Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Listen For God’s Voice

Encouragement, Faith

‘And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. ‘
Isaiah 30:21

There is nothing like knowing you are in the sovereign will of God. Your life is much more peaceful when you’re listening and following the voice of God. It’s comforting to hear His voice and sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It’s reassuring to a child when they hear the voice of their mother or father. And it is the same for every child of God when we hear Him speak.

Do you listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go? It seems that we tend to separate our spiritual lives from our everyday routines. We tend to lean towards God for the most important decisions but not in every decision.

It takes an intentional effort to listen for God’s voice in everything we do. We make a special effort to listen for God’s voice when we go to church or when we read our Bible and pray. But what about the other times when we think we have it all planned out?

The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17) When you hear the word of God spoken do you hear the voice of God? What is He speaking to you today? But God doesn’t just speak through His word, He also speaks through His Spirit, circumstances, and even other Christians. It’s important that we discern the voice of God and allow Him to reveal Himself to us.

The Bible is full of examples of how God spoke to His people. He still speaks to us today. The problem is that we tend not to be listening or ready to receive what He has to say. Most of the time God’s voice is just a small whisper. You really have to listen for it. You have to be ready for it. You have to be in position to hear it.

Free yourself from sin and listen for His voice. Tune out the world and tune into His word. Pray and practice the art of listening for the still small voice of God. He has much to say and we have so much to learn.

Pray

Lord, speak to me today. Allow me to pay attention to the things that surround me and to discern what is true and what is false. I need You to teach me and give me wisdom.

Choose Your Words Wisely

Encouragement

‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ‘
Ephesians 4:29

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” The words that you speak come straight from the thoughts of your heart. You can’t hide it!

How would you describe your speech? Do your words build up others or tear them down? Encouraging and uplifting words always go further than the negative ones. People are drawn to encouraging people.

The Bible also says in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Destructive words can really hurt. Just think about all the hurtful words that have been said to you. You probably don’t remember exactly what was said but you remember how it made you feel.

Paul tells us in today’s Scripture verse to speak in such a way that we build others up and not to tear them down. Our words need to be graceful and helpful, especially while we point others to Jesus.

If our words reveal what is in our heart, we may need to have a change of heart before we speak. We will never always agree with others so we need to embrace the diversity and learn how to be graceful in our disagreements. Look for ways to build others up around you. Give words of encouragement so others will see the love of Jesus.

Pray

Lord, know my heart and teach me to do good. Change my heart so I can only speak encouraging words. Forgive me of saying words that have torn people down.

You Are Not Alone

Encouragement, Faith

‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should abe alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ‘
Genesis 2:18

After God created man, He said, “it is not good that man should be alone.” God wants us to love others and to be loved by others. It’s important that we have social interaction with others and feel a sense of community and fellowship. Maintaining healthy relationships with others is vital to a healthy lifestyle, physically and spiritually.

There are some negative effects of loneliness that could have an impact on your health. Studies have shown that those who feel lonely or isolated choose more unhealthy food options and are less motivated. Loneliness can also lead to depression.

The devil tries to isolate you and make you feel like a prisoner in solitary confinement. He tries to eliminate your community and fellowship with others. But God provided a solution to the problem and created other people.

He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) After the flood He told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 9:1) He told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 35:11) God wants us to be with and around other people.

We have become a society that avoids people and personal, social contact. We even have a fear that contact with others will cause sickness and the spread of viruses. We need to use caution but we still need personal interaction with others.

Do you know someone who lives alone? Have you noticed someone close to you not being as social anymore? Reach out to that someone today and let them know they are loved by you and loved by God.

Are you feeling a sense of loneliness? As a Christian you are not alone. Christ is living inside of you and He is with you. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Pray

Lord, give me peace and comfort through Your Spirit today. Help me to notice who is lonely and share Your love and comfort with them. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us.