Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

Don’t Be Amazed

Encouragement

Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.
I John 3:13

I know that you may not realize it but as a Christian you are hated by the world. The world despises the righteousness of God. No wonder we witness so much hatred in the world.

Jesus said the world hated Him first. People try so hard to fit into this world that they are hated and rejected by. We must realize that our permanent home is not this earth and we should be seeking our citizenship in heaven.

It’s difficult trying to live in this world but not being accepted. In fact a Christian should feel uncomfortable in this world. If we ever become comfortable with the lifestyle of the world then something is wrong.

John writes to us to let us know that it is okay to be rejected and persecuted by the world. Because the world does not know God, the world does not know us. But according to Romans 12:1 we are to be in this world but not of it.

We should stand as sore thumbs in this world. People should be able to pick us out of a crowd and know that we belong to Jesus. We should talk like Jesus, act like Jesus and love like Jesus.

Today you may be tempted to be transformed to this world. Don’t get trapped! Know that you belong to God and He will give you everything you need. Don’t trust the world’s system.

Pray

Be Strong And Full Of Faith

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬

Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people of God into the promise land. Stress and leadership pressures were upon him after Moses died. So God spoke a personal message to him to encourage him how to be a successful, spiritual leader.

That same message applicable to us today. God instructs us to be strong and courageous and to meditate on the Word of God. These are key elements to living a successful life under the lordship of Christ.

The devil knows the power that God’s Word has on your life. Satan will do whatever he needs to do to keep you from experiencing the supernatural power of God. He will distract you, keep you occupied on things that don’t matter, and he will make you stress on things that God has already accomplished.

The devil has a sneaky way of interfering with our daily walk with Jesus. It happened in the very beginning with Adam and Eve and it still happens today. But we have the mighty power of God to overcome and conquer the evil schemes of our enemy.

God wants you to be strong and courageous. He wants you to lean towards Him for wisdom and safety. Everything we need is given to us through faith in Him. But it is up to you and I if we rely on Him to see us through.

Would you rather have the resources from God or would you rather rely on your own human logic and strength? God wants you to trust Him and put your full faith into knowing He is all you need.

Pray

Lord, I trust You and place my full faith in You because You know all things. I will encourage myself in Your Words and I will enjoy the life you have given to me.

Are You Spiritually Disciplined?

Encouragement, Trust

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:11‬

What are your personal spiritual disciplines? Have you disciplined yourself in God’s Word?

Spiritual disciplines are similar to dieting. When we are selective and mindful of the nutritional foods we eat, the results are beneficial to maintaining good health. Eating healthy food produces a healthy body.

Indulging on junk food may satisfy you temporarily but it’s not going to return good health. In fact many Americans are overweight and unhealthy because we are not disciplined with what we eat.

Maybe you have great self-control when you see a warm, freshly baked chocolate cake with chocolate icing sitting on the counter next to a glass of ice cold milk. (The struggle is real!)

We may not be tempted in the same way but you know what tempts you to steer away from healthy eating habits.

In the same way we must be disciplined to feeding our souls. We are tempted spiritually everyday. The devil will do whatever he can to make you stumble. Especially when you’re not spiritually disciplined.

Spiritual disciplines help us to maintain righteous living and be healthy servants for God. When we pray without ceasing, we are mindful of the things of God. When we meditate day and night on the Word of God, we feel closer to God. When we worship regularly with other Believers we are more aware of other’s needs than our own. Giving and serving produces joy in our hearts.

The Bible has no comprehensive “spiritual disciplines” list we should practice, but it does give us commands to do certain things on a regular basis. And when we do, they produce good fruit in our lives.

Pray

Lord, help me to stay spiritually strong and keep me from evil desires. Help me to create healthy spiritual disciplines that will incorporate Your standards into my life.