in line. Or maybe go a step further and look around for someone who is in need and supply their need. Be careful though, it may cost you something of great value!

True servanthood will cost you something. Make it count.

Pray

Lord, help me to recognize others as equally important. Help me to never look down on someone else as lesser of a person. Let someone come into my path that needs something I can offer them.

God’s Presence

Encouragement, Trust

And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:15‬

There are many people today who are not concerned about the presence of God.  They are not concerned if God is with them personally or in their church.  It is alarming to know how many people claim to be Christian but are not concerned with God’s presence.  

Moses was concerned with God’s presence.  He didn’t want to go into the Promise Land if God was not going with them.  Moses said he would rather stay in the wilderness with God rather than be in a land flowing with milk and honey and be without the Him. Moses couldn’t imagine living life without God’s presence.

We should be praying daily that we are aligning our life with the way that God desires for us to live.  We make life choices everyday but are we seeking God’s way?  Too many times we exclude God from our lives.  We often make the mistake of doing things that we think we should and never ask God if it is what we should be doing.

God’s presence is powerful and brings peace into our lives.  Without God’s presence we will face many turmoils and disturbances that will cause us to lose sight of God’s big picture.

Do you sense the presence of God where you are right now?

Pray

Lord, mold me to make me what You want me to be.  Plant my feet on solid ground and move me to where You want me to be.

Enjoy What God Has Made

Encouragement, Trust

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:31‬

Have you taken time this week to appreciate God’s creation?  As you look out into space you can’t help but think about God placing everything in the right place.  The moon and stars are just perfect.

Just consider the things of the earth. A peaceful flowing river of crystal clear water carving out its path to the sea.  A sunset with a mixture of rich colors exploding with delight. Thick clouds swirling in motion to provide an afternoon thunderstorm.  

The heavens and the earth are full of God’s glory. They are His wondrous masterpiece.

God hasn’t made any mistakes and never will.  Everything He says and does is perfect and beyond imagination.  After creating everything into existence, He looked over His marvelous work and said it was very good.  

The words “very good” and can mean many things to different people.  If you were to say something was very good it would be your opinion.  A very good Mexican dish or a fresh warm banana pudding would be very good to some, but not to all.  When God says it is very good, it is not just another opinion but His glory revealed.

When you witness the beauty of God’s creation you can’t help but to notice His handiwork.  Even the birds and animals, the trees and grass in the field, and the fish in the sea declare His wondrous love.  He made everything for you to know who He is.  

Make sure to take time today to enjoy God’s perfect creation.

Pray

Lord, help me to take time to notice what You have handcrafted.  Thank You for thinking of me when You created all things. Help me to enjoy what You have made for my pleasure.