Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Shine The Light Of Jesus

Encouragement, Faith

‘Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.’
Isaiah 60:1-2

There is a thick cloud of darkness that is covering the world. You can feel the darkness around you. There is the darkness of disease, the darkness of poverty, the darkness of loneliness, etc… Millions are facing hopelessness and despair at extreme levels.

In reality no political party or world leader has the answer to the deepest darkness of the soul. But God has given His people the light of His glory to shine through the darkness to give hope and comfort to those who are living in darkness.

How can we shine in the midst of such darkness? The answer is found in today’s verses. The first word, arise, is a call to action. We must be intentional and arise to the challenge. Once we take a stand in this dark world, the light of Jesus will be reflected in our lives. Light will overcome the darkness!

Jesus told His followers, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16 Look around and see how God wants you to shine. Is it an act of kindness? Could it be an act of service that demonstrates love? It doesn’t take much but it does take an effort.

This world needs to see the Light of Jesus through the Saints. The only hope this world has is through the love of Christ. Let’s be the Light!

Pray

Lord, I want to be Your servant. Use me today to shine the Light of Jesus in this dark world. Enlighten me of how I can arise and shine.

The Power To Overcome

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:14‬

Paul uses the threefold title, “Lord Jesus Christ,” to emphasize the Lordship of Christ. He did so to prove a point that making Him Lord over our lives helps us overcome the temptation to sin. When we “put on” Christ temptation loses much of its power. This doesn’t mean that we avoid temptation, but it does mean we have the power to overcome it.

Temptation is an issue for everyone who draws a breath. Even Jesus was tempted just like we are. Satan tries to use temptation to make us stumble in our walk with God. When we submit to temptation and commit sin a sinful act, we break fellowship with God. Hence the importance of forgiveness of sin. We need to be forgiven so we can have a good relationship with our Lord.

The only way to fight against fleshly desires is to seek Jesus daily. When we put Jesus first we can fight the battle of temptation much easier. Everyone’s temptation is different. But know that the devil knows what you’re tempted with and will do whatever it takes to make you slip and fall and give in to sin. So beware of the devil, because he prowls like a lion seeking to destroy you. But have confidence that as a Believer you have the power of God to fight against the flesh and say no to sin.

It’s a daily battle and that is why Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and don’t allow your fleshly desires to have a part of making decisions. When we seek Jesus with all of our heart, mind and soul, we become a fierce battle for the devil. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ today and make Satan wish he never messed with one of God’s children.

Pray

Lord, I seek you today to be my first desire. Give me power to say no to temptations that I will face today. Thank you for giving me the power to overcome sin.

Suffering For Christ’s Sake

Encouragement

‘But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ‘
Acts 28:3

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to people who are doing God’s work? Sometimes we think just because we are on mission for God we should be immune to the sufferings and trials of this world.

On a mission trip Paul was shipwrecked and landed on the Island of Malta. Luke tells us that when they came ashore the islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness. Since they were cold and wet, they built a campfire.

Paul laid a bundle of sticks on the fire and a viper struck him on the hand. This is when we have to ask, why would God allow such a suffering? Wasn’t the shipwreck enough? Now a poisonous snake bite?

Some people might say that the devil is trying to interfere with God’s work. Or others might say that God is mad and causing havoc on His children. What’s interesting about this verse today is that it states why the viper bit him.

It says, because of the heat, the viper came out. The heat from the fire made the snake mad and aggressive. It wasn’t because of the devil, it was because of the natural causes of heat.

Let’s not forget that Paul shook off the snake and never swelled or got sick. Even though he was bitten by a viper, the islanders saw the power of God in Paul.

We may get sick or hurt from time to time. Viruses and germs may surround us. Natural disasters will occur. As Christians we are not immune to any of it. But we can trust the power of God to overcome our difficulties.

We pray for God to bless our endeavors. But because we encounter suffering, we shouldn’t be so quick to blame anyone or anything especially God. God only wants the best for us. Use the sufferIngs in your life to bring glory to God.

Pray

Lord, I pray that You bless my labor for Your kingdom. Help me to use and enjoy the gifts that You have given unto me. I will praise Your great name in the good times and the bad.